How to Keep Nail Polish From Chipping

Prepare Your Nails First

A thorough and careful preparation is the key to a long-lasting manicure. First, remove any old nail polish and buff your nails to make them as smooth as possible: nail polish adheres better to a smooth surface.

Then, brush the dust off your nails and wash your hands to make sure that your nails are clean and dry. If there are any natural oils, dust, creams or lotions left on your nails, they will prevent polish from sticking well. The final step is applying a base coat that will strengthen your nails and improve adhesion.

Paint Thin Layers and Let Them Dry

Painting thick layers of polish to save time on manicure is a bad idea because thick layers chip much easier than thin ones. Three thin layers will take you longer to apply than two thick layers, but they will last much longer as well. In the end, you’ll save more time because you won’t have to redo your manicure in just a couple of days.

Don’t forget that you need to let each layer dry completely before applying the next. It takes no less than two minutes for the solvents in the polish to evaporate. Quick-drying polish, obviously, needs less time to dry, but its formula makes this type of polish more likely to chip, so you should avoid it. After you’ve applied all layers, wait about 45 minutes to let your nails dry completely before you handle small objects or apply hand cream/lotion.

Apply a Top Coat

Make sure to apply a top coat because this is what top coats are for: they are supposed to extend the life of your manicure. If you don’t have any top coat, you can use your base coat as a top coat. If you have enough time, apply several layers of top coat for a nice, smooth finish. By the way, reapplying the top coat every couple of days will make your manicure last even longer.

Pay Attention to Your Nail Tips

Poorly sealed tips are one of the main causes behind chips. When polishing your nails, make sure to polish the tip as well. The same applies to the top coat. The secret is to apply a small layer of top coat around the tip of your nail and let it dry before covering the entire nail in top coat.

Follow Up

To prevent your mani from chipping, you need to take care of it. Try to avoid activities that could damage your hands, and if you can’t, be sure to protect your hands. For example, if you need to wash dishes, don’t forget about gloves. Don’t bite your nails and consider keeping them short because short nails chip less.