If you like to get your nails done, you know there is nothing worse than chipped nail polish on a beautiful new manicure. Before I became a Mommy, I religiously visited the nail salon to be pampered. Acrylic nails, pedicures, beautiful colors and designs, I wanted it all. Because my natural nails grow so fast, I spent countless amount of money on acrylic nail refills.
A manicure should last 1 to 2 weeks. A pedicure should last 2 to 3 weeks.
After having kids, I no longer had the time (or the money in the budget) to spend at the nail salon. Because my nails grow long and strong, I thought it would be more cost-effective to take care of my own nails instead of paying to have acrylic ones. I took the time to learn how to properly give myself a manicure and pedicure, and started painting my own nails at home. Over years of handling my own nail maintenance, I learned a few hacks to make your manicure last longer.
A trip to the nail salon is a great way to pamper yourself, but let’s face it, with the hustle and bustle of daily life constantly going on around you, that may not always be an available option. Giving yourself an at-home manicure is an easy and simple way to practice self-care. Every now and then, it is OK to take the time to do something for yourself, even if it is as simple as painting your nails. Your hands and feet never take a day off, so take care of them.
11 Nail Polish Hacks to Make Your Manicure Last Longer
1. Wipe down your nails with white vinegar or nail polish remover (even if you don’t have nail polish on them) before applying a basecoat. This removes any oils or product buildup on your nail beds and helps to make your manicure last longer.
2. Before applying polish, lightly buff your nails to smooth bumps so that the nail polish will lay flat. Small imperfections in your nails can cause the polish to crack or chip prematurely.
3. Paint two basecoat layers: one on the top half of your nail and the second coat over the entire nail.
4. Apply multiple thin coats of nail polish instead of one thick coat. Let the polish dry completely between coats.
5. Avoid getting nail polish on your cuticles. To prevent this, gently push back your cuticles before painting your nails.
6. When applying polish, be sure to bring it over the front edge of the nail and slightly under the tip. This helps prevent chipping.
7. Reapply a layer of clear topcoat every two to three days to prevent chipping.
8. If your nail polish starts to chip, file your nail tips down and seal them with another layer of topcoat.
9. Use soap instead of hand sanitizer. The alcohol in hand sanitizers eat away at your polish causing your color to fade prematurely.
10. Beware of harsh exfoliators in body and facial scrubs as the exfoliators can remove the top layer of your polish.
11. Wear gloves when doing the dishes. Avoid submerging your nails in water to help make your manicure last longer.
I hope this helps!
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