10 Ways To Make Your Manicure Last Longer

The secret to a lasting manicure? There’s more than one.

Whether you DIY at home or get pampered at the salon, maintaining a set of chip-free polished nails isn’t always an easy feat. And as it turns out, obtaining the longest wear time from your manicure is more about making little changes rather than one big aha-moment.

Follow the tips below to extend the life of your at-home or professional manicure—because no one likes chipped nails.

1. Always wash your hands and wipe down your nails with Nail Polish Remover before applying a base coat. This removes any oils or product buildup on your nail beds that could create a barrier between the polish.
2. Don't soak your nails before painting them—it causes them to retain water and expand. Meaning, once they’re painted they’ll shrink and your polish will appear grown out. Use a Nail & Cuticle Conditioner to soften instead.
3. File your nails into a shape that mirrors that of your cuticles, which makes them less likely to break.
4. Apply a Base Coat when your nails are completely dry. Make sure to apply two coats to the tips of your nails since they are more prone to chipping.
5. Roll your Nail Polish bottle between your hands before you use it rather than shaking it up and down—this better prevents air bubbles, which make your polish chip faster.
6. Avoid getting nail polish on your cuticles because it lifts the paint from the nail and promotes chipping. To prevent this, gently push back your cuticles but don’t cut them.
7. Dry your nails with cool air—hot air keeps the polish from drying properly and will cause air bubbles. Use your blow dryer on its cool setting or dip your fingertips in ice water for a minute or two if you’re in a rush.
8. Let the polish dry completely between coats.
9. Always use a clear Top Coat, and reapply a layer of it every two to three days to prevent chipping and enhance shine.
10. Keep your hands and cuticles well moisturized with our Hand & Body Lotion—the less moisture your nails and cuticles have, the more likely they are to break and tear.