Tips to make nail paint last longer

Shahnaz Husain *

Sick of your nails chipping so soon after getting them done? Few things are more cathartic than painting your own nails—and more infuriating than to have them chip or smudge minutes later. It's frustrating, to say the least. If you’ve ever had this experience (and, honestly, who hasn’t?)

It's a tale as old as time. Our hands are always on display. We use them constantly in our work and even in conversation. Keeping the hands and nails in good condition is so much a part of good grooming. Applying nail polish and ensuring that the effect lasts longer are also part of nail care.

When you apply nail varnish, use smooth strokes, from the base of the nails to the tip. Three long strokes should be adequate to cover each nail. First apply it in the middle of the nail and then on either side.

The most important being your base coat because that is what is touching your nail and seeping into the skin. Before applying your base coat, trace the perimeter of your nails with an oily balm, especially working it into those cuticles. The jelly substance acts as a barrier between your skin and the nail, so if you smudge a little polish into your cuticles while you paint, it'll wipe off afterward with ease.

When you finish applying your topcoat, dip a thin cleanup brush in nail polish remover and lightly skim around the outer edge of the nail to remove any excess lacquer. This helps make the paint job sharper and your manicure last longer.

You can extend the life of your manicure just by applying thin coats of nail polish. Simply put, thicker coats take longer to dry and make it super easy for the polish to peel off. Make sure to reapply a top coat every two to three days for long-lasting results.This will help keep pesky chipped nails and peeling polish at bay

Two coats of colour will be needed for an even finish. First apply one coat of colour on all the nails. Wait for it to dry and then apply the second coat of colour.The longer you wait between coats, the more it'll keep your color locked in.

Many of us overload the brush and do too many strokes. "The key is to load just enough polish on the brush to cover your nail in one coat. Small and short nails can look longer if you apply light coloured nail polish.

While polish usually takes around 10 minutes to dry, be it with a fan (electric or paper) or a hairdryer. If you choose the latter, make sure to keep the setting on cool: Heat can cause the polish to bubble, which makes it easier for it to chip down the line it be with a fan (electric or paper) or a hairdryer.

Instead of using hot air, like your blow-dryer on its highest setting, to dry your nails, opt for a cool approach. Heat can cause the polish to bubble, which makes it easier for it to chip down the line.

Nails soaked in water can cause them to expand and this affects the shape of the nails. The soak can distort and widen the nails' shape, and when you paint polish over the nail and it dries your polish to chip prematurely.

Not only does the water cause the nails to expand and contract, but can also lift the pigment and make the nails dry and brittle over time and affect the shape of the nails.

After filing and shaping the nails, remember to buff them with a piece of chamois leather. This helps to make the nails smooth and allow easier application of nail polish. This also helps to make the polish last longer.

After filing and cutting nails, apply cream or almond oil and massage it on the skin and cuticles around the nails. Apply the polish carefully, so that it does not get on to the cuticles. Applying cream or oil makes it easier to wipe off the polish even if it gets on the cuticle. Leaving the polish on the cuticle can cause it to chip along with the polish on the nail.

You need a base coat and a top coat when applying nail polish. It is worthwhile to buy a good quality base coat, as it helps to protect the polish itself from chipping. It is also better to use toluene-free nail polish. Toluene is a chemical found in nail polish that can cause harmful effects.

If you are having your nails done at the salon, stick your hand back under the UV light for extra strength. If you're going to try this trick for how to make nail polish last longer, lather up your hands with sunscreen before your appointment.

It has become standard practice to shake a bottle of nail polish in order to get an even color. Shaking a bottle of polish infuses the color with air bubbles, which lead to chips. Instead Mix the polish by holding it upright and rolling it in your hands to get the same effect sans the bubbles.

Housework can do a number on your nails.The constant flow of water and the use of soap can end up taking the paint off your nails, so wear rubber gloves while doing tough or wet jobs like washing dishes to ensure the polish stays intact for a long time without your nails having to suffer.