15 Expert Nail Tips for Prolonged Manicure Longevity

Are you tired of your manicure chipping and losing its luster only a few days after a salon visit? Looking to extend the life of your manicure?

In nail care and manicures, women typically fall into categories: those who prefer gel nails for their longevity, and those who opt for classic manicures for faster trend changes and healthier nails. However, both gel and classic manicures are known for their tendency to chip and crack.

To enhance the appeal of your manicures and extend their lifespan, take advice from nail experts. Two professionals share their insider nail tips and tricks, revealing how to keep your manicures looking fresher for longer. Experiment with trendy styles like milky nails, vanilla chrome tips, and pixie dust talons, and enjoy the mood-lifting effects of freshly done manicures.

Nail Tips for Maintaining the Longevity of Classic Manicures

Figure 01. Nail tips for classic manicures.

File Your Nails Carefully and Slowly

To prevent nail tip brittleness and breakage, avoid back-and-forth filing. Instead, file from the outer corner of the nail with slow, controlled movements.

Choose A Round or Oval Shaped Nails

Prefer round or oval-shaped nails at short or medium lengths to maintain manicures longer and reduce damage, tearing, chipping, or peeling.

Minimize Contact with Water

Limit soaking your hands in manicure water to 4-5 minutes. Nails expand in water and shrink back upon drying. Applying nail polish without fully drying the nail bed can cause the polish to crack.

Select Your Nails Polish Color Carefully

Choose colors that don’t require multiple coats. Applying more than 1-3 layers of polish, besides the base and top coat, increases the likelihood of chipping.

Apply the Top Coat to the Edges of Your Nails

To prevent chipping from the top edge, seal the first coat of polish with a thin layer along the nail’s top edge and finish with a top coat. Reapply the top coat every 2-3 days for lasting polish and maintenance.

Utilize A Base Coat or A Strengthening Base Coat

Always use a base coat before applying polish for protection, and if your nails are weak or brittle, opt for a nail-strengthening base coat to keep nails healthy.

Avoid Having Your Nails Polish Come into Contact with Your Cuticles

Ensure that the nail polish does not bleed onto the cuticles or skin, as this breaks the polish seal and leads to easy lifting. Gently push back the cuticles before applying nail polish.

Submerge Your Freshly Manicured Nails in Iced Water

In the absence of a drip dryer, immerse your freshly-polished nails in iced cold water for 3-4 minutes to harden the enamel and quicken drying time.

Nail Tips and Tricks for Achieving Long-lasting Gel Nails

Figure 02. Nail tips for gel nails.

Wear Gloves Whenever Feasible

The durability of manicures is influenced by the amount of friction or contact your nails experience during daily activities. For tasks like washing dishes, cooking, laundry, or gardening, wearing rubber gloves is advised to protect your nails. Cleaning liquids, which are harsh and drying, can cause nail polish to chip. Additionally, excessive hand washing with soap can lead to chipping of the nail paint.

Avoid Peeling Off Your Gel Polish

Do not peel off your gel polish if it chips. Peeling the entire polish, though tempting, is highly discouraged by manicurists. Instead, visit a salon to have the chip professionally repaired without damaging the nail bed, prolonging the life of your current manicure.

Use A Nail Life to Smooth Out Any Rough Edges

To prevent further nail breakage, it’s beneficial to file away any rough edges and smooth the nail. This approach helps limit damage and allows the nail to grow naturally until your next nail appointment.

Regularly Apply Cuticle Oil

Cuticle oil not only aids in nail growth but is also beneficial for frequent gel or acrylic set users. It enhances nail health and provides a strong foundation for nail designs. Incorporate cuticle oil into routine, either daily or bi-weekly, as a moisturizer for your nails.

Stay Away from Intense Heat

Hot tubs and saunas can reduce the lifespan of your manicure. Keep this in mind during travel if you want to maintain great-looking nails throughout your vacation. Try to limit or avoid  exposure to intense heat as much as possible.

Engage in Regular Nail Maintenance

Regularly visit your manicurists for nail care. They can advise on when to take breaks to let your nails breathe and heal, and may recommend products based on your nail health to reverse any damage. Choosing a trusted and skilled professional ensures your manicure lasts longer than anticipated.

Schedule Your Nail Refills in Advance

Plan refill appointments ahead to address nail growth that makes the nail bed very visible, which can lead to breakage and damage. This pre-planning helps fix nails promptly, avoiding the need to redo the entire set.

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