Tips for a Long-Lasting Manicure

A professional manicure can make your nails look and feel great. If you like to get a manicure regularly, then you know that it is not cheap. If you want your manicure to last longer so that you get your money's worth, you can! these surefire tips will make your manicure last for a few more days at a time. So, get your notepad and start writing!

Try to keep in short

Long nails are all the rage these days, but unless you are one of the Kardashians, you probably won't be able to get a long nail manicure daily. Long, manicured nails do not last very long. So, to maintain the results of your manicure for longer, get a trimmed and elegant manicure.

Use a quality base coat and topcoat

Whether you have an at-home manicure or a professional manicure at a salon, you should only use a quality base coat and topcoat. The base coat protects your nails and binds nail polish better. The topcoat seals the deal and protects the color coats. There are generic top and base coats that give adequate results, but for truly long-lasting results, use quality coats. Branded top and base coats cost a little extra, but for a good reason; they were developed by professionals and they contain fewer chemicals than generic products.

Reapply a top coat after a few days

This one is a great way to make your manicure last longer; a topcoat requires a little maintenance to last, so you should invest in it. 2-3 days after your manicure, reapply your topcoat, and you are guaranteed longer-lasting results.

Shape them up right

If you ever wondered if there is an ideal manicure shape – there is. Rounded, slightly oval, and nails with square corners are the ideal nail shape for long-lasting manicures. To get the desired shape, go to a nail salon. If you prefer an at-home manicure, use a fine-grade emery board to shape your nails. Just remember to file in one direction only, and not back and forth to pervert cracks and ridges.


Prep your nails for a manicure

A smooth and slightly buffed nail surface is best for nail polish adhesion. Every time you get a manicure, make sure to buff away ridges or to use a ridge-filling strengthener. A professional nail technician can do this for you. However, if you get an at-home manicure, make sure not to buff your nails too aggressively. Use a professional and gentle nail buffer to get the desired results instead.

Protect your hands with gloves

During the day, your nails are exposed to various corrosive substances; whenever you use hand soap, dish soap, and household cleaners, you slowly cheap away at your manicure. To protect your nails, use gloves whenever you can, especially when washing dishes and using cleaners.

Clean your nails before each manicure

Removing oils and stains from your nails before a manicure will result in better nail polish adhesion. To clean your nails before your manicure, you don't need fancy and expensive products. Instead, soak a cotton pad in plain, white vinegar, and wipe your nails. It will do the trick without exposing your nails to chemicals found in commercial nail cleaners.

Skip the hot bath

Well, you probably won't, but you should at least keep your hands out of the tub when you have a soak. Nails that are submerged in water, especially hot water, for long periods of time lose their moisture, which causes manicure damages. So, try to keep your hands out of the bath whenever you can.

Do not apply heat to dry your nails

Many women use the hairdryer trick to dry their nails. However, the heat from your hairdryer will not make your nails dry faster. The opposite will happen: heat delays drying. Instead, cool your nails to make the manicure dry faster. To avoid using chemical drying products, use this tip: fill a bowl with ice water. Then, submerge your nails in the cold water until the water beads off them (about 3-4 minutes). The icy water will harden the nail polish quickly, so your hands won't be out of commission for 20 minutes at a time.

Nourish your nails

After you get a manicure, you should make sure to moisturize your nails and hands. Use a quality moisturizing cream and cuticle cream to nourish your skin, cuticles, and nails. The moisture will help make the manicure last longer and heal your nails. For the best results, use natural products that contain vitamins and minerals that will give you the desired effect.

A manicure is a great way to make your nails look beautiful. To have a long-lasting effect, you should definitely try the tips mentioned here – whether you go to a nail salon or use an at-home manicure kit.