How To Keep Nail Polish Looking Fresh

Whether your nails are professionally done or you do them yourself, following these simple tips will help you learn how to prolong the life of your manicure and keep your nail polish looking fresh.

1. Make sure your nails are extremely clean before starting your manicure. Nail polish adheres best to clean and dry nails.
2. Next, trim your nails to a neat and uniform length. Avoid nails longer than 1/4" past the tips of your fingers. File your nails to make sure they are a uniform shape, whether oval-tipped or square-tipped. Those who prefer the look of nude nails can use a 3- or 4-side buffing tool to polish their nails to a shine. These tools can be found at drug stores and beauty supply stores.
3. Wash and dry your hands again to remove any fine powder that may have settled in the crevices of your nails after filing and buffing.
4. Before applying your polish, roll the bottle between your hands to mix it if separation has occurred. Avoid shaking a bottle of polish as this may create air bubbles.
5. Start with a base coat. Consider a nail-strengthening or growth-promoting base. Ensure the base coat has dried completely before applying any other polish. Next, apply colored polish in several thins layers, making sure each layer dries completely before applying another. Also, make sure to paint the tip of your nail, as this can help to prevent chips. Consider using a shimmery color, as these tend to cling to the nail better. Finally, apply a clear topcoat after colored nail polish is completely dry. If you have your nails done professionally, apply a topcoat every other day to keep your nails looking fresh from the salon.
6. Wait at least 45 minutes after your nails are painted before handling objects that could chip or smudge your polish. If often takes this long for your polish to completely set.
7. To keep your nails looking their best, wear gloves whenever cleaning or washing dishes to protect your polish. This is especially important when your hands are immersed in water for some time.
8. Carry tools in your purse to help repair a chip or break, such as an emery board, finger nail clippers, and a bottle of polish. Buffing a chip with an emery board before re-applying polish will give it a smoother look.
9. Repair chips or breaks as soon as possible. It is much easier to repair a small chip than to have to redo your entire nail or manicure when a small chip becomes larger.
10. Keep your hands and cuticles well hydrated. Carry a small bottle of lotion with you and reapply it after washing your hands to keep them smooth and healthy-looking all day long.