It happens to the best of us: a relaxing evening spent carefully painting your nails, only for it to chip within days, or worse, hours, of application. So how can you stop your hard work from going to waste?
Investing in the best nail polish you can is a start – you can scroll to the bottom for our top-rated. But that’s only one part of achieving a long-lasting manicure. If you want that colour to go the distance, it’s vital to prep your nails properly, apply your polish effectively and protect your handiwork afterwards.
We’ve spoken to nail gurus to gather their top tips for keeping your self-painted nails looking fresh for longer.
Why do my nails chip so easily?
First things first, identify the culprit. Nail guru and brand founder Leighton Denny MBE explains: ‘Many people overlook the health of their natural nails before applying polish. If nails are dry, brittle, or uneven, polish won’t adhere properly, making chipping almost inevitable.‘
Sounds familiar? Treat shabby fingertips to the best nail-strengthening products, as tested by the GHI.
‘Everyday tasks like typing, washing dishes, and exposure to detergents will wear down manicures faster than you’d expect,’ adds Leighton. ‘Always wear rubber gloves during household chores and keep a nourishing hand cream like my Hand Rebirth Intensive Hand Cream by your sink and desk – regular moisturising after washing is a simple yet crucial habit.’
Also take a look at your laptop habits. ‘Try to type with the pads of your fingers and not the tips of your nails,’ says manicurist Lilly Lam. ‘Lots of keyboard tapping causes polish to chip.’
Are there any surprising culprits?
Yes! While it’s no surprise that our routines may be sabotaging our nails, another culprit might not be what you expect. According to Thea Green MBE, founder of Nails.INC: ‘Frequent use of certain nail products can damage your nails, leading to nails that chip easier. Gel and acrylic nails can weaken your nail’s keratin and dehydrate your nails. You should try taking breaks between gel and acrylic manicures and use acetone-free remover.’
That doesn’t mean you need to put up with bare nails; just opt for a high-quality polish that supports nail health. GH’s senior food writer Melanie Giandzi – who also just happens to be a qualified nail tech – was hugely impressed by Nails.INC’s new It’s Topless nail polish range, which is a base coat, colour, top coat and treatment in one single coat.
‘This has genuinely exceeded my expectations and freed up so much extra time - no more nail appointments or waiting hours for my nails to dry,’ she says. AND it stayed very fresh-looking for five days.
How can I prep for a long-lasting DIY mani?
The secret to a good, chip-proof manicure? It’s all in the prep. As Leighton says, ‘Preparation is key – your manicure’s quality depends on it’.
Get organised before you polish
Yes - that’s right. Long-lasting manicures require some organisation. To prevent accidental smudges, make sure all of your products are laid out and ready - you don’t want to knock a nail whilst digging around for something!
If you’re going out shortly afterwards, put your shoes on first and you have your handbag packed. There’s no point your painting nails perfectly if they’re going to get damaged in the rush to go out.
Cleanse the nails
Once you have everything ready to go, you’ll need to start with a clean base: ‘Even if you’re not removing polish, you need to cleanse the nails. Use a gentle polish remover like my Essential Treatment Nail Polish Remover to remove oils and residue’ says Leighton.
Take care of those cuticles
Often overlooked in at-home manis, ‘cuticles are vital to your manicure’s look and nail health’ Leighton explains. ‘No cuticle cream? Any moisturiser will do. Use a hoof stick in gentle circular motions to push back cuticles and clean debris. No stick? A plastic pen lid works in a pinch’ — nifty!
Shape your nails for longevity
Next step: creating the perfect canvas. According to nail artist Robbie Tomkins, the shape of your nails can affect how quickly your nail polish chips. ‘Keeping nails short helps; try a neat ‘squoval’ and file regularly to avoid cracking and flaking on the free edge of your nails,’ he advises.
Once filed, ‘Lightly buff the surface,’ adds Thea, This will help smooth any ridges. Just be cautious that you don’t over-buff as this can thin the nails’
Don’t skip base
A good base coat fills ridges and grips to colour to help maximise wear and reduce chipping. Leighton recommends the Revovate Shield and Base Coat: ‘Think of it as double-sided tape for your nails—it creates the perfect canvas for colour to grip to, while treating the nail underneath.’
For the best results, make sure your base coat appears matte before you begin to apply your colour.
What’s the best application method for an at-home manicure?
Once your nails are prepped, it’s time for the fun to begin.
Before applying the polish, gently roll the bottle between the palms of your hands; this will help mix the polish for an even pigment.
Then, to apply, place the brush on the nail about an eighth of an inch away from the cuticle and push backwards towards it, stopping just before the skin. Ensuring the cuticle is polish-free will mean there’s less chance of lifting.
Don’t try to rush the job by doing one thick layer of polish. ‘I’d recommend painting two thin, even coats rather than one thick one - thinner layers dry faster, last longer and are less prone to smudging or chipping,’ says Leighton.
‘Always allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next, as nail varnish dries from the inside out. Layering over a coat that’s still wet can trap moisture and cause dents or smudges.’
Once your nails are painted and dry, don’t forget the top coat. This will help protect your nails from chipping and fading. You can even reapply the top coat every three to four days to keep the colour fresh, glossy and further prevent chips.
Nails.INC 45 Second Rapid Dry Top Coat
Always seal the deal
Take a tip (literally!) from the pros and include this simple yet often-overlooked step when you’re painting.
Leighton says, ‘One of the easiest ways to make your manicure last longer is to ‘seal the tips’ – that means painting the edges of your nails with every coat of polish. This locks in the colour and prevents chipping, giving you a flawless finish that stands up to daily wear.’
With tricks like this, who needs the salon?
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