How to Get the REAL Secret to Keep Nail Polish from Chipping

"What color would you like?"

How many times have you been asked this question at the salon and your first thought was, "Why waste time to get polish when it will chip in 2 or 3 days?" Do you wish there were some type of trick that could keep polish on the natural nails longer? Is there a special polish that will "actually" prove true to its advertisement and stay on longer?

Many people fear getting their natural nails polished. Why? Because of chipping, especially when it occurs 2 days after getting a fresh manicure! Although people desire nail color, they feel it is pointless because of too many experiences where their nail polish has chipped shortly thereafter. As a Master Nail Technician of 10 years, I'm here to tell you that polish on natural nails should last "at least" 7 days!

So how can you make that happen?

Well here are the ingredients: The top of the line base coat, quality nail polish, excellent top coat, and great maintenance. Let's get started with some tricks that 9 out of 10 nail techs don't know.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Top of the line base coat
• Quality nail polish
• Excellent top coat
• Great maintenance

1. 
    
   3-Way Blue Buffer Block

   Use a coarse buffer (such as the 3-Way Blue Buffer Block) and lightly buff the natural nails. You should see a little bit of file/nail dust.
   
   Rationale: You want a smooth nail surface for nail polish to adhere to. Ridges, cracks, and flaky nail beds will separate nail polish from the nail bed. Also make sure that the nails are not split and the edges are even and smooth.

2. 
    
   Sally's - Beauty Secrets Pure Acetone

   Use "lint free cotton" (VERY important), a towel is the alternate, and with 100% pure acetone (yes acetone) dry the nail bed out from any traces of oil really well.
   
   Rationale: Pure acetone will remove all traces of oil. Some people and nail techs seem to think that acetone negatively affects natural nails. Technically acetone dries the nails out from oil no more than water, primer, or any other bonding agent that can be used. Periodic use of acetone will not harm the natural nail, if this was the case how else would you "properly" remove artificial nails?

3. 
    
   Creative Sticky Base Coat

   Apply base coat. When applying, seal the free edges of the nails with base coat.
   
   Rationale: Base coat prevents nail polish from staining the natural nails and helps prolong the wear of nail polish.

4. 
    
   OPI & China Glaze

   Apply a quality nail polish. "Always" apply two coats of polish and allow each coat to completely dry before applying another layer. When applying, seal the free edges of the nails with nail polish "after each polish application."
   
   Rationale: The first place that polish will begin to chip are at the edges of the nails. Minimize/prevent the occurrence by sealing the free edges of the nails with every application of base coat, polish, and top coat.

5. 
    
   Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

   Apply an excellent top coat. After the second application of nail polish, apply a medium consistency layer of top coat. Remember to seal the free edges of the nails with top coat.
   
   Rationale: A thin layer of top coat will not coat the nail for absorption of the nail polish into the nail bed; i.e. when layering a cake with icing...a thin layer of icing will absorb into the cake too quickly and will not evenly coat the cake. A thicker layer will seep into the layers of the cake and will hold in the moisture.

6. Apply the same excellent top coat to your nails "everyday" starting the day after your polishing. This will greatly help prolong the nail polish from chipping. Remember to seal the free edges of the nails with top coat.

Tips & Warnings

• Based on my experience, Creative Sticky base coat is found to be one of the better base coats.
• Seche Vite top coat is top of the line. It's fast drying, holds the nail polish longer, and gives the glossiest shine you'll see. And because Seche Vite is a "true" fast drying top coat, quick dry sprays are not necessary.
• There are many nail polish brands on the market, but OPI & China Glaze rest at the top. Not only will you find the largest selection of colors with both brands, but you can rest assure they are a quality brand.
• REMEMBER: After every polish application seal the free edge of the nail. For instance, after the base coat, seal it. After the first coat of polish, seal it; the second coat, seal it and top coat, seal it! And you're done. If you're using Seche Vite top coat there will be no need for a fan or UV light. Let the nails dry for about 5 minutes and you are ready to go. For an even quicker dry, soak the nails in cool water 2 minutes after top coat application.
• The shared techniques, guidelines, training, and products used within this eHow article were created and/or used by myself in my many years of work experience. Individuals are encouraged to "properly" practice the techniques in which they choose to perform, in order to truly reap the benefits from them.
• All the information contained within this article is © 2007, from my online Master Nail Technician course.

Resources

• Master Nail Technician

[heleje]

on 6/7/2009 nicely written!

[loub]

on 5/29/2009 I love the instructions you have presented. It is obvious that you are highly experienced. I will be trying your techniques and let you know the results. Good information.Thanks.

[gahazeleyes]

on 5/29/2009 Great. Thanks for sharing. I think where I failed is step #6 (to apply everyday).

[writersmark]

on 5/28/2009 Good tips for keeping your nails healthy! 5*

[starlet67]

on 5/28/2009 Great tips for keeping your nails in good condition!5*