Tips for a long-lasting manicure

Varsha Lalla offers some tips for making your manicure last longer...

I don’t like doing my nails. I find it extremely boring and time consuming. I actually started looking forward to winter because gloves and boots could hide my chipped, stumpy nails from civilisation.

However, eventually I realised that having nails that look like they’ve gone through a shredder is not very wise. I started working on ways to make sure my manicures lasted longer. I figured if I wanted to deal with my manicured nails less often, I’d have to look after them. No one wants to look like Edward Scissorhands (even if he is played by Johnny Depp).

Clean nails

Make sure your nails are clean and dry before you apply any polish. You don’t want any residue on them because it prevents the nail polish from adhering. Use lint-free cotton wool/pads to wipe your nails before applying nail polish.

Look after your nail polish

Make sure you nail polish is stored away in a cool, dark place. The life span of a nail polish is one year but keeping it in a sunny or wet place decreases its life span.

You might consider taking one of your own nail polishes if you get a professional manicure. I know you’ve paid them to use their polishes but, unfortunately, salons are notorious for watering down their nail polishes. Have you noticed that nail polishes from salons don’t last very long? Well, this is the reason why.

Cuticles

Push back your cuticles with an orange stick (little plastic or wooden tool). Polish peels more quickly if it’s applied on cuticles. Don’t push back too hard though because you don’t want to damage your nails. 

Applying the nail polish

Use a very thin layer of nail polish. Thick nail polish takes longer to dry and can smudge more easily. Make sure your nails are completely dry before applying a second coating (this is my worst part - click here to find out how to make it go quicker). Afterwards you can put a clear nail varnish or topcoat on top for extra protection and a shiny finish.

Gloves

Wear gloves for any activity that involves chemicals or physical labour. This includes washing dishes and doing the gardening. It just gives your hard earned nails some protection from chipping. 

Enjoy your manicure!

Enjoy your manicure. For me this is easier said than done but you can make it a pampering break for yourself. Look at it as some ‘me’ time. 

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