1. Start With Clean, Dry Nails
Natural oils and moisture on the nail plate can prevent polish from adhering properly. Before polishing:
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Wash your hands thoroughly
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Use a gentle nail dehydrator or rubbing alcohol
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Avoid hand lotion right before painting
2. Shape and Smooth
Filing your nails in one direction prevents splitting. Then, lightly buff the nail surface to remove shine—this helps polish grip better.
3. Never Skip Base Coat
A base coat:
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Anchors color to your nail
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Protects from staining
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Helps polish apply smoother
This step alone can add several extra days of wear.
4. Apply Thin Coats (Even if it Takes Longer)
Thick coats of polish take longer to dry and chip sooner.
Apply 2–3 thin coats, letting each dry completely.
5. Seal With a Long-Lasting Top Coat
A top coat adds shine and protects your polish from daily wear. For best results:
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Reapply a thin layer every 2–3 days to refresh shine and reinforce strength.
6. Protect Your Hands
Daily activities like washing dishes, typing, and cleaning can wear polish faster.
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Use gloves for housework
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Avoid using your nails as tools (like opening packages)
7. Keep Hands Moisturized
Dry nails break and peel.
Use:
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Cuticle oil daily
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Hand cream regularly
Hydrated nails = longer-lasting manicures.
Final Tip: Give your polish time to fully cure — even when dry to the touch, it may need a couple of hours to harden completely. Avoid hot water and rough work right after your manicure.
