How Can I Prevent Nail Polish from Chipping?

So you just spent all that time on a perfect manicure, only for it to chip a day later. I get it. It's so frustrating. But honestly, a lot of chipping comes down to a few simple things you can totally control.

The Right Way to Prep

• First things first: you gotta prep your nails. Make sure they're completely clean.
• Wash your hands really well, then wipe your nails with a little rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover.
• This gets rid of any oils that could keep the polish from sticking.

The Polishing Method

• Don’t skip the base coat. It's your number one hero. It not only helps the polish stick, but it also keeps dark colors from staining your nails yellow.
• Thin layers are everything. Instead of one thick coat that takes forever to dry and peels right off, do two or three super thin layers. They dry faster and are much more durable.
• Cap the edge. When you’re applying your top coat, make sure to brush it right over the very tip of your nail. This "seals the deal" and keeps the polish from wearing away at the edge.
• Use a top coat. For the finish line, you need a good top coat. It's a shield for your manicure. Reapply a clear top coat every two or three days to keep things shiny and chip-free.

Aftercare is Key

• Be gentle with your nails! Wear gloves when you're doing chores like washing dishes, hot water and cleaning products are not your manicure's friend.
• Keep your hands and cuticles moisturized with a hand cream and cuticle oil to prevent your nails from getting brittle.

It might seem like a lot, but once you get in the habit, it's easy. And you'll love having a manicure that actually lasts.