Stop the premature chipping with this simple routine.
Heres what to do instead.
Step 1: Wash Your Hands
A lot of prepwork goes into ensuring your manicure lasts.
Photo:Mariia Demchenko/Getty Images
Think about how long it takes for a manicurist to get to the actual polishing part of your appointment!
Step number one is to wash up.
Begin by scrubbing your nails with an antibacterial soapthink of it like washing your face.
This will create a flawless, ultra-glossy, long-lasting, and fast-drying manicure.
Pro Tip:Isopropyl alcohol isnt the same as acetone.
Its like painting on oil, says Gerstein.
Oil and debris will re-accumulate on your nails, creating a poor base for whats to come.
Apply your color polish in thin, even layers.
(Thick coats tend to chip more easily.)
Its better to do two or three thin coats rather than one thick coat.
Allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next one.
This helps to seal the polish and prevent it from lifting.
One or two thin coats is plenty, and you could also cap the edges here, too.
Allow your nail polish to dry/cure completely, then go about your business.
