Nail Care 101: How to Make Your Manicure Last Longer

Hello and welcome to It’s Beauty Salon! We’ll tell you how to make your manicure last longer while keeping it polished and good-looking.

We know that your beauty starts with neat hands. And our pro manicurists will nail it (pun intended). How? By sharing some helpful tips on how to take nail care, so that they shine as if you just got your manicure done!

Read on for tips to keep your nails looking polished and your manicure tidy. Whether you're looking for a classic look or a trendy design, you can even try a Russian manicure in Dubai for an extra touch of elegance.

1. Use Cuticle Oil Regularly

First things first, if you want your nails to look gorgeous, start using cuticle oil regularly. Ideally, apply it twice a day. This way, you keep your nails hydrated and protected, which can help improve your nails’ condition.

Why Cuticle Oil is Essential

It is no exaggeration to say that cuticle oil is essential for healthy nails, long-lasting nails. Why so? Check the list below:

1. It protects your nails: cuticle oil (jojoba, coconut, sweet almond, etc.) maintains the protective barrier, making your hands and manicure look fresh. Use it to avoid or get rid of dryness and cracks.
2. It improves the appearance of your hands and nails: cuticle oil adds shine, strengthens them, and leaves them looking healthier.
3. It supports natural nail growth: cuticle oil hydrates the skin around nails, providing them with extra nutrition, which leads to their quick growth.

So, choose any cuticle oil; it’s up to you. Nail care is in your hands.

2. Don’t Overdo the Coats

The fewer coats, the better. That’s the rule. But how exactly do coats affect manicures? Let’s see.

1. Wrinkling, dents, and mushy layers may appear.
2. Extra layers lead to bubbling and uneven structure.
3. Too many coats can affect the seal, making lifting more likely.
4. With too many coats, your nails look muddy and patchy.
5. “Air pockets” under a coating are a risk, as there is a space between the nail and the coating where bacteria may grow, which may cause inflammation.

So, applying too many coats is not good service, it’s poor technique.

How Many Coats Are Ideal for Long-Lasting Nails

Let’s talk about the essentials of nail care, namely how many coats should be applied for a long-lasting manicure. Spoiler: 4 coats in total.

1. Base coat – 1 thin layer;
2. Color – 2 thin layers;
3. Top coat – 1 thin layer.

Also, there are some really nice-to-haves, such as a second top coat after 24 hours and reapplication of top coat every 2-3 days. Sometimes, it is not necessary. It all comes down to the manicure type and how your manicure looks and feels.

3. Seal the Edges for Maximum Protection

Chips usually start at the free edge, where nails tap zips, keyboards, and pockets. Sealing (or capping) wraps the product over that edge to block water seepage or cushion micro-impacts. The thinner the layer, the better. Why? Thin layers grip better and they don’t create a bulky ridge.

Prevent Chipping by Sealing Your Nails

Every layer must be capped. It is mandatory. Pro manicurists have to cap them in this order: touch the free edge first and then brush it back to the plate. Just a tiny amount of the product itself has to be used.

Manicurists must begin with dehydrating the nail plate, refining the free edge, and double-checking the corners (they are the first places to chip).

4. Top Coat is a Must

A top coat is essential for nail care as it protects them from scratches and bubbling, prolongs the life of the manicure, seals in color, and also provides a professional finish to make your nails look unmatched.

Refresh Your Manicure Every Few Days

It would be great if you refreshed your manicure so it keeps looking crisp. But there is no need to refresh the salon manicure so often. Regular nail polish lasts for 5-7 days. All you may do is add a clear top coat every 2-3 days to stretch it. Gel polish lasts for 2-3 weeks. And we don’t recommend refreshing it, as you can face over-filing. Acrylics should be refreshed after 4 weeks of wearing; if you do it earlier, the nail plate may become thinner.

5. Wear Gloves for Protection

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of gloves. Use them while you’re sweeping the floor, washing the dishes, and doing stuff that may ruin your manicure. If you even try to scrub the shower, use gloves. They will protect your hands and help the manicure look fresh.

Why Gloves Help Maintain Your Manicure

As we said, gloves are an excellent option when it comes to housework, gardening, or any other potentially damaging tasks. Let’s see how gloves can help you out:

1. Keep your manicure polished while you’re washing dishes or cleaning the house.
2. Protect from physical damage while you're gardening.
3. Provide a barrier against infection when you’re contacting bacteria or contaminated surfaces.

So, use gloves and be sure your manicure lasts even longer!

If you want a manicure for a special occasion or just something minimalistic, book an appointment at It’s Beauty Salon. Let the professional nail technicians take care of your hands.

FAQ

How often should I apply cuticle oil?

It’s recommended that you do it once or twice a day. But if you don’t have enough time, it’s ok to apply cuticle oil a few times a week.

How many coats of nail polish should I apply?

For a salon manicure, it is essential to apply four coats: one base coat, two color layers, and a top coat.

Why should I seal the edges of my nails?

Sealing the edges prevents nails from chipping and peeling. When you use a thin layer of polish or gel around the free edge, it locks out the moisture and protects manicured nails against everyday wear.

How can I refresh my manicure?

It depends on the type of manicure. As a rule, acrylic or gel manicures do not need any refreshing at all. While regular manicure requires refreshing every 2-3 days.