Hygiene-First (1)

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A fresh manicure or pedicure is a great way to boost your mood and elevate your style. But nothing is more frustrating than spending time and money on a manicure or pedicure, only to have it chip and fade after a few days. Fortunately, there are a few simple tips and tricks you can follow to make your nail polish last as long as possible.

Start with clean nails: Before applying any nail polish, make sure your nails are free of oils, lotions, and dirt. Wash your hands and feet thoroughly and use a nail polish remover to clean off any residue. We prep the nails to remove any debris, treat cuticles, and prep them so they’re as clean and dry as possible to be the perfect cavas for your polish to stick to.

Next, before adding any color it’s crucial to use a base coat for a mani pedi that’s sure to last. A base coat not only helps your nail polish adhere better, but it also prevents staining which can affect your nails over time and strengthens your nails to prevent breaking. Apply a thin layer of base coat and let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.

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Another way to ensure a long-lasting manicure is to be patient and paint in thin coats, allowing the polish to always fully dry in between. Applying thin coats of polish will also avoid clumps and bubbles. Two to three coats should be enough to achieve full coverage. Using a high quality pigmented polish will also help with the opacity and drying time.

After the desired pigmentation has been reached be sure to seal off your beautiful new manicure or pedicure with a top coat. A top coat adds shine and protects your manicure or pedicure from chipping and fading. To seal your mani, apply a thin layer of top coat and let dry completely.

Post mani pedi nail care to help your polish last

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There’s also plenty of after-care things you can do to help make your mani last as long as possible. For one, be patient: It can be tempting to use your hands or feet right after a manicure or pedicure, but give your nails some time to fully dry and harden. It takes about 24 hours for your nail polish to fully cure, so be patient and avoid any activities that may damage your fresh nails. During that time while your nails are drying and curing, be gentle with them. Avoid hot water, harsh chemicals, and any activities that may cause your nail polish to chip or smudge.

Keeping your hands and feet moisturized can help prolong the life of your manicure or pedicure as well. Apply a nourishing hand or foot cream regularly to prevent your skin from drying out and causing your nail polish to crack. You can also apply cuticle oils to prevent chipping around the base and edges of the nail where cuticle dryness can cause polish to lift.

To really ensure the longevity of your new manicure or pedicure you could also wear gloves or socks. Especially if you're doing any household chores or manual labor, protect your hands and feet by wearing gloves or socks. This will help prevent your nail polish from chipping or fading due to exposure to harsh chemicals or abrasions.

It’s also recommended to avoid hot water which can cause your nails to peel or chip. Gloves can be used when doing dishes and hot water should be limited in hand washing or showers.