How to Make Nail Polish Last Longer: 7 Ways

You’ve just done a fabulous manicure, and you can’t wait to show all of your friends; only to realize your nail polish has started chipping and coming off two weeks later.

If you’re tired of nail polish doing a poor job and you’re wondering how to make nail polish last longer, you’ve stumbled across the right article.

Today, we’re talking about making your nail polish last longer and eliminating the short-lived manicure for good.

How to Make Nail Polish Last Longer: 7 Ways

Polish can be a tricky thing to work with. Sure, it seems easy enough. And while your mani might look amazing for a few days, it likely becomes lackluster just a few days after.

What gives?

There are actually many reasons why your manicure is failing you.

The good news is that there are just as many tricks for a long-lasting manicure you can be proud of.

Let’s take a look at how to make a manicure last up to two weeks.

1. Always Prep Your Nail Plate

Before you even think about applying nail polish, you need to prep your nails.

Polish needs to have a rough and ready surface for adhering correctly.

To prep your healthy nails correctly, do the following:

• Use nail polish remover. Start with a blank slate and prep them properly to reduce the chance of nails chipping and peeling.
• Push the cuticles back. You can use a cuticle pusher or wooden stick to push the cuticles.
• Buff the nail beds. Buffing will remove any excess natural oils on the nail, providing the nail polishes a “rough” surface to grip onto.
• Save the cuticle oils (and cuticle cream) for later. While you should 100% apply cuticle oil to the cuticle area after your manicure, doing so beforehand can hinder adhesion. Remember - excess oils of any kind are no good!

2. Use a Different Kind (No-Chip or Gel Polish)

I know you love the glitter polish you’ve been using for years. But if it’s just not working for you, it might be time to say goodbye and adopt polish changes.

Swapping for a new type of polish may be all you need to transform your nails.

Consider using a no-chip formula instead of the traditional nail polish.

Or, try out a new method altogether, like gel nail polish or acrylics.

3. Use a Base Coat and a Top Coat

There is a reason why every celebrity nail artist and local technician has a base coat and top coat in their equipment box - it’s necessary for long-lasting manicures.

That said, you need to have high-quality base coats and top coats in your arsenal.

A base coat will act like glue for your polish, while the top coat will lock in the polish and encourage longevity.

Tip: consider options with keratin layers, as it strengthens nails and will prevent chipping.

4. Apply Multiple Thin Coats

If you’re putting a single coat of polish on your nails and calling it a day, you’re in for a bad time.

The same is true if you’re doing horrendously thicker coats.

In all reality, applying polish in multiple thin layers allows the polish to dry faster (in cool air, by the way) and create somewhat of a “seal” on your nails so that they won’t chip or wear off as quickly.

Too much polish is also a big no-no, so be careful not to overdo it.

5. Consider Shorter Nails

Long nails are gorgeous - trust me, I’m as big of a fan as the next girl. But unfortunately, they’re not great for long-lasting manicures.

The longer the nails, the more likely they may chip or scrape off.

That said, if you want to try and extend the life of your nails, consider cutting them a pinch shorter.

6. Avoid Water

Avoid water as much as you can. The simple fact is that polishes are not best friends with water.

Excess exposure to water can cause chipping, peeling, and other undesirable side effects.

When you’re performing household chores such as washing dishes or cleaning the shower, wear gloves.

If you do an activity such as soaking in a hot tub or hot bath, try to keep your nails out of the situation.

Obviously, you can’t avoid situations like showering or swimming during the summertime.

The only thing you can really do is limit overall exposure and dry nails immediately when you’re done.

You may want to add another one coat upon leaving the swimming pool, shower, or other activity involving a lot of water before your nails start peeling or chipping away.

7. Roll Your Nail Polish Bottle - Don’t Shake

It’s typical for people to shake their bottle before the manicure. After all, you want the paint inside to mix, getting rid of any thicker layers and creating striking colors.

But this is the wrong thing to do. Shaking a bottle can create air bubbles, which will, in turn, cause a chipped nail sooner than you’d like.

Instead, roll the bottle between your hands. This will prevent polish from getting bubbles that ruin your nails while ensuring it’s ready for a gorgeous manicure.

FAQs

How does vinegar make nail polish last longer?

The acid in vinegar can help nail polish stick better. Some people swear by soaking their nails in vinegar for about a minute before doing their manicure.

You can also opt to swipe your nails with a cotton ball or cotton swab soaked in white vinegar. I recommend this instead of soaking, as it’s recommended to avoid soaking before a manicure.

Can you put hardener on top of nail polish?

You can put hardener on top of nail polish. In fact, it might be a great way to make your nail polish last even longer!

Why does my nail polish smudges hours later?

If you’re dealing with smudges very soon after your manicure, you’re likely using excessive polish.

You may also be exposing your nails to heat and/or steam, making drying time essentially impossible and leaving your polish still gooey and wet.