Chipping Polish

Chipping polish has been a problem since the beginning of polish wear.

Nails are flexible and  when they bend, the inflexible paint on then cracks and peels away.  

It is very similar to the paint on a house... As the house is exposed to the elements and the wood or shingles expand and contract with the moisture in the air.... The paint on the house cracks and peels.

Hands and nails are in water several times a day.  Your natural nail is porous and becomes swollen and soft when allowed to remain in contact with water.  This allows the polish to "let go" of the nail.  That is why housewives and swimmers have the toughest time with polish wear-ability.

Here are some tips to increase your polish wear-ability.

  • Make sure your nail is clean and dry.  No oil or lotion residue is on the nail.  This inhibits polish adhesion
  • Next use a nail prep (OPI Bond-aid is an example of a prep) that will prepare the nail plate for polish adhesion.  Available at salons.
  • One thin coat of a base coat made for natural nails. Dry
  • Two to three coats of polish thinly applied. (thick polish peels quicker).  Please allow a few minutes for each coat to dry.
  • Once you are happy with the uniform color or the polish application... Apply a GOOD quality Top Coat, on the surface of the nail and under the free edge of your nail if you have any length.
  • Applying top coat under the free edge.... in effect...... waterproofs your nail and helps prevent it from soaking up water or other chemicals.
  • Top coat should be applied every other day... to replace the top coat that is being worn off due to daily life.  Make sure the surface of the nail is clean and dry before re-applying the top coat.  Top coat can be reapplied to the underside of the nail every 3-4 days.  This will keep your manicure looking fresh every day.
  • At the end of 7-10 days you should remove all your polish and start over from the beginning.
  • Sometimes at the end of the 10 days your polish will want to peel off in one sheet.  Try to avoid peeling your polish off (even if it is fun) because it removes small pieces of your nail surface causing damage to your nail.

Regular manicures (every 4-6 weeks) can help you maintain your nails and they are a great way to pamper yourself.

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