A manicure is one of the great little indulgences in life. Whether done by a professional or by yourself at home, having your nails trimmed and polished with long-lasting gel polish will leave you feeling refreshed.

One of the frustrating parts about a manicure is that it doesn’t last as the nail polish chips and fades with time. Fortunately, it’s not hard to learn how to make gel polish last longer. With these easy manicure care steps, your long-lasting gel polish look will last even longer.

Prepare Your Nails

For an at-home manicure, it’s essential to prepare your nails correctly. If you’re not an expert, you don’t always know how to make nail polish last longer, and these steps at the start will help.

One thing you should do is dry your nails thoroughly. This step will allow your nails to hold nail polish longer. Remove any oils from your nails and avoid the soak you might get at the salon. Not only does soaking your nails moisten them, but it also causes them to expand, making them crack when they dry.

If you’re looking for another answer to how to make your nail polish last longer, starting with a strong base coat helps greatly. A base coat strengthens your nails physically while avoiding stains. It also provides a smoother application of the overlying layers of the gel polish, preventing future chipping.

Another manicure care step is to use nail preparation liquids. These primers increase the adhesion of the gel base to the natural plate of the nail. These liquids are perfect for people whose nails struggle naturally with bonding.

Shaping Your Nails

The physical surface of your nails has to be considered during a manicure. That comes in two forms of manicure care. First, file your nails correctly, which means in a single direction. While the temptation is to go back and forth, this can cause your nails to break and become brittle. To avoid damage, follow your cuticle’s natural ridges for a smooth look that will allow for better adhesion of the gel polish. A quality nail file or block will easily handle the task and create the smoothest-looking nail possible.

Another step to consider is going with a shorter nail. Long, luxurious nails are favoured for manicures but aren’t always manageable and chip easier. A shorter or medium-length nail is easier to clean and manage. The nails also aren’t as prone to bending or breaking, keeping them looking sharp. 

Proper Application

It sounds simple, but proper application is central to maintaining long-lasting nail polish. A few easy-to-remember moves can accomplish this. First, limit how much polish is on the brush, as excess polish creates a bumpy, hard-to-dry finish. Use three stripes, one on each side as well as a middle stripe. Finally, take time between the coats to let the nail polish properly dry before moving on to the next coat. At least 60 seconds work but the longer between coats, the better. Following these steps will ensure a lasting look.

Quality Polish

As with many other things, nail polish is often a case of you getting what you pay for. Quality polish, like the UV Gel Polish Colours offered by Semilac, holds up more robustly to the elements, resisting cracking or smudging. Cheaper polishes, unfortunately, are more prone to these issues.

Another unexpected factor to consider is to seek out glittery shades for your nail polish needs. These polishes not only shimmer brightly but also adhere to the nail better because glitter shades are thicker. With more outstanding adhesion and less nail chipping, the nail itself will grow better.

After Care 

Once the manicure is complete, you can take several steps to ensure a longer-lasting one. These manicure steps will keep your nails shining for as long as a month. First, complete the manicure by sealing the edges of the nail. Put a bit of extra polish on the edges as well as the tips of the nails. These areas are most prone to cracking. A bit of extra polish discreetly applied strengthens them. Next, exercise caution with your nails. You won’t be able to open packages the way you once did. Try not to scrape things. Microscopic damage builds to more significant problems down the line. Similarly, avoid hot water. Not only can excess moisture breed bacteria, but water can also get into the nail plate. As a result, polish lifts and peels. 

But nothing is as important as maintaining the manicure yourself using various products. Use a nail hardener every couple of days to strengthen the topcoat and protect your nails. These products not only preserve your manicure but enhance the health of your nails overall.

Another essential product is cuticle oil. These oils are available in various scents but do more than just make your nails smell and look nice. They also moisturise the cuticle area to rehydrate and soften the cuticles. Broken, torn nails damage the polish.

A manicure is important to feeling happy and confident in your appearance. With quality care at every moment in the manicure, you can be assured of a long-lasting gel manicure to delight all who see it.

For quality manicure care products you can trust, look to Semilac. We offer everything from gel polish and classic polish to any accessory you need for a premium experience. A manicure is an indulgence. We aim to provide the best products for your at-home manicure needs. Visit our site today!