How to Make Nail Polish Last Longer? – Discover 15 Pro Tips

Imagine, you just came out of a salon after a fresh manicure. You look confident and like a queen; you opened the door of the car, and your nail paint smudged! Hurts isn’t it?

Everyone wants their manicure to last for a week or two if not an eternity. Often your nails chip just after nail polish application, or due to your careless handling.

Spending so much time and energy on your manicure and getting it smudged is the most agonizing feeling ever. There are multiple tips on how to make nail polish last longer and I will highlight that in the coming section.

How to Make Nail Polish Last Longer?

I have some easy tips and tricks that will allow you to flaunt your beautiful nail polish for a longer period of time. Try adopting these tips for making your nail polish last longer.

Tip – 1: Wipe to remove excess oil.

Use acetone-free nail polish remover to wipe out any excess oil from your nails. The oil on the nails acts as a layer between the nail polish and the nail bed. This decreases the adherence of the polish and hence the nail polish chips faster.

So, girls always wipe your nails with a nail paint remover prior to applying your nail polish.

Tip – 2: File and Buffer.

You always file your nails. But have you been doing it the right way? The key here is to file your nails in one direction. This will prevent them from cracking or being brittle. Filing back and forth makes the nail brittle and much easy to chip off. I try to keep them as per the shape of my cuticle.

I buffer my nails before applying the polish. It helps to prep them up for the base coat and helps to adhere to the nail polish better. 

Tip – 3: Base coat is a must. 

I don’t think I need to remind you of the benefit of a base coat. It provides a smooth surface for the nail polish. I use a nourishing base coat that improves the health of my nails; you must try that too!

Tip – 4: The shorter the cuter. 

I know we all want long claws and long-lasting nails. But they are high-maintenance, right?

Maintaining short to medium-length nails is much easier. The nail polish lasts longer and your nails won’t chip off, plus they are cute. C’mon, you have to agree with me here.

Tip – 5: Do not overapply.

You need only 3 strokes of nail polish; one on each side and one in the middle, for proper coverage. Over-applying the polish will make it look clumsy and there will be higher chances of your polish chipping or smudging off.

Apply two thin coats of your nail polish. Make sure to wait for 2-3 minutes before applying the second coat. The thicker the coat, the bulgy your nail paint will look.

Pro Tip: After applying nail polish, I always seal off the ends with a small quantity of nail polish both at the cuticle and at the tips. This prevents them from breaking from the ends. 

Tip – 6: Topcoat safety. 

You and I both have done this mistake. We think that the nail polish will last for two weeks, after sealing the nail polish with a top coat. But, no it doesn’t. Do you know why? Your nail paint needs top coat protection every 2 to 3 days. 

I prefer to apply a top coat every 3 days. It restores the glossy shine, protects my hard work, and my nail paint looks as good as new.

Tip – 7: Glitter saves the day!

If you love glitter, you should know that it typically lasts longer than normal nail polish. The glitter nail paint has a thicker consistency and better adhesion to nails. So, it’s an easier way to look glam and have a long-lasting mani.

Tip -8: Cool air > Hot air!

I’m a clumsy person. I tried blow-drying my nails, and it worsened my nail polish. I eventually learned that cool air is a better option for drying up your nails than warm air. 

Always use cool air to dry your polish or you can dry them under a fan, but I strictly advise you against using a blow dryer. Hot air will further prevent your polish from drying. 

Tip – 9: Chip-resistant nail polish.

There are various brands that offer chip-resistant nail polish. If your nail polish chips off easily, it is time for you to change the formula. You can try the ones from Essie’s longwear collection.

Tip – 10: Avoid getting the polish on your cuticles.

You might get nail polish on your cuticles, even the most pro nail artist can do that. But, the polish does not adhere to the skin as it adheres to the nails. The polish might peel off from the skin after drying and it might take the polish of the nails along with it.

You should carefully take a swab of cotton dipped in nail paint remover and wipe out any excess nail paint on the cuticle to prevent chipping.

Tip – 11: Hydration for your nails.

Just like your hair, your nails need hydration too. I apply cuticle oil post-manicure for healthy nails. The healthier the nails the lesser the chances of their chipping. You must also use a hand cream and massage it in circular motions over your nails, this further increases blood circulation to your fingers.

Tip – 12: Gloves are your best friend. 

We can’t avoid chores, can we? And therefore I prefer to use gloves while doing chores. It prevents my nails from chipping off and nail polish from getting smudged. 

Tip – 13: Roll it rather than shake it.

Shaking your nail polish bottle might not work every time. If you shake your nail polish bottle, you have a higher chance of getting an air bubble in your nail paint that will spoil your manicure and your nail paint might chip off in spots.

Pro Tip: I advise you to keep the bottle between your hands and roll it rather than shaking. 

Tip – 14: Take out your Cuticle Pusher.

Use your cuticle pushers and push back the cuticles. It will not only lengthen your nails but will help to maintain their health and will help the nail paint to bond better to your nails. 

Tip – 15: Don’t go all WWF on your nails.

Your nails are delicate, you can’t just go wash the dishes or open the jars with your nails and expect them to not chip off. You are supposed to go delicate with your delicacies. If you wanna wash the dishes, use a glove, if you wanna open a jar, use a knife, not your nails.

How to Make Nail Polish Last Longer? – FAQs

Wrapping up:

I know it’s difficult to remember and follow all these tips. It’s only human to forget 1 or 2 things. But I have tried all of these nail polish hacks and my nail polish lasted for a good 2 weeks with no chipping. It gave a fresh out-of-salon look after reapplying the topcoat every 2 to 3 days.

You must also protect your nails from sun exposure and harmful chemicals. Prolonged sun exposure affects the nail polish color. There are also certain nail polishes that change color in sunlight and provide UV protection. 

Certain harsh chemicals in household cleaners might fade out your nail polish. You can wear gloves before using them. You can reapply the nail polish too, if you see any fading of the color or chipping.

Read related:

• Best Nail Color for Blue Dress! Color Ideas & Nail Polish
• Is It Bad to Wear Nail Polish All the Time?
• Can You Use a Base Coat as a Top Coat or Vice Versa?