When warm weather starts arriving, it’s time to start wearing new manicures and pedicures. You may have found the perfect place to go after looking for ‘pedicure near me’ or ‘manicure near me’, but it’s frustrating to leave the salon with great looking nails only to have them chip the day after. To keep your manicure and pedicure looking their best, try these tricks the next time you plan to head to the salon.
1. Don’t Soak Nails before Polishing
You may want to soak your nails before they are polished but doing so will shorten the life of your manicure or pedicure. Soaking causes the nail plates to expand, and they will shrink back to normal after drying. If you apply nail polish while they are still expanded, it won’t stick correctly.
Instead of soaking in soap, ask your nail technician to wipe each nail with acetone. This will remove any oils and dirt from your nails without changing the nail plate.
2. Apply a Topcoat within a Few Days
To keep your nails from chipping and extend the life of the polish, be sure to apply a topcoat polish a few days after your mani-pedi. A clear, high-gloss topcoat will seal in the existing polish and prevent chipping. When adding the topcoat, make sure you touch up the tip of each nail.
It is also important to keep hands and feet covered when doing certain types of work. Wear gloves when doing the dishes and wear closed toe shoes when going for a walk.
3. Moisturize Hands and Feet Daily
Dry hands and feet will cause your cuticles to dry out. This causes hangnails and will make the nail polish begin to chip and peel. To prevent this, apply cuticle oil every night before you go to sleep. This will keep the area moisturized.
You should also apply moisturizer to your hands and feet every day. To get the most benefit, do so after showering. This will lock in hydration and provide instant protection to your nails. One good option is to use lotion that has been warmed in the microwave for a few seconds. Not only will this help your skin, it will feel indulgent.
Manicures and pedicures are an excellent way to treat yourself, and you want to keep them looking great for as long as possible. With these tricks in mind, you will be ready the next time you make an appointment with your salon.