How to Make Your Manicure Last

If you’re a beginner nail artist and need to know how to make your perfect at-home
manicure last as long as possible, then look no further. We’ve created a step-by-step guide to
make sure your nail art stays beautiful and chip-free for as long as possible. These tips come
straight from professionals, so even nail art veterans may learn a thing or two. By the end of
these instructions, you’ll have professional-looking nails that will last you for at least two
weeks.

Part 1: Prepping Your Nails

1. Remove your old manicure.Gently wipe off your old manicure using a cotton pad or
cotton ball soaked in acetone if you are still wearing one.

2. Shape your nails. File your nails to the desired length and shape.
Tip: Skip the clippers! While you can use a nail clipper to shape your nails, they place a lot of stress on
your nail bed--especially if you have longer nails--and can lead to a broken nail down the line. Opt for a
glass or acrylic nail file instead.

3. Push back your cuticles. Soften your cuticles with a nail oil or cuticle remove, then an
orange stick or metal cuticle pusher to remove any bits of cuticle from your nail.
WARNING: Be careful with this step. Remember that you are not trying to remove any skin from your
finger, just the bits of skin on your nail..

A nail before (left) and after (right) the cuticle has been
removed. You do not have to be this thorough though, just try
to get as much skin off the nail as possible.
 4. Buff your nails. Roughen up the surface of the nail with a fine grit buffer conservatively,
just until the shine of your natural nail has dulled
Warning: Do not buff your nails more than once every two weeks. While buffing does help the polish stick,
too much buffing can damage your natural nails.

A buffed vs unbuffed nail.

5. Dry out your nails. Clean the nail with use a Q-Tip dipped in acetone or isopropyl
alcohol to remove any oils.

Part 2: Painting Your Nails

1. Apply a base coat. Swipe a base coat over the entire top of the nail, leaving a small gap
approximately 1-2 mm in length from the base coat to the skin.
Note: For beginners especially, leaving a gap like this will make sure the polish doesn’t lift due to skin
contact. More skilled nail artists often do go directly to the skin.

2. Paint your nails. This is where you can have fun and be creative! Just use the following
tips to guide you:

 Don’t shake the bottle! Roll the bottle between your palms instead to ensure
the polish is fully mixed.
  Use thin layers. Apply thin, even layers of polish in as few brush strokes as
possible.

 Leave a gap. Leave a small gap between your skin and the start of your polish.

 Wrap the tip. Coat the tip of your nail in polish after the nail has been fully
coated in polish.
Tip: This is still possible if you have short nails, just clean the polish off the tip of your finger with
a Q-tip dipped in acetone.

 Clean as you go. Remove any nail polish from the skin using a Q-tip dipped in

A nail with a wrapped tip.

acetone before the polish dries.

3. Seal it in with a top coat. Apply a top coat from the start of your nail (past the gap) to
the tip, wrapping once the nail is covered.
Tip: Look for a quick dry top coat to set them quickly and prevent any dents. Try to invest in a high quality
top coat as well (we like Seche Vite), your manicures will thank you!

Part 3: Maintenance
1. Be careful! Avoiding using your hands, especially in hot water, for the first few hours
after finishing you manicure.
2. Reapply a top coat. Reapply a top coat every 2-3 days to the entirety of your nail,
remembering to wrap the tip.

3. Cover up chips. Dot small amounts of polish in any chipped areas to keep the manicure
looking new.