For many women, manicures are an essential ritual and a core component of their overall beauty regimen. Unfortunately, however, many of those manicure enthusiasts end up disappointed as they watch their gorgeous nails fall prey to fading colors, chips, and other imperfections. Of course, that’s pretty much an inevitability, since no nail treatment can be expected to last forever. The problem is that too many women find that their perfect nails only manage to stay that way for a few days. The good news is that there are things you can do to keep your manicure looking its best.
Never Forget the Topcoat
Nail polish may provide the color and aesthetic appeal for your gorgeous nails, but that polish won’t last long if you fail to take care of it. That’s where topcoat comes in. Sadly, it’s easy to get so busy that we forget to apply that topcoat. When that happens, chips and other damage can ruin your manicure. To avoid that, you need to be sure to apply topcoat as needed, and make sure you take the time to do it right. That includes waiting between coats to ensure that the first coat is dry.
While you’re applying topcoat, don’t forget to seal the edges – especially if your manicure polish doesn’t extend to that area. Most chips take place at the edges of the nail, as you use your hands throughout the day. By applying topcoat as a seal at the ends of your nails, you can strengthen that vulnerable area of polish and prevent most of that otherwise inevitable damage.
Keep Those Nails – and Cuticles – Hydrated
Ever notice how your skin can flake when it dries out? Well, your nails can suffer a similar fate. To prevent dryness, flaking, and weakening of the nail polish, make a conscious effort to keep your hands and nails hydrated. Apply cuticle oil to both the cuticles and nails three or four times a week, or daily if you regularly do chores or other tasks that place your hands at increased risk of losing natural moisture. That’s the best way to prevent dry nails and premature damage to your manicure.
Keep Your Hands Out of the Sun and Away from Extreme Temperatures
The sun’s rays can cause nail polish color to fade relatively quickly, and extreme heat and cold can have an overall negative impact on your skin and nails. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, avoid high heat, and wear gloves when going out into any cold environment.
Don’t Use Your Nails as Tools
This one can’t be repeated often enough: your nails are not tools. Humanity has created a vast array of different tools to manage almost any job – from hammers and screwdrivers to can openers and back scratchers. Give your nails a rest and choose to use the right tool for any given job.
When you take advantage of the best manicure services in Fort Lauderdale, you want your perfect nails to last. Thankfully, taking care of your manicure doesn’t have to be a major endeavor. Just follow these simple tips, focus on keeping your nails healthy and safe, and you too can ensure that you keep your manicure looking its best for as long as possible.
