How to Keep Nail Polish from Chipping

Co-authored by Mia Rubie

Last Updated: December 26, 2021 References Approved

Having pristinely painted nails can really bring a whole look together. However, having a bunch of nails with chipped polish can have the opposite effect, making you look sloppy and unrefined. If is seems like every time you get a manicure at a salon, or paint your own nails, your polish chips right away, then you need to make some changes. Adjust how you paint your nails and how you care for them afterword in order to keep nail polish from chipping.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Applying a Strong Coat of Nail Polish

1
Consider getting a professional manicure. Professional nail salons have the right equipment to give you a long lasting coat of polish. If you want a really long-lasting coat that doesn't chip, you can opt for a gel manicure, which uses a super hard setting type of nail polish that acts almost like acrylic nails.
- For the strongest, healthiest nails, have a manicure done every two weeks, either professionally or at home.^{[1]
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  Expert Source
  
  Mia Rubie
  Nail Artist
  Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.}
- If you are very dedicated to having long nails, you can get acrylic nails, which are fake nails that are attached to your actual nails. These nails are very, very strong but they cost more than a regular manicure and are quite a commitment.
2
Apply nail polish when your nails are dry. Although there is a myth that you should soak your nails before a manicure, water on your nails will actually stop the polish from adhering correctly. This could cause your nail polish to chip off quickly.
- You also want to make sure there are no creams or lotions on on your nails right before painting them. This will also stop the polish from attaching correctly.^{[2]
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3
Use good quality nail polish. More expensive nail polishes usually contain more pigment, fewer potentially toxic chemicals, and better brushes inside. That said, you don't need to spend $50 to get a quality bottle of nail polish. Balance your budget with your desire for a crisp and smooth manicure.
- Also avoid using quick-drying polish if you want to avoid chips. The formula of quick-drying polish, while containing the same ingredients as the regular, has different ratios of ingredients. This difference in ratio makes the polish more likely to chip.
- Keep your nail polish from drying out by keeping the cap on the bottle when you're not using the brush. Also, make sure to close the bottle tightly after you're finished applying your polish, and store the bottle out of sunlight.^{[3]
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  Expert Source
  
  Mia Rubie
  Nail Artist
  Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.}
4
Use a base coat. Don't use a 2-in-1 base and top coat. These will not work as well as a separate base and top coats that are each formulated specifically for their location on your nail.^{[4]
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- Using a good base coat will help your manicure last longer. In addition, if you're using dark-colored polish, it will keep the polish from turning your nails yellow.^{[5]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Mia Rubie
  Nail Artist
  Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.}
5
Let the polish dry completely between coats. Letting each coat dry completely allows it to become hard and tough. Besides the possibility of messing up the previous coat, waiting for each coat to dry is an important, but frustrating, step in creating a lasting manicure.^{[6]
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6
Apply several layers of polish. You will want to brush on at least 2-3 coats. Remember, you want to let each coat dry before adding on another.
7
Apply a top coat.^{[7]
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Research source} Begin your top coat by doing a small layer around the tip of the nail. Then, once that is dry, cover the whole nail in top coat. This will give the tip of your nails more strength over the life of your manicure.
- Apply a few layers of top coat if you have the time to do it. The top coat should leave a nice, smooth finish that will resist chips and snags.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Caring For Your Nail Polish

1
Consider keeping your nails short. Short nails have less of a chance of chipping quickly, as they don't come in contact with as much on a daily basis. For instance, short nails don't come in constant contact with computer keys while typing.
2
Avoid activities that could damage your nails. If you can't avoid an activity that you know might damage your nails, protect them if you can. For example, if you need to wash dishes, be sure to wear dish washing gloves while you do it.
3
Don't bite your nails. Biting your nails will destroy your nail polish immediately. While it's hard to break the habit of biting your nails, if you don't you won't have a beautiful coat of nail polish for long.
4
Apply touch-ups to any small chips that occur. The spots where you apply small bits of polish to fill in any chips will not be as smooth or pretty as the rest of your polish, but they will help preserve the rest of your nail polish from chipping off.
- This is basically a last ditch effort to save your manicure. If you can, when a coat of polish starts chipping off, simply take it off with remover and start over.
5
Deal with small chips to the tips of your nails creatively. If you have a small chip on the tip of your nail, simply file your nail down and then apply another layer of top coat, focusing on the tip of your nail.
- You can also paint a thin layer of a contrasting color of nail polish all along the edge of your nail, like a thin french manicure.^{[8]
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  Research source} You will need a steady hand but the result will look cute and intentional.
6
Apply another layer of clear top coat every few days even if you don't have any chips in your polish.^{[9]
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Research source} It will keep the polish strong and resilient. This will also make your nail polish shiny and beautiful once again without the hassle of totally reapplying it.

Expert Q&A
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Question

What function does a base coat serve?

Mia Rubie
Nail Artist
Mia Rubie is a Nail Artist and the Owner of Sparkle San Francisco, a nail studio based in San Francisco, California. She has over eight years of nail artist and management experience and is known for her push-the-envelope designs and artistic eye for colors. Her clients include Sephora, Target, and Vogue. Her work has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle and StyleCaster. She holds a BBA focusing on Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations from San Francisco State University. You can find her work on her Instagram account @superflynails.

Mia Rubie

Nail Artist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

If you invest in a good-quality base coat, it will help your manicure last longer. In addition, if you wear dark colors, the base coat will keep the polish from staining your nails.
Question

How do I not chip my freshly painted nails in the shower?

Community Answer

Make sure your nails have dried completely (at least two to three hours) before your shower. The best way to avoid these chips is to shower before you paint your nails.
Question

Why does nail polish stay on nails?

Cecilia Flores

Top Answerer

Polish stays on your nail because it dries and clings to the nail. Using a base coat makes the polish bind to the base coat, making it adhere better.

Warnings

Don't use really cheap nail polish. It will chip much faster and it is just plain bad for your fingernails as well.

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