Nails that last: the secrets to a weeks-proof manicure
Why polish chips after two days and how to make a manicure last longer, at home too.
It all starts with the prep
How long a manicure lasts is decided before the colour even goes on. A well-prepped nail (cared-for cuticles, a clean, oil-free surface, sealed edges) lets the product bond evenly and greatly extends its wear. It's the least showy step and the most important one.
That's why in the salon we take time over the prep: it's where the difference is made between a manicure that chips after two days and one that holds for weeks.
Why polish chips after two days
If a manicure doesn't last, it's rarely the product's fault. More often it comes down to rushed prep, layers too thick to cure properly, or daily habits that put nails to the test: washing dishes without gloves, using nails as tools, frequent contact with detergents.
Very hot water and harsh solvents shorten a manicure's life too. Small habits that, once corrected, win you precious days.
The daily habits that extend the wear
Wear gloves when you wash dishes or use cleaning products. Moisturise cuticles and hands every day: nourished skin protects the nail too. Avoid using your nails to open, scratch or peel things: it's the quickest way to chip the edge.
A cuticle oil kept in your bag and applied every evening is one of the most underrated habits: it keeps the nails flexible and the edge sealed, and it shows.
When to come back to the salon
Even the most cared-for manicure has a cycle: after two or three weeks the regrowth shows and the edge can start to lift. Holding out beyond the right time, or peeling the product off yourself, is the best way to ruin the natural nail.
The advice is simple: book the touch-up at the right time and leave the removal to us. Message us and we'll find the time that suits you best.
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