Easy Tricks That Help Your At-Home Manicure Last for 2 Weeks or Longer: Prep, Dry Techniques and More

A fresh manicure works wonders to boost our mood and confidence...that is until the polish chips and there goes our sunny disposition with it. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to make nail polish last longer and avoid chipping from the get-go. We turned to nail experts and TikTok for the simple solutions that keep a manicure looking fresh and polished for double the amount of time. Keep reading and gather your nail tools for a manicure that stays looking pristine for 2 weeks or longer.

How to make nail polish last longer

1. Prep nails accordingly

The way you prep your nails before painting on polish as part of a DIY manicure can make all the difference, says Morgan Haile , nail expert and brand ambassador for Morgan Taylor and Gelish . Here, the best prep tips for how to make nail polish last longer.

• Push back cuticles. If polish sticks to cuticle skin, it can lift much more easily. So pushing cuticles back will expose more of the nail bed and thwart polish from seeping onto cuticles.
• Lightly buff the nail plate with a fine grit nail buffer. "It not only smooths the nail plate to make a better surface to polish, but it gives the polish a bit of 'grip,'" says Julie Kandalec , celebrity manicurist and KISS Nails brand ambassador.
• Use nail polish remover on bare nails. A swipe of polish remover on all nails prior to applying color removes any oil, lotions and impurities from the nail plate that can prevent polish from adhering properly to nails. "Many people forget to clean under the free edge and deep into the sidewalls of the nail as oils can sneak there," notes Kandalec. "Especially oils left under the free edge will cause polish to chip and peel prematurely."
• Apply a base coat. Not only does a base coat keep polish from staining nails, but it also gives polish something to cling to so it stays on nails longer, notes Haile. Using a base coat that has gripping technology, like Morgan Taylor Stick With It Long Wear Base Coat , Orly Bonder Rubberized Base Coat and Londontown Grip Lock Base Coat, helps hold polish on nails.

Nail expert @simplynailogical explains more in her TikTok below about the importance of prepping nails to help polish last longer.

2. How to make nail polish last longer: Opt for long-wear nail polish formulas

When picking a nail polish, looking for formulas that are gel-like (but don't have to be cured under a UV lamp) or have long-wear in the name is a good idea. These formulas usually contain stronger, more durable polymers that can withstand daily wear and tear. A few long-wearing brands and polish lines that we love are Dazzle Dry , Olive and June , essie Gel Couture , Sally Hansen Miracle Gel , CND Vinylux and Morgan Taylor Professional Nail Laquer .

For more nail polish formulas that are long-lasting, watch the TikTok below from @allyrooker .

The amount of polish you apply onto nails matters too."Too thick of an application can cause peeling and flakes," says Haile. Instead, working in lighter layers is best to ensure polish goes on and stays on.

Another factor of nail polish not adhering properly can be that polishes aren't stored properly, which impacts the formula. "Keep it in a dry, cool, dark or shaded area," advises Haile. "Avoid any direct sunlight even if it’s just for display as the UV rays will thicken the polish therefore making your application harder and inconsistent formula."

Lastly, if you really struggle with nail polish of all varieties taking to or lasting on nails, press ons are a great alternative. They come in all lengths, shapes, solids and prints, but if you prefer a neutral shade Kandalec recommend KISS Bare But Better in Bare Nude .

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3. Seal the tip of nails with an extra swipe of polish and top coat

The trick of sweeping an extra thin layer of polish and top coat at the tip of nails really works. "The free edge is the end of the nail plate, so 'capping' it really seals in that color so when using your hands, there's an extra protective layer to help avoid any chipping at the free edge," says Haile. TikToker @lovefreshpaint shows this tip in action below with top coat.

Also smart: Reapply clear top coat every two to three days onto nails. Top coat can break down over time, especially if you're spending a lot of time in the sun. So adding extra layers every few days will help protect nail polish along with boosting shine to keep a mani looking fresh. "Top coat the most essential [thing] for a long lasting manicure," adds Haile.

4. How to make nail polish last longer: Dry nails properly

Ensuring polish is fully dry is key for helping a manicure last. That's because you want the polish to have time to properly adhere to nails so it's less likely to come off. Not letting nails dry is a surefire way to lead to smudging and chipping.

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5. Avoid having nails come into contact with these things

If you're ripping open Amazon packages or opening a can of sparkling water with your nails, you're likely going to deal with chipped polish. You really want to "baby" your nails to help protect the lacquer, says Haile. Using scissors or a knife to open boxes and forks to open cans will prolong your nail polish.

And the same goes for getting nails wet frequently, especially exposing them to hot water. The reason why? Moisture and hot water end up softening nails and loosens nail polish.

6.How to make nail polish last longer: Apply cuticle oil regularly

Massage one drop of cuticle oil onto each nail at least once a day. This might seem counterintuitive to the advice above, using cuticle oil keeps nails and polish hydrated so the color won't dry out and crack as easily. "People don’t realize importance of moisture," says Haile. "It’s also an essential part of a long lasting manicure. It helps prevent hangnails, dry, cuticles, and breakage." Check out the TikTok below from nail technician @nails.by.pip4 about why she tells all of her clients to use cuticle oil.

7. Paint your nails more often

While this isn't proven, TikToker @allyrooker mentions in her video below that she notices the more that she paints her nails, the more accustomed to polish her nails become.

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