How To Extend The Life Of Your Salon Mani

Ask FOr Three Coats of Color

Whether I am getting regular polish, gel, or dip they usually do two coats of color, but I usually like to ask for one more. I feel the extra layer really creates an extra bond that delays chipping.

Fill In Chips

I'm boring and usually always get the same pink or red colors (I always get major regret with anything else!) so it is easy to keep these basic colors at home and fill in any chips that I may get. Not only does this make the manicure look less raggedy but it also seals the break and makes it less likely to keep breaking off.

Add Clear Polish To New Growth

Ugh one of the most annoying things is when your gel or dip manicure is growing out and the edges near your cuticle start to pop off your nail. When you put your hands through your hair, every strands gets stuck under your mani and it is like nails on a chalkboard feeling. I like to use clear gel polish on these areas to keep them more sealed to my nail so I don't get that horrible feeling + they are less likely to pop off entirely. 

Add A Gel Top Coat At HOme

My mom bought me a personal gel lamp which I love to use when I can't make it to the salon, or if I get just a regular manicure I can slap on a quick gel coat on top. It's usually only a couple of days before regular polish starts to chip so this at home gel coat extends the life of the mani for at least a week. I've linked a few below you can purchase through Amazon, prime and under $30! (which is just the cost of one manicure!)

Opt For Shorter Nails

I know those long, coffin nails are in right now but my poor, weak nails just can't manage those that type of length for long. I've found that when I start a mani below the tip of my nail, my gel or dip polish lasts so much longer. My nails actually break underneath the gel/dip and leave just the polish behind!