It may sound superficial, but there are few things worse than breaking or chipping a freshly painted nail, and more importantly, a freshly paid for nail. There was the appointment that had to be made, the waiting, and of course, the paying. There is nothing wrong with spending a little time to pamper an otherwise full and busy day, and ruining what was just perfect can make women hesitant to do so again. “I broke a nail” can be more than just an inconvenience in today’s age, it can take a hit on any hard-earned extra spending money. Whether you’re in the salon and having it done professionally, or taking the time to do it yourself, keeping a manicure fresh is a good way to save time and energy. Use these simple tricks to help keep a manicure (or pedicure) as fresh as the day it was done.
1) File regularly
Keep a pack of “emergency files” on you at all times. In your purse, car, or in your coat“ wherever works best for your schedule. A hangnail or snag can occur at any time and fixing them immediately keeps the problem from becoming a bigger one. For those who are minimalists, cary a mini file. Many can be found in a matchbox-like container that carries several files on the go. For those who aren’t worried about being so minimal, keep an entire mini-mani kit on your person. Packs with nail clippers, cuticle trimmers, etc. can be found that compact into only a few inches, which is perfect for on-the-go nail care.
2) Make do
No matter the situation (well, maybe not when camping) something can be done to save a hard-earned manicure, or at least delay its demise. At the office? Color chipped edges with a matching Sharpie. Nail coming unglued? Use a bit of clear tape to help secure it. Pencil erasers can double to clean up cuticles, and scissors work as excellent nail clippers (watch those fingers!). Getting creative can help save a manicure. And why it might not look the best close up, chances are, even at minimal distances, no one will be able to tell.
3) Prevent
Of course the best case scenario is to not need to fix a manicure at all, right? To help problems like nail snags or chipping polish from arising, take quality measures to ensure a manicure will last. A good buffing will help polish go on evenly and adhere to the nail’s surface. A primer coat can do the trick as well. To keep nails from bending or breaking, strengthen them with vitamin-enriched top coats. However, eating healthy and taking a daily vitamin will also help yield the same results. And finally, the best way to keep the paint on and the shine on high, is to use a quality clear coat, and to use it often. Apply a coat once nails are dry, and one or two more coats after the manicure is a few days old and nails have lost their shine. Cheap clear coats can chip or cover without sealing the polish in. Invest in a quality brand to keep nails shiny and chip-free.
