Q) “Does nail polish chip from the top or bottom? If I use a good quality colour, how important is it to use a good quality base/top coat? Or is it better to use a good quality base/top coat and a cheaper colour? I normally don’t bother with a top coat but should I?” – Jayne, Tas
A) According to Karon McKendrick-Taylor, O.P.I Educator & Trainer, nail polish can chip from the top or bottom. If your nails keep chipping at the cuticle, it’s because your cuticles weren’t properly prepared before you applied polish. She recommends applying O.P.I ChipSkip underneath your base coat to prolong the life of your manicure.”¨”¨If your polish is chipping from the tip of your nails, it’s because your natural nail bends and flexes, while the nail polish doesn’t. To prevent this from happening, McKendrick-Taylor recommends, “Avoid soaking your hands in water for long periods and use a nail strengthener as your base coat.” Bh loves: O.P.I Original Nail Envy, Revitanail Nail Strengthener and become Nail Strengthener.
McKendrick-Taylor says, “Preparation of the nail is vital so it’s always important to use a base coat. Base coats prevent staining your natural nails (especially when you apply dark shades) and most contain amino acids which bond to your natural nails and assist in prolonging your manicure.”
A top coat is equally important as it seals and protects the polish. McKendrick-Taylor says, “The top coat tends to be the first layer worn off after a manicure so if you don’t wear a top coat then your coloured lacquer will wear away faster.”¨If you want to prolong your manicure, reapply your top coat mid-week to add in another layer of protection.”
