How to Make a Manicure Last, According to Experts

“Basic” may have developed a negative connotation in recent years, but there’s no shame in seeking advice on theoretically simple sartorial conundrums. In our “Back to Basics” column, we’re here to guide you through life’s most common (and important) fashion and beauty concerns.

Whether you’ve invested your hard-earned cash in a pricey salon gel manicure or invested your precious free time in an at-home DIY paint job, it’s totally understandable to want to get a little longevity out of your freshly polished nails.

First, consider what type of polish makes sense for your needs: Regular polish tends to last from five to seven days, making it ideal for specific occasions. Gel polish, on the other hand, is great for a longer-term wear time, as it can last for up to two to three weeks. Acrylics and other nail extensions are even more durable and can be worn for three weeks to a month, depending on natural nail growth.

“If someone’s manicures chip quickly, there might be two potential reasons,” says nail expert Jin Soon Choi, who is also the founder of an eponymous polish brand and a chain of New York City spas. It could be from “paper thin, weak nails. In this case, they can try taking biotin, vitamin E and protein supplements orally, as well as applying a nail strengthener to promote stronger nails. Or, it could be from an incorrectly applied manicure.”

Fashionista consulted a panel of pro nail experts for their top tips on making a manicure last. Read on for their insights.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Nobody likes dry hands, and that includes your nails. To maximize a manicure, keep hands moisturized and shielded from the elements. For example, Choi says, wear gloves while doing household chores, like washing dishes or using harsh cleaning products.

Protection against environmental factors is key, too. “Apply sunscreen to protect your hands from the sun, and moisturize regularly to keep your skin and nails hydrated,” she adds. (This is also a helpful routine to ward off signs of aging, like dark spots and skin laxity, in the long run.)

“If you’re traveling, chlorine from pools, salty sea water and sun exposure can dry out your nails, making your manicure or pedicure become dull and chip easily,” says Amy Ling Lin, the founder of New York City nail salon and polish brand Sundays. “Avoid soaking your nails too long in water (especially sea salt and chlorine water) as this wears down the polish. Always be sure to wash and moisturize after taking a swim.”

Glosslab founder Rachel Apfel Glass adds that moisturizing starts from the inside, too. “Drink tons of water. That helps with skin and nail health, in addition to moisturizing from the outside,” she says, noting that nail strengthening products (like her salon’s Superboost) are helpful to use in-between manicures.

Make Sure to Prep Properly

Just like primer preps skin for a flawless makeup application, the secret to a long-lasting gel manicure starts with the base coat.

“When applying a gel manicure, we look to dehydrate the nail and nail area as much as possible because any form of moisture — moisturizer, oil or anything — will cause the gel to not stay as long,” Glass says.

A dehydrated nail helps polish bind better and last longer, whether it’s regular or gel polish.

With regular polish, Choi says one of the most common mistakes people make when doing their own manicures is skipping a base and topcoat. This leads to especially poor results when using older polishes and strongly pigmented ones.

“A long-lasting base and topcoat are essential to help nail polish adhere better and to protect the nails from staining,” she explains. “High-quality products, like Jin Soon Hyperrepair, will ensure your manicure lasts longer and maintains a high shine.”

Let the Polish Dry or Cure Thoroughly

It can be tempting to check your phone or fidget, but properly drying nails is a crucial step towards ensuring a long-lasting manicure.

“Regular polish typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes to dry, but it may take up to an hour to fully set, especially for thicker coats or if using different pigments,” Choi explains. “On the other hand, gel polish can dry under a UV or LED lamp in about one to two minutes.”

Lin says that the first layer of a base coat tends to take one to two minutes to completely dry; this sets a foundation for the next coat. “But your first layer of nail polish will take up to 10 minutes to dry,” she adds.

“Certain factors can also affect the drying time, including the color of your polish — darker colors can take longer because of the rich pigment — and nail polish layers being applied too thickly,” Lin says. “Make sure to allow 10 minutes for your second layer to dry. If you are really short on time, use a quick-dry oil (like Sundays QD.01) or quick-dry topcoat (like Sundays T.02) to speed up the process.”

Choi warns that applying layers of polish that are too thick can cause uneven drying, which leads to inconsistent textures and, therefore, faster chipping. Glass prefers quick-drying formulas altogether and doesn’t use fans in-salon at Glosslab.

Get the Right Tools

Nail clippers and a file are essential tools to have on hand (no pun intended), regardless of the specific nail routine. Other helpful ones include a cuticle pusher, buffer, cotton balls, polish remover and moisturizing products, like lotion or cuticle oil.

“Avoid using metal tools under nails, since too much digging can cause the nail plate to separate (from) the skin,” Lin cautions. “Consistent trims are as important to your nails as they are to your hair, making them less prone to snags and breakage. Aim to clip them every two weeks.”

(Glass doesn’t recommend cutting cuticles at home. Properly trimming cuticles isn’t an easily acquired skill, and a poor trim can cause cuts that can lead to painful nail infections.)

“Don’t forget to take care of nail tools, too,” Lin says. “Disinfecting your nail tools between uses is just as important as regularly cleaning makeup brushes and helps decrease the chance of infections.”

Don’t Forget Topcoat

This last tip requires a bit of effort, but it but pays off, according to our experts. Lin explains, “Applying a topcoat every couple of days can help your look last longer and stop the nail polish from staining your nails.”

This step doesn’t apply to gel or acrylic manicures, though there are other ways to preserve those longer-lasting polishes: “Avoid using your hands and fingers as your tools, meaning don’t put heavy weight on your nails that will cause your nails to weaken and break,” says Lin, regarding all types of manicures.

Keep scrolling to see the best products and gadgets to use in order to make any manicure last longer.

Olive & June Nail Polish Mani Prep Set, $20, available here