How to Properly Take Care of Your Nails So Your Manicure Lasts Longer

Posted on June 5th, 2023.

Having a fresh, perfect manicure can make you feel polished, confident, and ready to tackle anything. But we all know the disappointment when that manicure starts to chip or lose its shine just a few days later. Here at Delane's Natural Nail Care, we are passionate about nail health and providing superior manicures that don't just look good, but last. Today, we're sharing our expert tips on how you can properly take care of your nails to extend the life of your manicure.

Understanding Your Nails

The first step in caring for your nails is understanding them. Your nails are made from a protein called keratin, and their health is influenced by factors including your diet, daily activities, and overall health. To keep your nails in top condition and your manicure lasting longer, you need to ensure you're giving your nails the care they need both before and after your manicure.

Before the Manicure: Preparing Your Nails

Before you even get your manicure, there are steps you can take to prepare your nails. By ensuring your nails and hands are in great condition, you'll be creating the best possible canvas for your manicure.

Keep Your Nails Clean and Dry

Keeping your nails clean helps to prevent bacterial and fungal infections that could affect your nail health. But remember, too much water exposure can weaken your nails. So, when doing tasks that involve water, like washing dishes, try using gloves to protect your nails.

Don’t Forget the Cuticles

Cuticles are the protective layer at the base of your nails. They prevent bacteria from entering the nail bed, so it's important to keep them healthy. Avoid cutting your cuticles. Instead, gently push them back if they're long, and keep them moisturized with a specialized cuticle oil.

Regular Trims are Essential

Just like your hair, your nails need regular trims. Use a fine nail file to gently shape your nails, moving in one direction to avoid causing splits or damage.

During the Manicure: Best Practices

The way your manicure is carried out can have a significant impact on how long it lasts. Here's what you should pay attention to during your manicure, whether you're visiting us at Delane's Natural Nail Care or doing it at home.

Base Coat is Your Friend

Before the color goes on, a base coat should be applied. This provides a smooth surface for your polish and can help protect your nails from staining, especially with darker colors.

Thin Coats Work Best

Rather than applying one thick coat of polish, go for two thin coats. This allows the polish to dry fully and adhere better to your nails, helping it to last longer.

Seal the Tips

The tips of your nails often take the brunt of daily activities, leading to chips and wear. By 'sealing' the tips with your base coat, color, and top coat, you can provide extra protection in this area.

Don't Forget the Top Coat

A top coat not only adds shine but also seals in your polish, helping to prevent chips and extend the life of your manicure.

After the Manicure: Maintenance Tips

Even after your polish is dry, there are still steps you can take to keep your manicure looking fresh for longer.

Moisturize Regularly

Moisturized nails are healthy nails. Regularly applying a hand cream or oil can help to keep your nails and cuticles hydrated, preventing peeling and breakage that could ruin your manicure.

Wear Gloves When Doing Chores

Household chores, especially those involving water or harsh chemicals, can wreak havoc on your manic ure. Wearing gloves while doing chores can protect your manicure and help it last longer.

Be Mindful of Your Nails

Try to avoid using your nails as tools. This might include actions like opening soda cans or peeling off stickers, which can lead to chipping or breakage.

Touch Up As Needed

If you notice minor chips or wear at the tips of your nails, don't be afraid to do a little touch-up. Applying a thin layer of top coat every few days can also help to maintain the shine and prolong the life of your manicure.

The Role of Diet in Nail Health

Just like the rest of your body, your nails need certain nutrients to stay healthy. A diet rich in vitamins and minerals, such as biotin, Vitamin E, and calcium, can help promote stronger, healthier nails. Include foods like eggs, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and whole grains in your diet to provide these essential nutrients.

Regular Professional Nail Care

Regular visits to a nail professional can help maintain the health of your nails. At Delane's Natural Nail Care, we not only offer manicures and pedicures but also provide specialized foot care, nail add-ons, and more. Regular professional care can help identify and address any potential nail issues early and keep your nails looking their best.

The Impact of Other Beauty Treatments

If you enjoy other beauty treatments, like waxing or getting semi-permanent makeup, it's important to be mindful of how these can impact your manicure. For example, if you're having a facial or waxing done after getting your nails done, the oils or creams used could affect the shine or longevity of your polish. It's usually best to get your nails done last to prevent this.

The Importance of Using Quality Products

The products you use on your nails can significantly impact their health and the longevity of your manicure. At Delane's Natural Nail Care, we believe in using only the highest quality products that are gentle on your nails and skin but still deliver outstanding results.

Conclusion: Your Nail Health Matters

Taking care of your nails is an essential part of your overall beauty routine. Not only will these tips help your manicure last longer, but they will also contribute to healthier and stronger nails in the long run.

At Delane's Natural Nail Care, we're passionate about helping our clients achieve beautiful, healthy nails. Whether you're interested in a manicure, pedicure, or one of our other services, our professional and friendly team is ready to welcome you and provide you with superior nail care.

Remember, beautiful nails are about more than just a great manicure; they're a reflection of your overall health and well-being. So, don't neglect them. Instead, make nail care a priority and enjoy the confidence that comes with having well-cared-for nails.

For further information or to schedule an appointment, don't hesitate to reach out to us at (510) 346-2457. Let's work together to keep your nails looking their best and make that manicure last longer!