Don’t you just hate it when you spot a chip in your nails just days after getting them done? So.damn.annoying. Follow these tried-and-tested tips to preserve your sanity and your polish. They may seem obvious – we’re looking at you, pickers of gel nails – but they really do make a difference.
By Liz Hambleton
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1 Use cuticle oil
A drop of cuticle oil every day on each nail will really help your manicure last and stop it peeling. It keeps your cuticles nice and moisturised so that they don’t dry out and lift up your polish. If you do get a peel, do not – repeat do not – be tempted to peel the whole nail back.
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2 Re-apply top coat
Reinforce your mani with a top-up of top coat about three days after your appointment. This will strengthen your nails and prevent any early chipping. If you have the same brand used by your manicurist, that’s best. If you don’t, your regular one is better than nothing.
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3 Don’t pick it off
DIY gel polish removal is a massive no-no. If it’s not taken off correctly, it can really damage your nails. When you peel off a gel you take the top layer of your nail with it, which will make them weak and bendy. Going to your salon is better in the long run: your manicurist will soak your polish off with remover that allows the nail to slide right off.