Q: It seems that, no matter what polish I use, if I paint my nails myself, the polish peels off within 1 or 2 days. I use a top and a bottom coat, but the polish still peels almost immediately. I let it air dry, and try not to chip it while it is drying, but nothing seems to help! Any suggestions for what to do to have the polish stay on longer? Any good brands out there that perhaps I haven't tried?
A: 1) Never shake the bottle of nail polish you use, instead roll the bottle between your palms back and forth. Shaking may cause bubbles to form and transfer inside the polish which may cause peeling. This is because nail polish is a flammable liquid and by shaking the bottle may stir up the liquid and bubble of flammable vapor may form and try to escape when the bottle of nail polish is open. Use a good base coat and make sure it dries completely, then apply 2-3 coats making sure they dry completely before each coat is applied. For longer nails apply polish at tips one first coat and then equal coverage on 2-3 coats. Use a "quick-dry top coat" that will seal and help bond the polishes all together. (Sort of like a polyurethane sealer for paint) After a day or so, use a clear top coat, even if the polish is not chipping or peeling to protect the nail color. Use clear coat more frequently for longer nails. Always use gloves when washing dishes with detergent or other harsh chemicals, even gardening. Sorry but immersing your nails under water a few seconds is not a good method for drying your nails, a "quick-dry top coat" is more efficient. Since nail polish is a flammable liquid, which is heavier than water, may cause any loose nail polish to sink and/or peel away from your nails. Keep your nails filed regularly whenever snags appear and apply clear coat to protect them. Touch up and chips or peels immediately because once a small chip appears, the polish can "peel away" easily; similar to when paint peels of your walls, air gets under the polish and may cause the polish to "pull away" from your nail.