Clean the Chipped Area
Uh-oh, you just noticed that one of your nails has chipped polish! Don’t worry, it’s a common problem that most of us face. When nail polish chips off, it can be frustrating, especially if it’s right in the middle of your workweek or before an exciting event. One of the first steps in fixing a chipped nail is to clean the area around the chipped nail polish. This process is simple and requires a few tools to get the job done. Here’s how you can clean the chipped area of your nail:
Firstly, take a cotton ball, a range of cotton swabs, lint-free wipes, or a piece of paper towel, and gently wipe the nail bed, the surrounding cuticles, and the nail tip. By removing the old polish remnants, any oil or dirt, or any residue on your nail bed, it will offer a dry and clean surface for you to apply fresh polish.
You should never directly start with nail polish remover or acetone to remove chipped nail polish. Doing this can strip away your nails’ natural oils excessively, which can make the nails brittle and weaker. Also, the chemicals can damage your nail bed and dry your cuticles, making the nail prone to splitting. Thus, keep acetone out of the picture! Instead, use a non-acetone nail polish remover which is less harsh on your nails, or pure ethyl alcohol (vodka) to prepare your nails for the next layer of polish.
If you don’t have a designated nail polish remover, you can buy it at most drugstores or make some at home. For homemakers, mix equal parts of lemon juice and vinegar in a bowl. Soak your nails for a few minutes, then lightly dip a cotton ball in the solution. Wipe it over your nails, then rinse in lukewarm water. If you opt for a bought remover, pour some onto the lint-free wipe and rub the nail gently.
If you don’t have either, you can still clean the chipped area. Just dip a cotton ball in water and remove any excess polish that is on your skin. Then, using the cotton ball, gently rub around the edges until all the polish is off.
Another trick is to clean the chipped area using a toothbrush. Wet the toothbrush and apply some shampoo or soap until it is soapy. Gently scrub your nails with the toothbrush to remove the polish. Then, rinse under lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
Having clean nails before the application of a new layer of nail polish is essential to prevent the polish from chipping easily. So, it’s worth investing a few minutes in cleaning the chipped area of your nail so, you will get smooth and chip-free nails in no time.
File down any rough edges
If you have a nail with a chipped polish, it’s important to file down any rough edges before attempting to fix it. This step is necessary to ensure a smooth surface and even application of polish. Here’s how:
First, make sure you have a good quality nail file. You can choose between a metal or a glass file. Metal files are usually cheaper and more readily available, while glass files are more expensive but generally last longer and are gentler on the nails.
Next, gently run the file across the edges to smooth out any roughness. Be sure to file in one direction, from the side of the nail towards the center. Going back and forth can cause more damage to the nail, so avoid doing this. Focus on the area where the chip has occurred, but also file the rest of the nail to make sure the surface is smooth and even all around.
After you have filed down any rough edges, it’s important to remove any nail dust that may have accumulated. Use a soft-bristled brush or a cotton pad to gently sweep away any debris from the nail. This helps to prevent the polish from flaking off later on, and also ensures a longer-lasting manicure.
Finally, apply a base coat to the nail before painting on your chosen color. This not only protects your natural nails, but also primes them for better adhesion of the polish. Make sure to let the base coat dry completely before moving on to the next step.
By taking the time to file down any rough edges, you’ll not only achieve a better-looking manicure, but also extend the life of your polish. Plus, your nails will thank you for it!
Apply a base coat
One of the best ways to prevent chipped nail polish is to apply a base coat before painting your nails. It may seem like an extra step, but it will help your polish adhere better and last longer. The base coat serves as a barrier between your nails and the polish, preventing it from chipping or peeling off easily.
When applying a base coat, make sure your nails are clean and dry. Begin by wiping them down with nail polish remover to remove any oils or residue, then use a nail file to shape and smooth the edges. Apply a thin layer of base coat to each nail, starting at the base and working your way up to the tip. Avoid applying too much or you will end up with a lumpy, uneven surface. Allow the base coat to dry completely before applying your color.
If you don’t have a specific base coat, you can use a clear or sheer polish instead. This will give you a similar effect and help your color stay put. Just make sure it is a quality formula so that it doesn’t chip or peel off easily.
Another tip for applying a base coat is to “wrap” the tips of your nails with each layer. This means taking the brush and running it across the edge of your nail to cover the tip. This will help seal in your color and prevent it from chipping or peeling off easily.
Remember that a base coat is not just for show; it truly helps your nail polish last longer and stay looking great. It only takes a few extra minutes to apply and is well worth the effort in the end. Give it a try next time you paint your nails and you’ll notice a big difference!
Paint over the chipped area
If you don’t have the time or the tools to properly remove and reapply your nail polish, another option is to paint over the chipped area. This is a quick and easy fix that can make your nails look much better in just a few minutes. Here’s how to do it:
First, start by cleaning off any dust or debris from your nails using a cotton ball or pad, and some nail polish remover. This will help ensure that the new layer of polish adheres properly to your nails. Next, take your nail polish bottle and give it a good shake to mix up the color pigment.
Before painting over the chipped area, it’s a good idea to apply a base coat to your nails. This will protect your nails from any further damage and make the nail polish last longer. Apply the base coat in a thin, even layer and let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Once the base coat is dry, it’s time to paint over the chipped area. Start by dipping the brush into the nail polish and removing any excess polish from the brush by wiping it on the inside of the bottle. Then, place the brush at the base of your nail and gently sweep it up towards the tip, making sure to avoid the chipped area as much as possible.
If you do accidentally get some nail polish on the chipped area, don’t worry. Use a small brush or toothpick to remove the excess polish before it dries. This will help ensure that the chipped area is covered evenly and won’t look patchy or uneven.
After you’ve painted over the chipped area, let the nail polish dry completely before applying a topcoat. This will help protect your nails from chips and scratches, and it will also give your nails a high-gloss finish.
Remember to let the topcoat dry completely before doing any activities that could damage your nails, such as washing dishes or applying lotion. Once the topcoat is dry, your nails will look as good as new!
One thing to keep in mind when using this method to fix chipped nail polish is that it’s a temporary solution. While it will help your nails look nice in the short term, you will eventually need to properly remove and reapply your nail polish to keep your nails healthy and strong.
If you find that you frequently have chipped nail polish, it may be a sign that your nails are weak or damaged. Consider using a strengthening treatment or taking a break from nail polish altogether to give your nails time to heal.
Seal with top coat
Chipping nail polish is a very common problem for all of us. Imagine having to get ready for an important meeting or a party where you want to look your best, and your nail chips. It not only ruins our look but also affects our confidence level. We all have been there in the past, so we know the frustration when you have to redo your nails completely. But, do not worry because we have got you covered. In this article, we will guide you on how to fix the chipped nail polish, and the easiest and most effective way to fix it is by using a topcoat
Using a topcoat is a great way to make chipped nail polish look brand new. It is one of the easiest and quickest ways to fix chipped nail polish. A topcoat dries quickly and helps to smooth the surface of the nail, making it look shiny and new. It also helps to make the polish last longer, so you do not have to redo your nails again and again. Additionally, a topcoat helps to protect your nails from chipping and breaking, making them stronger and healthier.
Before using a topcoat, you need to prepare your nails. Always make sure your nails are clean and dry before applying the topcoat. If your nail polish is chipped or peeling, then remove it entirely using a nail polish remover and let your nails dry for a few minutes.
The next step is to apply the topcoat. Choose your favorite topcoat that is high-quality and long-lasting so that it can keep your nails looking shiny and new for a longer time. Apply the topcoat just like you would apply regular nail polish. The key is to apply the topcoat in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next one. If you apply a thick layer, it will take much longer to dry and may not give you the desired result.
After you have applied the topcoat, allow it to dry completely. It usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes for the topcoat to dry completely. You can do other things while your topcoat dries, like reading a book or watching TV. However, avoid touching or doing anything that might harm your nails during this process, as smudging or bumping your nails might ruin your efforts and redoing it will waste more of your time.
If you want even better results, you can add an extra layer of topcoat after a few days of applying the first one. This will not only help to make your nail polish look shiny and new but also adds extra protection.
In conclusion, a topcoat is an easy and effective way of fixing chipped nail polish. It is a very affordable solution to fixing your nail chips rather than redoing your nails entirely. Using a topcoat will not only make your nails look shiny and new, but it will also help to protect them. So next time when your nail polish chip, reach for your favorite topcoat and say goodbye to redoing your nails until the next time you want to try out a different polish color.
