There’s nothing like the feeling of freshly polished nails — glossy, flawless, and Instagram-ready. But if your manicure starts chipping just a few days later, it can be frustrating (especially after treating yourself at the salon!).

Good news: with a few small changes, you can dramatically extend the life of your manicure — whether it’s regular lacquer, gel, or dip. Here are 7 expert-approved tips from our nail technicians at [Your Salon Name] to keep your nails looking perfect for longer.

1. 🧼 Start With Clean, Dry Nails

Your polish needs a clean canvas. Before applying any product, make sure nails are:

• Free of oils and lotion

• Lightly buffed and shaped

• Completely dry

At our salon, we always prep your nails properly to ensure the polish bonds well and stays put.

2. 💅 Don’t Skip the Base Coat

A high-quality base coat:

• Helps polish adhere better

• Prevents staining

• Smooths out ridges

We use salon-grade base coats that not only help color last longer but also protect your natural nails underneath.

---

3. ✨ Go With Thin Layers (Yes, Even Gel!)

Whether you’re applying regular polish or gel, thinner coats are key. Thick layers:

• Take longer to dry or cure

• Are more prone to peeling and bubbling

We apply polish in thin, even coats and cure properly to avoid early lifting or chipping.

4. 🔥 Seal the Edges

You know that final swipe across the tips of your nails? That’s called “capping the free edge”, and it seals the polish to prevent early chips — especially important if you’re hard on your hands.

We always seal the edges of your nails during application, and it’s something you can request if you’re noticing early tip wear.

---

5. 🧴 Moisturize Your Cuticles Daily

Hydrated nails are healthy nails, and healthy nails hold polish better. Dry nails tend to peel, crack, and cause polish to lift.

Use cuticle oil daily and hand cream after washing your hands. We recommend applying a few drops of cuticle oil every night before bed — it makes a huge difference.

---

6. 🧤 Wear Gloves for Chores

Water, soap, and cleaning products break down polish — even gel over time. To protect your manicure:

• Wear gloves while washing dishes or cleaning

• Avoid long soaks in hot water

Trust us, your nails will thank you.

---

7. 🔧 Don’t Use Your Nails as Tools

Avoid using your nails to:

• Open cans

• Peel off labels

• Scratch off surfaces

It’s one of the top causes of chips and breaks. Treat your manicure like jewelry, not tools — especially with regular polish or natural nails.

---

Bonus Tip: 💎 Book With Professionals

At KDO Nails Studio, we use high-quality products, proper prep techniques, and expert application methods to make sure your manicure lasts as long as possible.

Want a manicure that actually lasts? Book your next appointment with us and feel the difference!

💬 Over to You:

How long does your manicure usually last? Have you tried any of these tips? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag us in your manicure photos on Instagram — we love seeing your nail looks!