Post # 1
Member
2466 posts
Buzzing bee
Hello Bees! There have been many threads about nails on here lately which I lobe to look at to see all the beautiful manis. Now I have a question for those who do their own nails as I do (can’t spare the $ for pros – at least not unless I give up my jewelry addiction which is not likely to ever happen!)
How do u deal with/avoid the tips chipping and looking worn w/in just a few days? I file/touch up and reapply top coat daily but still only last a week at best . Do you use a specific brand of top coat or polish? Have a special setting technique?
Plz share your best DIY nail tricks!
And of course pics welcome 😉
Post # 2
Member
1578 posts
Bumble bee
I get my nails done, but they always put some of the polish around and under my nails so it doesn’t chip as much
Post # 3
Hostess
5080 posts
Bee Keeper
- Wedding: April 2007 - City, State
majorairhead: I do my own and would love to know too!!
Post # 4
Hostess
6691 posts
Bee Keeper
majorairhead: I always “tip” my nails with both polish and top coat — so a little bit of polish along the top edge and a tiny way under the nail, too. Same with the top coat. I use Seche Vite rapid dry top coat, which you can put on in a super thick layer over the nail. For me, it wears like glass. I generally do color and top coat touch up every other day or every two days. Following this routine, I can usually keep a color on my nails for about two weeks, if I want. (I usually do them every week, though, because I get bored and like to switch colors.)
I think a lot depends on the color and brand of polish. I find that certain brands wear better on me than others — same with certain colors.
ETA: I forgot to mention, but I always use a base coat, too.
Post # 5
Member
2563 posts
Sugar bee
My nails always chip, I have stopped caring. I started using OPI Nail Envy since my nails are pretty soft and the bending can contribute to chipping and I actually went about 3 days without any tip wear vs my usual less than one. I know people reapply a top coat/wrap tips every day to every other day but I can’t be bothered to do that.
Post # 6
Member
1978 posts
Buzzing bee
Use a glass nail file (lasts forever, fine grain), cutical oil (I use Solar Oil), and Zoya products only. I’ve recently started using Nail Magic which is supposed to help further with brittle nails. Also remember to give your nails a break every few manicures, and take a week off. I let coats dry between application, and make sure to add polish to the edge of your nails so it creates a bit more of a barrier.
It also depends “how” you use your nails. You may need to “relearn” how to type on the keyboard, for example.
IMO, a week with a manicure is great, and at least for me, touchups are not really avoidable. I personally enjoy swapping colors out, so I do it once or twice a week 🙂
People whose manis last longer usually use gel polish, which personally I would not do.
Post # 7
Member
1037 posts
Bumble bee
- Wedding: September 2014 - Merritt Winery
majorairhead: I give hubs fair warning that my nails are done and I will be unable to do the dishes. That works well enough for me. Buffing helps too!
Post # 8
Member
2466 posts
Buzzing bee
rosegoldgirl: Ha! Love it – no more dishes for me 🙂 Actually dishes are probably a big contributor to my nails’ demise
somethingbee: Someone gave me a glass file once – did not know they were better
longtimemrs: I use OPI but I will try Seche Vite – thx!
acglandorf: I do tips but never under – will give it a try!
somethingbee: what exactly is gel polish? Do u do it at home and does it require a light to dry?
Post # 9
Member
1978 posts
Buzzing bee
majorairhead: I think there are some kits that don’t require UV light, but you can really easily cause damage to your nails if you don’t follow the directions exactly, and imo I think there are additional risks given the ingredients.
Post # 10
Member
2865 posts
Sugar bee
I use a Orly Bonder for a base coat…it’s so good at keeping my nail polish on. The top coat I use is Seche Vite and it dries super fast and makes your polish look like glass!
I usually change my polish once every week and a half or so, not because it’s chipped but because I wanna try another polish lol.
You may also try the “sticky sandwich” method: base coat, colour, base coat, colour, top coat.
Post # 11
Member
240 posts
Helper bee
- Wedding: July 2014 - Sedona Golf Resort
majorairhead: I understand had to take a break after paying $85 (gel fill and gel pedi),not including tip, every visit!! I have now found a very reasonable shop now that I like. But while I was on sabbatical from the high prices I would use press on nails. They now have nice, thin, nail bed forming ones that look like a salon manicure. I used one set for a whole week and for only about $6-7 bucks definitely worth it! Try them, you will be surprised.
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This reply was modified 6 years ago by vllister.
Post # 12
Member
356 posts
Helper bee
I started using Jamberry wraps a few months ago! They don’t require drying time, they don’t chip or peel and ten days later they still look great! They would last longer but I like to change them up sooner than I would have to remove them.
I’m so hard on my hands that it was never worth it to do my nails or have them done, but I have my Jams on all the time now. PM if you want to know more…I love them so much I started selling them!
majorairhead:
Post # 13
Member
288 posts
Helper bee
majorairhead: I get my nails professional done every 3 months. However, in between, I do them myself. After a manicure I coat my nails with Perfect Formula Pink Gel Coat the first week. After that, I use OPI, China Glaze and as a top coat use Nails Inc. Gel Effect Top Coat with Kensington Cavier ($15) When I wash dishes or clean the house, I put a heavy coat of Vaseline on my cuticles, put on latex gloves and put my dishwashing rubber gloves and get to work. When I’m done, I take the gloves off and use a warm cloth to remove the excess oil. This protects my nails from chipping, keeps my cuticles moisturized and I’ve noticed my nail poish doesn’t chip as much when I use Nails Inc. Hopefully this helps
Post # 14
Member
2466 posts
Buzzing bee
KeeKalena: Haven’t heard of that but worth a try! and speaking of taking it off what do you use when it comes time to change polish? When I use a glitter polish -which does help to prevent chipping and looks really nice- I find it is quite difficult to remove and I have to sand /buff agressively and use polish remover which I don’t think is good for my nails :/
Post # 15
Member
2466 posts
Buzzing bee
WifeyGtoBe: I recently saw an ad for those and was wondering if people found them to be better or easier to work with! I may just have to give them a try.