The Importance of Using a Base Coat for a Long-Lasting Manicure
When it comes to achieving a long-lasting, flawless manicure, two key steps often get overlooked: properly dehydrating the nail and applying a base coat. If you're skipping either of these, your manicure might not last as long as it should. Here's why these steps are essential and how they can elevate your at-home mani game.
Step 1: Dehydrate the Nail Plate
Before applying polish, it's crucial to remove the naturally occurring oils on your nails. These oils prevent the polish from adhering properly, causing it to chip or peel prematurely. To ensure maximum adhesion, the nail plate needs to be dehydrated.
The easiest way to dehydrate your nails is by using pure acetone. Soak a cotton ball or pad in acetone and thoroughly wipe down your nails. Be sure to apply your base coat soon after dehydrating the nails, and avoid touching them with your fingertips to prevent reintroducing oils back onto the nail surface.
If you don’t have acetone, don’t worry! Nail dehydrators or even rubbing alcohol can also get the job done. Just make sure your nails are oil-free before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Apply a Base Coat for Better Adhesion
Once your nails are properly prepped, it’s time to apply the base coat—a crucial step that ensures your polish lasts as long as possible. A base coat acts like glue, helping the nail polish adhere securely to the nail plate. Skipping this step can lead to premature chipping and peeling, significantly shortening the life of your manicure.
But that’s not all—a base coat does more than just enhance adhesion. Let’s dive into the different types of base coats and how they can benefit your nails.
Types of Base Coats
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Strengthening Base Coats
Strengthening base coats, like our Maxus Base Coat, are designed to protect your natural nails from breaking and peeling. While a base coat won’t be as powerful as a dedicated nail strengthener (since it’s applied less frequently), it’s a great in-between solution for keeping your nails strong and healthy. A strengthening base coat adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring your nails stay resilient while sporting your favorite color. -
Ridge-Filling Base Coats
If your nails have ridges or uneven textures, a ridge-filling base coat is a must. These base coats smooth out the surface of the nail plate, allowing for even polish application and flawless color coverage. The result? A more professional, polished look with fewer imperfections.
Why You Should Never Skip the Base Coat
Not using a base coat can lead to a variety of issues, including:
- Poor Polish Adhesion: Without a base coat, your nail polish won’t bond as well to the nail plate, causing it to chip and peel quickly.
- Discoloration: Base coats help protect your natural nails from staining, especially when using darker or highly pigmented polishes.
- Uneven Application: A base coat provides a smooth foundation for your polish, ensuring even coverage and long-lasting results.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Manicure with a Base Coat
Using a base coat is essential for achieving a manicure that not only looks great but lasts longer. It prepares the nail plate, enhances polish adhesion, and can even strengthen and smooth your nails. Whether you’re dealing with weak nails or ridges, choosing the right base coat can make all the difference.
Next time you sit down for a manicure, don’t forget to properly prep your nails and apply a high-quality base coat like our Maxus Base Coat. Your nails—and your manicure—will thank you!
Comments
Kasia
May 14 2018
Hello,
I just recently discovered Maxus Nails via Amazon while I was looking a natural nail treatments/polishes as my nails are very fragile, split and break, especially after a few no chip manicures. It took me months to grow back my nails and although they look a lot better, they still peel and break. I have ordered the base and top coats and admired nail polish, I just received my order today and can’t wait to use it and see the results. I am planning on ordering the other 3 colors as well as the strengthener as soon as it gets back in stock.
My question is…can I use the strengthener and a base coat? Or just one or another?
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