Making That Mani Last // BloomMe HK
What’s worse than a typhoon hitting Hong Kong on a Saturday? Chipped and bumpy manicures, that’s right. It can be absolutely heartbreaking when you look down at your brand new colour only to realise that it has suddenly become a hot mess. Or when it is only day 3 of your new manicure and it is already chipping everywhere!
Here are our handy tips to keeping that colour as long as possible, and looking salon chic for longer.
Get your nails shaped properly
When you are in the shaping portion of your manicure, ask the technician to file your nails in the same direction. When your nails are buffed in a back and forth motion, the nail fibres become weakened and that’s what causes splits and tears. By filing in the same direction, you’ll help to keep the fibres strong and avoid that manicure chipping off.
Don’t shake your nail polish!
If your nail polish has been sitting in one position for a long time, or if there is dust on the bottle when the technician brings it over, make sure to roll it around in your hands rather than shake the bottle to get it mixed. Shaking a nail polish causes bubbles to form in the bottle which will then result in a not-so-perfect finish on your nail.
Get those edges sealed
When it comes time for the top coat, insist that the technician focuses on painting and sealing the very tip of the nail. Almost all technicians in Hong Kong are vigilant with this, and if you really want to kick the longevity of the nail up a notch then ask them to do two coats on just the tip.
Avoid those quick-dry top coats
While it may sounds like the best thing since sliced bread and avocado, quick dry top coats are actually what may be causing your nails to chip faster. The chemicals and makeup of the quick dry coats means that it tends to evaporate incredibly quickly which leaves your new polish soft and susceptible to bumps.
Keep those nails hydrated
Like a machine, keep those nails well oiled to achieve maximum efficiency. As your nails become dehydrated and dry in the Hong Kong climate of air-conditioning at full blast, the enamel begins to flake away leaving the polish to separate. Combat this by rubbing in some nail oil whenever you feel your nails may need a little boost. Gently begin by circulating the oil into the cuticle and make sure to include the sides too.
Say sayonara to products that contain high levels of alcohol
Yes, you can still have wine after work. But in order to keep that manicure as long as possible, stay away from hand sanitisers, lotions with strong scents, and obviously avoid all household cleaners (wear gloves if you must). Alcohol eats away at your polish leaving it with that nasty faded, chipped look. Avoid alcohol-heavy products, enjoy more alcoholic drinks!
Be gentle on your nails!
Did you know that it can take up to 12 hours for your nails to properly dry? While we stride out of the salon confident that the superficial layers of the polish are dry, spare a thought for the underlying layers that haven’t quite solidified. If you find that you often wake up with your new manicure bruised or lumpy, then try to avoid getting a manicure later in the night. Early morning manicures give your nails longer to adjust and dry properly.