Maybe it’s just us, but even with a steady hand and our best top and base coats, making a DIY mani last as long as the real thing from a salon is HARD. We’ve never really understood how manicurists work their magic – that is, until now. It turns out that there are a few quick fixes you can make to your at-home polish routine that will majorly up the longevity of your manicure.

1. Apply white vinegar before basecoat

Even if you can’t see them, leftover oils and gunk on your nails can make it more difficult for nail polish to ultimately adhere to your nail. A quick swipe of white vinegar with a cotton swab before breaking out bottles of nail polish will clean up any mess and create a fresh surface.

2. Always buff your nails

This can seem like an easy step to skip since you won’t see it once your nails are polished, but it can lead to a majorly long-lasting mani later on. Always make sure to buff your nails – it will lead to smoother coats of nail polish.

3. Shorter nails mean a longer lasting mani

It’s sad but true: if salon levels of longevity are what you’re going for, nails that are trimmed to the shorter side will help you avoid nicks and chips.

4. Don’t shake the polish bottle

Instead, roll it between your palms. Shaking the bottle causes small air bubbles to form, which can transfer to your nail and cause chipping.

5. Apply 2-3 thin coats

When it comes to your coats of nail polish, less is more. 2-3 thin coats will result in less chips than one thick coat. We know, it’s time consuming, but it’ll be worth it when you don’t have to redo your entire mani in 24 hours.

6. Use topcoat right away

Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn’t be waiting for your last coat of nail polish to dry before applying topcoat. This allows the topcoat to mix with your nail polish and work its magic.

7. Add extra topcoat to your tips

Since the tips of your nails tend to chip first, it makes sense that you’d want a little extra topcoat to protect them. After applying topcoat to your nail, brush it onto the exposed edge of your nail, creating a clear “French manicure” of sorts.

8. Reapplying topcoat is key 

To keep your nails looking fresh, you’ll want to add another layer of topcoat every 2-3 days. It’ll re-seal your mani and add shine.

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[Photo: afterDRK]