3 Reasons Why Your Polish Is Chipping

Are you trying to understand why your polish keeps chipping? Here are 3 common reasons why this could be happening.
Improper Prep
I know I sound like a broken record when I say prep is everything. Nail polish simply will not last if it’s applied on top of an unfavorable surface. Imagine if you painted a bedroom wall covered in old stickers and oil splatters. Before painting that wall, hopefully you would remove the stickers, sand the walls and remove all the dust. This is also the process for nails!
Prep is crucial!
The nail plate should be free of oil, moisture, and dust for best results. To do this you can lightly buff the surface with a soft grit nail buffer then use acetone or alcohol (with a lint free gauze) to wipe away any dust or remaining oil. Which takes me to my next point.
Not Using a Base Coat
Base coat is the foundation for everything that is applied on top. It’s job is to create a strong bond between the natural nail and the polish that is applied after. Think of it as double-sided sticky tape; one side sticks to the nail plate and the other sticks to the polish. This is how to achieve optimal adhesion.
Some brands are coming out with nail polish that do not require a base coat. If you are NOT using a base free option, you will want to apply base coat every time.
Applying Coats Too Thick
Let’s get to the good stuff; the color! By this point you’ve prepped your little heart out, applied that annoying base coat that you might think does nothing, but actually does everything and you are ready for color.
When applying color you want to make sure to do thinnnn applications evenly. It’s very possible for chipping to happen when the application is too thick and can’t dry properly. Take your time, focus on each stroke and cover the entire nail from side to side, top to bottom. Tip: Start painting using your non dominant hand. You’ll have the most patience, focus and control at the beginning. For example; if you are right handed, paint your right hand first (using your left hand).
One thing to remember: 3 thin coats of polish is better than 2 thick coats of polish.
If you have any questions or comments, leave them below.
Cheers to a long lasting mani!
Tamika
So what about gel coats as well. Do you do one thin layer in-between putting your finger under the uv light?
Also could you give tips on stopping your gel nails from popping off so easily?
Thank you for all your tips
chia
Tamika,
Thanks for your message! Yes, with gel you will also want to apply 1 thin layer before curing in the light.
I’d love to help with your next question about gel nails. So when you say “popping off” do you mean they peel off easy? Also to clarify, are you talking about hard gel nails or gel polish?
Arlene Chacon
Hi Chia.
I follow your nail page on instagram but have always read your blog too. Anyhow I sent you this on Instagram but was thinking you might see it here better.
My nails are “b” level strength as I do get the occasional chipped corners (less than once a month). My nail length has been at the fingertip or a little past it.
I have been doing my own manicures for the past 8 years and lately this has been more of an issue than ever.
I make sure to do my manicures when my nails are dry (haven’t touched water in the past hour or two). I’ll push back my cuticles, cut only when necessary. Lightly buff the nail plate. Apply the dehydrator, nail primer, base coat, builder gel coat, and then the color layers. Curing each layer as I’m applying. Finally top it all off with a non wipe top coat.
My latest observation is this will happen on my middle fingers, pointers, and thumbs. I type alot at work and wash dishes without gloves in the morning since I am rushing but have been a bit brute with my hands way more before and have not had this issue.
Any ideas on how to improve this?
Thank you.
chia
Arlene!
Sorry I missed your message on IG, glad we can connect here.
Sounds like you’re doing a great job with your application. Typically issues can happen to the middle, index and thumbs because those are the most dominant fingers compared to the ring and pinky.
Your length sounds good, but what about the shape? If you have issues with the corners specifically, a rounded shape is best or even squoval (square with slightly rounded corners). This does the trick for some, so give it a try!
How is your nail hydration? Are you applying cuticle oil, nail cream, doing hand masks at least once a week? If nails are dehydrated, chipping can become an issue. Also take into consideration your location and the colder winter months.
Another thing to review is your removal process. Any difficulties removing your sets?
Have you tried new nail brands with differently level of quality?
Lots of things to consider. Please keep me posted!