Nothing is more frustrating than chipped polish, whether it's an application you've done for yourself or especially for a client. Polish applications that last longer means your clients are happier! There are several steps you can take to ensure long-lasting polish applications. 

1. Ensure proper nail prep. Nail prep is possibly the most important step in any manicure service. 

• First, you'll want to shape the natural nail with a file. A 240 grit is good for shaping the natural nail free edge. 
• Remove any dirt and oils with an alcohol-based nail cleanser and a lint-free wipe.  
• Push back the cuticles, and trim as needed.
• Buff the natural shine away with a 220/280 buffer.
• Cleanse the nail with nail cleanser and a lint-free wipe again.
• Recommended products: 240/240 Thin Wood File, Artistic Nail Cleanser, Gelish Nail Cleanser, Morgan Taylor Nail Cleanser, Lint-Free Wipes, Harmony Cuticle Pusher & Remover, Harmony Spoon Cuticle Pusher & Remover, Harmony 220-280 Buffer, Artistic 220/280 Buffer

2. Use a good base coat. Base coat formulas are designed to create a smooth, sticky surface for the polish to adhere to. This is key to a long-lasting polish application. Some base coats even do double duty by incorporating a nail strengthener or growth treatment, adding value to your clients' manicures.

• Recommended products: Morgan Taylor Stick With It, Morgan Taylor React Extended Wear Base Coat, Artistic Reactive Bonder, Morgan Taylor Reactmax Nail Strengthener & Extended Wear Base Coat, Morgan Taylor Reactmax Satin Nail Strengthener & Extended Wear Base Coat, Morgan Taylor Go Ahead And Grow Nail Strengthener & Growth Treatment Base Coat

3. Use a good top coat. Top coats are formulated to add an extra dimension of smooth shine (or matte effect if you're using a matte top coat) and a layer of protection. A good top coat will bring your manicures to life and give them that professional look. Some top coats also offer fast-drying to get you or your client on your way quickly.

• Recommended products: Morgan Taylor Make It Last, Morgan Taylor React Extended Wear Top Coat, Morgan Taylor Need For Speed Fast-Drying Top Coat, Artistic Dry Fast Top Coat, Artistic Reactive Gloss, Morgan Taylor Mattes A Wrap

4. Cap the free edge. From base coat, to color, to top coat, always capping the free edge will extend the life of your manicure as well as offer a finished, professional look. Capping the free edge means giving the free edge of the nail a quick swipe with your brush to apply product. This offers a layer of chip protection to the polish applied to the nail bed. 

Included below is a video from Morgan Taylor that perfectly illustrates each step in the manicure application process. As always, our team at Nail Supply Inc. is standing by to answer any questions you may have! Feel free to send us a chat or give us a call at 1-417-751-0132 Monday - Friday 9 AM to 5 PM CST.

Additional Products: Morgan Taylor Reactmax Optical Brightener Base Coat, Harmony Nail Polish Remover, Morgan Taylor Quick Dry Drops, Morgan Taylor Quick Dry Spray, Morgan Taylor Daily Elixir Keratin Treatment, Morgan Taylor Nail Polish Remover