Don’t you just want to SCREEEEEEAM about your nail polish chipping all the time? Like, you just painted them yesterday, and they’re already messed up.
What do they make nail polish out of?
Nail polish is made up of several key ingredients that work together to create a smooth, colorful, and long-lasting finish. The main component is nitrocellulose, a polymer that forms a film on your nails. This polymer is dissolved in solvents like ethyl acetate or butyl acetate, which keep the polish liquid until you apply it. Once on your nails, the solvents evaporate, leaving behind a solid layer of nitrocellulose.
To help the polish stick to your nails, adhesive polymer resins are added. These resins ensure the polish adheres well and adds a glossy finish. The color in nail polish comes from pigments, which can be either inorganic (mineral-based) or organic (carbon-based). These pigments give the polish its vibrant hues.
Plasticizers are included to make the polish flexible and prevent it from cracking or chipping. Common plasticizers are camphor and glyceryl tribenzoate. For gel nail polish, methacrylate compounds and photoinitiators are used. When exposed to UV light, these ingredients undergo a chemical reaction called polymerization, which hardens the polish into a durable layer.
So, nail polish is a blend of polymers, solvents, resins, pigments, and plasticizers, all working together to give you a perfect manicure.
How does nail polish actually stick to your nails?
That’s where adhesive polymer resins come in. These resins are made from substances like acrylates or methacrylates, which have excellent adhesive properties. To understand how they work, we need to look at the biology of your nails.
Your nails are made of a tough protein called keratin, which is also found in your hair and skin. The nail itself has several parts: the nail plate (the hard part you see), the nail bed (the skin underneath the nail plate), the nail matrix (the tissue that produces new nail cells), the cuticle (the clear skin at the base of your nail), and the hyponychium (the skin under the free edge of your nail).
For the adhesive polymers to stick effectively, your nail surface needs to be properly prepared. This means cleaning your nails to remove oils and debris, and sometimes lightly buffing them to create a slightly rough surface. This roughness increases the surface area for the adhesive to bond with.
When you apply nail polish, the adhesive polymers form chemical bonds with the keratin in your nails. These bonds are primarily van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds. Van der Waals forces are weak attractions between molecules, while hydrogen bonds are stronger interactions involving hydrogen atoms. These bonds help the polish adhere tightly to your nails.
As the solvents evaporate, the adhesive polymers form a continuous, flexible film that sticks to your nail plate. This film is what gives your nails that smooth, glossy finish. The adhesive resins ensure that this film remains attached to your nails, even when you go about your daily activities.
Why don’t they include an ingredient to make sure the nail polish doesn’t crack or chip easily?
They do.
Plasticizers.
These are special chemicals that keep the polish flexible, even after it dries. Common plasticizers include camphor and glyceryl tribenzoate. For those who love long-lasting manicures, there’s gel nail polish. This type of polish contains methacrylate compounds and photoinitiators. When exposed to UV light, these ingredients undergo a chemical reaction called polymerization, which hardens the polish into a durable, chip-resistant layer.
Well, if plasticizers are supposed to make sure nail polish doesn’t chip easily, and it still does, shoudn’t there be another ingredient in nail polish added to work better at keeping nail polish from chipping?
While plasticizers do help make nail polish more flexible and less prone to chipping, there are other factors and ingredients that can further enhance the durability of your manicure.
Base Coats and Top Coats
One of the most effective ways to prevent chipping is by using a base coat and a top coat. A base coat provides a strong foundation for the polish, helping it adhere better to your nails. It also smooths out any imperfections on the nail surface, which can help the polish last longer1. A top coat, on the other hand, seals in the color and adds an extra layer of protection against chipping2.
Nail Strengtheners
Another ingredient that can help is a nail strengthener. These products are formulated to improve the health and resilience of your nails, making them less prone to peeling and breakage3. Healthier nails provide a better surface for the polish to adhere to, which can reduce chipping.
Bonding Agents
Some nail polishes include bonding agents like OPI Bond Aid, which help the polish adhere more effectively to the nail surface. These agents work by drying out the nail bed, removing any moisture that could interfere with the adhesion of the polish4.
Proper Application Techniques
In addition to the ingredients, the way you apply your nail polish can also make a big difference. Applying thin coats rather than thick ones, allowing each layer to dry completely before adding the next, and sealing the edges of your nails with polish can all help prevent chipping2.
Gel Polishes
For those looking for an even more durable option, gel nail polishes are a great choice. These polishes contain methacrylate compounds and photoinitiators that harden under UV light, creating a tough, chip-resistant layer.
But yes, there are ingredients that could be added to regular nail polsh to make sure the nail polish doesn’t chip too soon, or as easily. These are:
- Enhanced Adhesive Polymers
First up, we have enhanced adhesive polymers. These are special ingredients that help the nail polish stick better to your nails – like super glue for your nails. They’re designed to create stronger bonds with the keratin in your nails so that the nail polish is less likely to chip or peel off.
- Cross-Linking Agents
Next, we have cross-linking agents. These are like tiny bridges that connect the polymer chains in the nail polish. When these bridges form, they create a stronger and more durable network. This makes the polish tougher and more resistant to chipping. One example of a cross-linking agent is epoxy resin, which is known for its strength and durability.
- Silicones
Silicones are another cool ingredient that can be added to nail polish. Silicones create a smooth, flexible film on your nails. This film helps the polish stick better and also adds a glossy finish. Plus, silicones make the polish more durable, so it can withstand everyday wear and tear.
- Nano-Particles
Now, let’s talk about nano-particles. These are super tiny particles that can fill in the microscopic gaps and imperfections on your nails. By doing this, they create a smoother and more uniform surface. This makes the polish less likely to chip. Some examples of nano-particles used in nail polish are nano-silica and nano-titanium dioxide.
- UV Absorbers
UV absorbers are another important ingredient. These help protect the nail polish from the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light can weaken the polish and make it more prone to chipping. By adding UV absorbers, the polish can maintain its strength and color for a longer time.
- Flexible Polymers
Finally, we have flexible polymers. These are special types of polymers that provide elasticity to the nail polish. This means the polish can bend and flex with the natural movements of your nails without cracking or chipping. One example of a flexible polymer is polyurethane, which is known for its flexibility and durability.
Can nail polish with those extra-strong bonding ingredients still chip in just two days?
Yes, even nail polish with extra-bonding strength ingredients can still chip within two days. There are several reasons why this might happen:
- You’ve Applied Too Thick A Nail Polish Layer
It’s happened to all of us – we paint our nails, wait for the polish to dry, and then find that it starts chip by day two.
Often, we blame the nail polish itself, when in reality, the issue is usually with our application technique.
Applying too thick a layer of nail polish is one of the most common mistakes people make, and it can lead to your manicure peeling off prematurely.
When you apply a thick layer of nail polish, it takes much longer to dry. This extra time spent drying can cause the polish to start to shrink, which leads to cracking and peeling.
Thick layers of polish are more likely to trap air bubbles underneath them. These air bubbles can also cause your nail polish to peel off prematurely.
To avoid these issues, make sure to apply a thin layer of nail polish. Allow each coat to fully dry before applying the next one.
And be patient – although it may take a bit longer for your nails to dry this way, it’ll be worth it in the end when your manicure lasts longer.
- You Haven’t Prepped Your Nails Or Cuticles
Why would you not make sure your nails are clean to start with? Any dirt or oil on the surface will act as a barrier between the polish and your nails, causing the polish to peel.
Remember to prep your cuticles before painting. Push them back and use cuticle cream to help the polish go on smoothly and evenly.
Be sure to use a base coat before applying your color. A base coat creates a smooth surface for the color to adhere to, preventing peeling and keeping your polish chip-free and looking great.
- The Surface Of Your Nails Isn’t Smooth
When you take a closer look, you’ll see that your nails aren’t actually smooth. They’re covered in these tiny ridges and valleys, kinda like the surface of your skin. So sometimes your nail polish just doesn’t go on smoothly.
And when you put on nail polish, it fills in those little valleys and sticks to the ridges of your nails. But here’s the thing: over time, the polish can start to peel off, especially if you didn’t apply it right or if your nails go through a lot of wear and tear.
If you want your nail polish to last longer and look fab, make sure to file your nails before you apply the polish. And don’t forget to use a base coat and a top coat along with your color polish. Trust me, it’ll make a huge difference!
- You Didn’t Cap The Tips Of Your Nails With Polish
A frequent error people make when doing their nails is neglecting to seal the tips and edges.
Skipping this step means the polish has less to grip onto, making it more prone to peeling.
By sealing the tips, you create a protective layer that minimizes chipping and peeling. This technique ensures your manicure lasts longer and keeps your hands looking fabulous.
- You Submerged Your Fresh Nails In Hot Water Too Soon
We’ve all experienced it. You’re eagerly waiting for your nail polish to dry, and in a moment of impatience, you decide to speed up the process by dipping your nails in hot water. Unfortunately, this shortcut can lead to your polish peeling off almost instantly.
The reason behind this is that hot water causes the molecules in your nail polish to expand, which weakens the bond between the polish and your nails. As a result, your polish becomes more prone to chipping and peeling.
So, the next time you’re tempted to immerse your nails in hot water, resist the urge and allow your polish to dry naturally. Your nails will be much better off for it.
- You Didn’t Use A Base Coat To Prep Your Nails
If you see that your nail polish is peeling off just a day or two after you put it on, it might be because you didn’t use a base coat.
A base coat is really important if you want your nail polish to go on smoothly and stay on for a long time. Think of it like a primer for your nails. It makes the surface of your nails smooth so that the polish can stick better. It also helps to stop your nails from getting stained by the color polish.
Without a base coat, the polish doesn’t have a good surface to hold onto, so it’s more likely to peel and chip off. This means your manicure won’t last as long, and you’ll have to redo it sooner.
So, if you want your nail polish to last longer and look better, always start by putting on a base coat before you apply any color. This little step can make a big difference in how long your manicure lasts and how nice it looks
- You Didn’t Use A Top Coat To Seal Your Nail Polish
If your nail polish starts peeling shortly after application, you may have overlooked a key step: using a top coat. A top coat is a clear polish applied over the color coat to seal in color and prevent chips and peeling. It also extends the life of your manicure by protecting it from daily wear and tear. Always include a base coat and top coat in your manicure routine for best results.
Applying a topcoat after your color not only creates a high-gloss finish but also acts as a barrier against potential damage from various environmental factors. Regularly reapplying a topcoat every few days can refresh the look of your nails and prolong the vibrancy of the color, ensuring your manicure remains flawless for as long as possible.
- You Didn’t Let Your First Coat Of Nail Polish Dry Before Applying Another Layer Of Polish
One of the most frustrating things that can happen when doing your nails is when your nail polish starts to peel off.
Happens when you haven’t given your first coat of polish enough time to dry before adding another layer.
When nail polish is still wet, it’s a bit more prone to peeling. This happens because the second layer sticks to the first layer while they’re both wet, which can weaken their bond and make peeling more likely.
Make sure to give each coat of polish plenty of time to dry before applying the next one if you want your manicure to last,
You might need to wait a few extra minutes for your nails to dry completely, but it’s worth it because your polish will last for days.
- You Didn’t Use A Nail Dehydrator Before Applying Your Nail Polish
Using a nail dehydrator before applying nail polish is important for creating a beautiful and durable finish. This step removes moisture and oils from the nail surface, which helps the polish stick better and can keep your manicure looking great for a longer time without chipping.
A nail dehydrator works by removing any leftover oils and moisture from your nails after you have cleaned them. This step is crucial for achieving optimal results, as it ensures that your nails are entirely free of contaminants that could affect any products or treatments you apply afterward.
By effectively drying out the natural oils that are present on your nails, this process enhances the ability of the polish to adhere more strongly, which in turn allows it to remain intact and show durability for an extended period of time.
The top coat of polish has difficulty bonding properly with the natural oils still present on the nails when these step is neglected resulting in poor adhesion leading to chipping off prematurely.
Why Does My Nail Polish Peel Off in The Shower?
It’s happened to everyone at least once: you step out of the shower and notice that your nail polish has started to peel off, from your toenails or fingernails.
But why does this happen? The reason has to do with the ingredients in most nail polishes.
Nail polish is made up of a variety of different chemicals, including pigments, resins, and solvents.
When these ingredients are exposed to water, they swell and soften, causing the polish to peel off.
In addition, the heat from a shower can also cause the polish to become brittle and more susceptible to peeling.
So, try and hold off having a shower (or bath) until your nails have fully dried, to keep them from peeling off.
Why Is My Gel Polish Peeling Right Off?
It’s frustrating when your gel polish starts peeling right off, especially when you just had it done.
There are a few reasons this could be happening. One possibility is that the nail technician didn’t properly prep your nails before applying the gel polish, like using a nail file and topcoat, or letting the layers dry before the next layer.
This can cause the polish to lift and peel off soon after it’s applied. Another possibility is that the gel polish wasn’t cured correctly.
UV light is needed to harden the polish, and if the nails aren’t exposed to enough light, the polish will remain soft and prone to peeling, so maybe you haven’t used a good quality UV or LED lamp, so the polish won’t cure.
It could be that you’re using a cheap or low-quality peeling gel polish. In general, gel polishes that are less expensive tend to be lower quality and more likely to peel off quickly.
If you’re having trouble with your gel polish peeling, it’s best to consult with a professional nail technician to figure out the cause of the problem.
How Do You Keep Nail Polish from Chipping so Fast?
If you’re like most women, you probably love the look of freshly painted nails. However, dealing with chipped polish can be a real hassle.
Fortunately, there are a few simple tricks you can use to keep your nail polish looking great for longer.
One of the easiest things you can do is to make sure your nails are properly prepped before applying polish.
This means using a base coat to protect your nail surface from staining and ensuring that your nails are smooth and free of any debris.
Be sure to use a top coat after applying your color. This will help to seal in the polish and prevent it from chipping.
Finally, try to avoid contact with water for at least an hour after painting your nails. This will give the polish time to dry and set properly.
Why Does Gel Nail Polish Peel Off Quickly?
Gel nail polish is growing in popularity for its ability to last longer and resist chipping better than traditional polishes.
Unfortunately, gel nails can often chip too soon if not properly applied or cared for.
Why is my gel polish peeling? When it comes to reasons your gel polish chips, most of the time, peeling occurs because the nail bed wasn’t properly prepared before the polish was applied.
Nails must be free from any oil, dirt, residue or dead skin prior to application so that the adhesive property of the polish can bond with the surface of your nail.
If there is any form of contamination present on your skin’s surface, it will affect how long your gel manicure lasts.
Incorrect curing procedures are also a major factor in premature peeling. For each layer of polish that you apply, make sure to use an LED light (or UV light if using classic products) to cure it correctly before applying a new one.
Not curing correctly means that layers don’t adhere correctly together and will end up coming off much sooner than they should have been able to stay intact.
Removing gel nails at home without proper tools can also contribute heavily to this issue as vigorous scraping may weaken existing structure.
Leading them more prone to damage later on when exposed to water or certain environment factors such as humidity levels which may lead them having shorter lasting results overall.
Despite being initially denser then classic polishes due their professional curing process through an LED lamp used by technicians during visits in salon services .
Taking these steps into consideration when prepping for and maintaining your manicure can help extend wear time significantly and ensure a beautiful finish that looks freshly applied until you’re ready for removal.
Why does nail polish peel off from your natural nail? After taking the time to carefully apply your polish, the last thing you want is for it to start peeling off within a day or two. So why does this happen? There are actually a few different reasons. One culprit is simply old polish. If you don’t regularly rotate your polish collection, the formula can start to break down and become less effective.
Another common issue is nails that are too dry. When your nails are dry, they can’t properly adhere to the polish, leading to peeling and chipping.
Finally, using a base coat is essential for ensuring that your polish stays put. A good base coat helps to create a smooth surface for the polish to cling to, making it less likely to peel off.
