Did you know that the first recorded use of nail polish was in 3200 BC when Babylonian warriors colored their nails to prepare for battle and show their social class? Since then, this cosmetic has become more and more popular and with more and more shades and types!
Painting your nails is an easy way to add a pop of color and a touch of elegance to your look. If you’re looking to give your fingernails a makeover, it can be difficult to choose what type of nail polish to use. Now that there are so many different types of nail polish on the market, which is best for your lifestyle?
If you’re looking for information on what nail polish to pick for your next manicure, read on to learn more!
Basic Nail Polish
Basic polish is the classic, inexpensive bottle you can buy from your local drug store. Application is easy and can be done at home or at a manicure shop.
It’s easy to remove with nail polish remover, but also chips easily. Usually, a manicure with basic nail polish lasts about five days before chipping.
Gel Nail Polish
Gel nail polish is also known as “hard gel.” You can use purple gel polish on either natural or fake nails, and can both extend and shape your nail with it. It takes more time and skill to apply, but it lasts about two to three weeks before chipping.
Gel polish is also more difficult to remove, and often requires going to a salon. The nail technician will have to sand away the gel with an electric file.
Shellac Nail Polish
If you book a gel manicure, you’re probably actually getting shellac, not gel. Shellac is a combination of gel and nail polish that drys harder than nail polish but can still be removed quicker than full gel polish.
When allowed proper time to dry, shellac lasts between two to three weeks without chipping. The best way to remove shellac polish is by soaking the nail in nail polish remover.
Dipping Powder
Dip powder is a quick and easy way to apply a manicure. It’s the best way to get precision nails without visiting a salon.
Instead of using lacquer, you’ll be using clear base coats and sealant before dipping your nails into a colored powder. The powder sticks only to the sealant, giving you a clean cuticle. Then a topcoat is applied to lock in the powder.
You can remove dipping powder just like other kinds of nail polish, but it might take more time. The powder sticks to your nails more effectively than other methods, so it takes a bit more acetone to remove. However, this also means that your manicure will last longer, usually between three to four weeks.
See this SNS nail system starter kit for all the equipment needed for an at-home dipping powder manicure.
Pick the Best Type of Nail Polish For Your Manicure
Hopefully, this article will have helped you choose what type of nail polish to use the next time you do your nails! No matter what color you choose, the right nail polish can make your manicure last for weeks without chipping or wearing away!
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