"If you're really into sports, the gym or are just very active, you've got to expect your manicure will take a beating," says Hipp. If this sounds like you, no biggie — just choose a clear gloss or a nude shade that minimizes chips and nicks. "If you really want to show off, a couple coats of chunky glitter will stay put through almost anything!" adds Hipp.
Image via Imaxtree
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Your nail beds are oily
As strange as it sounds, this totally can happen. "Some of us hold oil in our skin, even in our nails, which results in oily nail beds," says Saulsbery. "This causes chipping at the bottom of the nail plate." She recommends finding a good ridge filler or nail strengthener and working them into your beauty routine to keep your nails in tip top shape 24/7.
Image via Imaxtree
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You cook with coconut oil
No, you don't have to quit your coconut oil obsession, but you may want to put on gloves when you pour it or cook with it. "Nail polish and coconut oil just don't get along — and the same is true of water," says Hipp. "On the other hand, cuticles love some extra moisture in between polish changes, so keep hands healthy and hydrated with a non-coconut oil based lotion."
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You blow on your nails
It's a normal reaction to want to blow on your nails, especially right after you get them done. But, believe it or not, this is about the worst thing you can do for your manicure's longevity, Hipp says. "Polish is extremely sensitive to heat and moisture, so instead, try a cool fan or a blow dryer on the cool setting," she says. "Paint in a cool, dry, open-air setting...not in the bathroom or right out of a shower." Besides the need for plenty of ventilation, she recommends storing polish in a cool, dry, shady place — but not the fridge, as it will cause polish to become thick and gooey later.
