Is it better to do 2 or 3 coats of nail polish?

You should always apply one coat of base coat, two coats of polish, and two coats of top coat for an optimal manicure. The key to a salon-like mani is covering your nail in three strokes – any more tends to result in streaky, clumpy nails.

How many layers should I put on my nails?

Nail technicians recommend at least two coats of color, but the more you do, the more opaque your application. Don’t worry if the first one looks streaky — thin layers will do the job better than thick uneven ones. Cure your polish in between each coat, placing your nails under the lamp for at least 30 seconds each.

How long does it take 3 coats of nail polish to dry?

Generally, it takes one to two hours before nail polish is completely dry, especially if you’ve used a base coat, two coats of nail polish and a topcoat. Formaldehyde-free polishes take more time to dry. Many nail polish dryers allow you to use your hands 5 to 15 minutes after polish is applied.

Do you need a top coat for nail polish?

The top coat should be applied to seal the polish, prevent chips and give the polish a beautiful shine. For women that are always wearing polish, they should always apply a base coat. The base coat protects the nail from the damaging effects of nail polish.

Can you put 3 coats of nail polish on?

Jin Soon, a NYC-based manicurist, recommends up to three coats of nail polish for full color coverage and a smooth, finished look. “If you apply more than three coats in one sitting, the application will be prone to clumping off in one piece, almost like a shell” she says.

Why does my nail polish always smudge?

“When we apply color in thick layers, the polish takes much longer to dry, and the longer it takes to dry, the more likely we are to smudge the manicure,” Candido says. Instead, apply thin, even coats and wait two minutes in between. The polish will actually dry faster.