Nail polish is one of the most popular beauty products on the market. Some people believe that nail polish damages nails. However, many nail technicians can assure you that you can use it to protect your nails from chipping and breaking. So, does nail polish protect nails?
While it may seem counterintuitive, using nail polish can actually help to protect your nails from damage and some other unpleasant factors.
The key is to choose a quality product with a non-toxic formula that won’t damage your nails in the long run and
is designed to promote healthy nails, plus you’ll need to apply it properly.
If applied correctly, lacquer can act as a barrier between your nails and the elements.
When nails are exposed to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures, the polish can provide a barrier that helps prevent nails from drying out, becoming brittle, and breaking.
Polish can also help to protect your nails from dirt, bacteria, fungi, and other harmful substances.
In addition to that, nail polish can hide any imperfections of the nail plate, such as cracks or chips.
Here is a closer look at how nail polish protects nails:
1. Nail polish provides a barrier from damage
Nail polish is often thought of as nothing more than a cosmetic item, but it can serve a purpose beyond making your nails look pretty.
Polish can act as a barrier between your nails and the outside world, protecting your nails from damage.
Your nails are constantly exposed to potential hazards, whether you’re typing on a keyboard or doing the dishes.
Everyday activities can put your nails at risk of chips, cracks, and breaks.
Nail polish can help keep your nails looking their best by shielding them from the elements, dirt, debris, or impact.
However, of course, nail lacquer is not indestructible, and it won’t safeguard your nails from everything.
2. Nail polish prevents water from being absorbed
Another benefit of nail polish is that it can help to prevent water from being absorbed by the nail plate.
Nails are often thought of as simply being a hard, protective layer for the sensitive tissue underneath.
However, when they are routinely exposed to water, they can become soft and weak. This is because nails are very porous and absorbent.
When this happens, they can become susceptible to breakage and other damage.
Nail polish creates a barrier between the nails and the water, and this can help to reduce the amount of liquid that is absorbed by the nail plate.
3. Nail polish can add support to soft, thin, and weak nails
If you have weak or brittle nails, you may also find it difficult to grow them out long.
This is because your nails are more likely to break or split when they are longer.
There are a few things you can do to help strengthen your nails and make them more resistant to breakage.
For example, you can apply a nail hardener or treatment, eat a healthy diet, and avoid activities that put too much pressure on your nail plates.
The use of polish is a great way to support soft, brittle nails and promote growth.
When applied properly, nail polish serves as a shield and reinforcement, giving them a chance to grow without breaking.
The key is to look for a lacquer that is free of harsh chemicals. These can further damage delicate nails.
Plus, try to choose a product that is fortified with nutrients like vitamin E (more on it below).
So if you’re looking for a way to help your nails grow stronger and longer, reach for a polish bottle!
With a little care and effort, you can grow long, strong nails.
4. Nail polish binds the nail cells together
If you’re looking to keep your nails healthy and prevent them from fraying or splitting, you may want to consider using polish.
Nail polish works by binding the nail cells together, which makes them less likely to break apart.
While it’s not a cure-all, it can certainly help to reduce the likelihood of your nails splitting or breaking.
This can be especially helpful for those who have naturally weak or brittle nail plates.
5. Nail polish protects your nails when you’re swimming
When you take a dip in the pool, you might not think twice about the effect it has on your nails.
However, the chlorine in pool water can be quite damaging.
This is because it dries out the nails and can cause them to become brittle.
One way to help protect your nails from the damaging effects of chlorine is to apply a coat of nail polish before you go swimming.
This will also help to reinforce the bonds between the cells in your nail plates and prevent them from drying out.
So, next time you’re getting ready to take a dip, make sure to give your nails a little extra protection by painting them with your favorite lacquer.
6. Nail polish protects your nails from the biting habit
If you have a biting habit, you know how difficult it can be to break.
Your nails become ragged and damaged, and it can be painful.
It can also lead to infection.
But did you know that nail polish can be more than just a fashion statement?
Polish can provide a barrier between your nails and your teeth, so it will help to protect your nails from biting and prevent them from getting damaged.
And if your nails are already damaged, the polish can hide the consequences and protect them from further damage.
So if you’re looking for a way to save your nails from the biting habit, try using nail lacquer.
It can reduce destruction and will help you break the habit for good.
Plus, there are special “stop the bite polishes” that have a bitter taste but are harmless.
7. Nail polish protects your nails from fungi and bacteria
Nail polish can help to prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria on your nails.
This is because, if applied correctly with no bubbles or lifting, the lacquer creates a barrier that these organisms cannot penetrate.
This is especially important for those who are susceptible to infections.
However, whether you are at the salon or doing your nails at home, it is important to make sure that your nail plate is cleansed well before you apply polish and that you don’t have a fungus already or you can make it worse.
8. Nail polish protects your nails from UV radiation
During the summer months, many of us spend more time outdoors, which can lead to increased exposure to UV radiation.
Wearing sunscreen is always a good idea, but wearing nail polish can help to protect your nails from UV radiation too.
However, not all nail lacquers are created equal and some, especially opaque ones, provide more UV safety than others.
Many polishes are formulated with protection against the sun’s ultraviolet rays to prevent them from fading when your nails are exposed to the sun.
What is the best polish to protect and strengthen nails?
There are a variety of nail polishes on the market, so it’s important to choose one that will be the best for your nails.
A good quality lacquer should be free of harsh chemicals and it should also be able to provide your nails with a protective coating.
Breathable Non-Toxic Nail Polish
If you are looking for a very simple and natural way to cover your nails, you can try using just a clear coat of polish, especially a strengthening lacquer.
This will help to keep your nails strong and healthy while also giving them a bit of shine.
There are also a few things to keep in mind when choosing and using nail polish:
- First, you want to make sure that you choose a formula that is free of harmful chemicals.
- Next, you’ll need to apply the polish evenly and smoothly.
- Finally, learn to remove the polish properly.
Only non-toxic nail polishes can really protect your nails
If you’re looking for a way to protect your nails, you may want to consider only using non-toxic nail polishes.
There are many reasons to be aware of the ingredients in your lacquer.
For one, your nails are porous, meaning that whatever you put on them is absorbed into your body.
Additionally, the chemicals in some polishes can be extremely harmful to your nails, causing them to become yellow, brittle, and dry.
However, by applying non-toxic nail polishes, you can avoid these harmful effects and keep your nails healthy and strong.
While there are many brands of polish that claim to be non-toxic, the leading high-quality ones are truly safe for your nails, like Orly, OPI, Essie, Sally Hansen, Ella + Mila, etc.
Here are a few things to look for when choosing a non-toxic nail polish:
- Look for a brand that is free of formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, and toluene. These chemicals are known to be harmful to your nails and can cause long-term damage.
- Choose a nail polish that is water-based or has natural ingredients. These products are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions.
- Select a polish that contains vitamins that will nourish your nails. Vitamins are essential for healthy nails, and using a lacquer that comes with them can help you to keep your nails strong.
There are nail polishes that can even strengthen your nails
Strengthening nail polish is a type of lacquer that is specifically formulated to make nails stronger and less prone to breakage.
This kind of polish typically contains ingredients like keratin and protein, which help to fortify the nails.
It is important to note that a strengthening polish is not a cure for brittle nails, but it can help to prevent further damage and make the nails more resilient.
A good strengthening product can harden your nails and add shine.
Nail polish removers can also improve the health of your nails instead of damaging them
We’ve all heard horror stories about how nail polish removers can damage your nails, leaving them dry and brittle.
But what you may not know is that not all removers are created equal.
Some products on the market can improve the health of your nails instead of damaging them.
How is this possible? It all comes down to the ingredients.
Nail polish removers that contain moisturizers and vitamins are much gentler on your nails than those that contain harsh chemicals.
So, next time you’re in the market for a new remover, be sure to check the label
Apply nail polish properly
It’s important to apply nail polish properly for it to protect your nails.
Here are some tips:
- Start with a clean nail plate. Make sure your nails are well-cleansed and free of any oils or debris before you start painting.
- Use a base coat. This will help your nail polish adhere to your nails and prevent it from chipping.
- Be patient. Allow each coat of polish to dry completely before applying the next one.
- Finish with a top coat. This will give your nails a glossy finish and help protect your manicure from chipping.
Prep the nails by cleansing and dehydrating the nail plate
Before applying nail polish, it is important to cleanse and dehydrate the nail plate.
This will prevent moisture and bacteria from being trapped under the polish.
To cleanse the nail plate, simply use a nail cleanser or Isopropyl Alcohol and a lint-free wipe.
To remove moisture from the nail plate, you can use a special dehydrator, which can improve the longevity of your manicure a lot.
Use a base coat to add a layer of protection to your nails and prevent your nail plate from being stained
If you want your manicure to look its best, it’s important to use a base coat.
A base coat is a special clear or lightly colored lacquer product that you apply before your color polish.
It acts as a barrier between your nails and the color polish, and it helps to prevent the color layer from staining your nails.
The base coat also creates a smooth surface for your polish to adhere to.
Without this step, your nails are more likely to chip or peel.
Use a top coat for better protection
To make your polish even more effective in protecting your nails from breaking and becoming brittle, it’s important to use a top coat to seal in the color layers.
A top coat will also help to prevent the polish from chipping and flaking too soon.
Remove polish properly to avoid damaging your nails
It’s important to remove your nail polish properly to avoid damaging your nails.
Don’t try to pick it off.
Here are some tips for taking lacquer off safely:
- Soak a cotton ball in nail polish remover.
- Gently press the cotton ball onto your nail for a few seconds.
- Wipe the polish off of your nail.
- Repeat steps 2-4 until all of the polish is removed.
While nail polish may not protect nails from all types of damage, it can help to seal and protect nails from daily wear and tear, as well as from many unpleasant factors and elements.
So, if you’re looking to protect your nails, don’t be afraid to reach for nail polish.
In addition to that, using a quality base and top coat can add extra protection to your nails and extend the life of your manicure.
Recommended reading:
Best Professional Gel Nail Polish Brands Used In Salons
Non-Toxic Gel Nail Polish Brands 101: Choose The Safest Gel Nail Polish
Best No Light Gel Polish — Gel Nail Polish Without UV Light
Best Gel Base And Top Coat: The Updated List Of The Best Gel Nail Base And Top Coat Sets
Best Small Salon Reception Desk For A Tight Space: Make An Amazing First Impression!
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