Do you use both a base coat and a top coat during DIY nails at home? Have you ever wondered why manicurists and individuals use a base coat before they apply nail color and a top coat over it? Well, base coat and top coat often serves several different purposes in the manicure process.
What is base coat?
Think of base coat like double-sided sticky tape for your nails. It acts as a barrier between nail polish pigments and the natural nail. A clear base coat is brushed onto nails before the application of nail polish, which helps the polish stick to your nail more easily and protects your nails from the damaging effects of nail polish. This includes yellowing of the nail and prevents the nail to become brittle. The base coat is essential in the manicure process. Once you've trimmed your cuticles, filed and shaped your nails, apply a base coat to help your polish stay around for the long haul.
What is top coat?
The top coat is the last layer applied over dried colored polish in the manicure process, which acts as a sealer to the colored polish. Top coat creates a barrier surface to protect nail polish against chips that come with daily wear and tear and helps strengthen the natural nail. If you want your nails with a natural look with just a bit of shine, just apply a top coat to it.
Skipping a base coat or top coat in your at home manicure can really affect the look and wear of the polish. Even is a colored polish is not desired, a base coat and top coat should be applied as it will prevent splitting and peeling of the nail. Protecting and sealing that nails will make for a beautiful manicure.
