How to fix a chipping nail polish?

It can be frustrating to notice small cracks appearing on polished nails, especially when they show up just a few hours after applying the polish. In these moments, it can be challenging to muster the courage to start all over again. The chipping of nail polish typically results from a loss of adhesion between the different layers of the manicure, that is, between the base, the nail polish, and the top coat, or between the polish and the nail surface itself. Several factors can cause this: inadequate nail preparation, overly thick layers of polish, premature exposure to water or household products... Biologically, even though the nail is dead matter, it exchanges water with its environment, which can affect the durability of the polish film, especially if it is poorly polymerized.

Even though it may be tempting, one should avoid scratching the part of the nail polish that is starting to chip off.

By peeling off a portion of the nail polish, there's not only a risk of removing an intact portion, but also of lifting keratin layers on the nail surface, creating irregularities that are difficult to correct. In the long run, this makes the nail more fragile, more porous, and therefore more susceptible to future damage, including during the next application. If the chipping is not extensive, the best approach remains the localized touch-up. To do this, start by gently smoothing the edges of the chipped area with a buffer, to create a clean zone. You can then apply a thin layer of polish only in this area. If you're worried about overlapping onto neighboring layers of polish, you can use a very fine brush or delineate the area with tape. Once the polish is dry, you can cover the entire nail with a layer of top coat.

This technique works well when the shine is subtle or localized to one or two nails. However, if the chipping is more extensive, it is often more prudent to remove all of the nail polish and start the application process again.