Do you also want to add that extra shine to your at-home mani? Do you want to seal your precious DIY nail art for the longest time possible? Do you want to finish your gel manicures with a super strong and glossy gel that holds everything together? The answer to all these needs is simple – a top coat. Read on to learn what a top coat is and why The Nails Girl feels it is an essential part of your manicure kit.
What is a Top Coat?
As the name suggests, a top coat is the final step of your manicure. The top coat sits on the ‘top’ of all the layers of your polish and art and seals everything in together so none of it can budge. It is essential in your manicure as it provides additional protection against chipping and peeling. If you are DIYing your manicure, it will help lock in the nail color and provide additional shine.
Why is it Essential?
The main purpose of a top coat is to act as a barrier protecting the nail color from fading or chipping. Some other reasons why it is essential are:
1) If you want extra-glossy or super-matte nails, you can use the correct form of a top coat to achieve the look that you’re aiming for. Though most nail polishes are shiny, top coats add that extra gloss to the final look.
2) It protects the nail polish from scratches and peels and helps keep the manicure fresh for a longer time.
3) It seals the polish and prevents water from coming in contact with the product which eventually prevents damage to or decaying of the nail polish.
4) It keeps the bright-colored polishes intact by protecting against exposure to harmful UV rays. (Think how important SPF is for your skin and you’ll understand why top coats are important for your nails.)
5) Just like base coats prevent your nails from getting stained from the nail colors, a top coat protects staining of your nails from external stainers like food, water, etc. You don’t have to worry if you have to cook after getting a beautiful neutral-toned manicure with a good-quality top coat.
6) If you are DIYing your manicure, a thin layer of top coat can help reduce the drying time for your nail polishes. It can even make your regular polishes look like gels from the salon by making them appear thicker and glossier.
Types of Top Coats?
Depending on the formula and the finish, there are various top coats available in the market for you to choose from. There are air-dry top coats to be used with regular nail polishes and then there are curable gel top coats which are to be used with gel polishes by curing under a UV/LED lamp. In terms of finishes, there are glossy top coats and matte ones that serve different purposes and give different final looks. The glossy finishes have a more reflective, shiny effect. Whereas to give a velvet finish to your regular polishes, there are matte top coats that dull the shine of the product beneath.
FAQs
Can I double my top coat as a base coat?
Unless mentioned on the bottle, avoid using the top coat as a base since they both serve different purposes. Also, it may be quite drying to use the top coat directly on your natural nails as that is one of its properties. Plus, base coats have a strong adherence which cannot be provided by the top coat to stick the product to your nails.
Can I seal my regular nail polish with a gel top coat?
You shouldn’t ideally be putting your regular polishes under the UV/LED lamp as it may affect the product’s properties. But if you want to seal it with a gel top coat, make sure you do it a few hours after applying the regular nail polish and ensuring that the product is completely dry and hard.
We have shared a guide about the difference between base coat and top coat, Do check it out.
To Sum Up
A top coat is not just a finishing touch; it is a crucial step in your manicure routine. It provides a protective barrier to extend the life of your mani, keeping it looking fresh and vibrant for longer. By preventing chips, scratches, and stains, top coats help maintain your manicure’s beauty and durability. Remember, investing in a quality top coat enhances the aesthetic appeal and promotes the health and longevity of your nails.
