We all know how therapeutic it is to get your nails done! And sometimes, it is more comforting to DIY a manicure at home and give yourself the princess treatment you need. If you are someone who does your nails regularly, you surely know how so many steps in a manicure routine feel tedious. At times we feel the urge to skip a few steps that aren’t so ‘obvious’ in the final look of our mani. And applying a base coat has been questioned by many of us as to whether it is so essential. We all have been there and done that. But today, The Nails Girl will talk about why a base coat is an unsung hero for your perfect mani!
What is a Base Coat?
Simply put, a base coat is the first layer of products applied to your nails during a manicure. It is a thick, clear liquid painted as a layer on your nails forming the perfect canvas for any other product. The nail polish or gel polish sits on the top of this layer and the base coat helps adhere the product firmly to the fingernail. It is a special kind of product with a typical consistency that acts as a barrier between your nails and the nail polish. It is made of a sticky resin material that is adherent and allows sticking the polish to the nails.
What Does a Base Coat Do?
1) A base coat acts as an adhesive for a better grip of the polish on your nail.
2) It acts as a protective layer for the nails; sometimes there is some leftover ridging on your nails despite doing a decent nail prep and this is where the base coat takes charge. It fills in the cracks and ridges and smoothens the surface for a better polish application.
3) It is an integral element in maintaining the health of your natural nails by protecting them from the harmful effects of nail polishes or other products.
4) Even if you’re DIYing your manicure, applying a base coat before going in with your polish will give you a salon-quality result and shine and keep the polish from peeling or chipping.
5 Perks of Using a Base Coat
1) Smoothens
If there are any ridges or cracks on your nails even after the nail prep, the nail polish will be uneven as it will accentuate these tiny flaws. Applying a base coat will fill up these hollows, smoothing the ‘base’ of your nail and allowing for a flawless polish application.
2) Boosts Adhesiveness
The base coat makes your nail polish adhere more securely to the nail plate. It helps hold the product more firmly to the surface further preventing the chipping or peeling of the product.
3) Promotes Longevity
Applying the base coat ensures that you have an added layer of strength to your nails. A smoother application and a stronger hold eventually result in you pulling off your mani for a longer period. It makes the polish durable and enhances smoothness.
4) Prevents Yellowing
We all have gone through the pain of getting yellow nails after having a bright red or a pitch-black nail varnish for a longer time. This is caused by the strongly pigmented dyes present in these polishes. Having applied a base coat, you can prevent this pigment from ruining your nails as it acts as a protective barrier that reduces penetration. Had you known this earlier, you wouldn’t let your nails get stained with your dark nail polishes.
5) Nourishes
Besides making your mani look fresh and fabulous for days, base coats also help in restoring weak and damaged nails and their prolonged use can improve the overall health of your nails. Some base coats have certain proteins and vitamins that encourage stronger nails by hydrating and nourishing them.
Checkout our guide about the difference between base coat and top coat nail polish
FAQs
What will happen if I skip the base coat?
If you skip the base coat, you won’t be creating a base for your polish! If you apply a bright-colored nail polish without a base coat, you may stain your nails. If you keep doing regular manicures without a base coat, you might end up with brittle, paper-thin nails.
Do I need a base coat for gel nail polish?
For gel manicures, it is important to apply a specific gel base coat to adhere the polish properly to the prepped nails and to prevent chipping and peeling.
Should I use a base coat with regular nail polish?
Yes, it is the first and essential step for your DIY mani. It smoothens the nail surface, allows better application and longer stay, holds the polish firmly, and most importantly protects your nails from getting stained.
The Bottom Line
The base coat is an essential step in any manicure routine, whether you’re using regular polish or gel polish. Its benefits extend beyond just enhancing the longevity of your manicure; it also protects your nails from staining, nourishes them, and creates a smooth canvas for your nail color. By taking a few extra minutes to apply a base coat, you can significantly improve the overall health and appearance of your nails. So, the next time you’re tempted to skip this step, remember the perks it offers and make it a non-negotiable part of your manicure routine.
