I can understand if you are on the verge of giving up on nail polish because of scratches. My friend was once in your shoes until I listed out the causes of the scratches and how she can prevent it before she continued again.

Nail polish is a great way to add a pop of color and glamour to your look, but it can be frustrating when your nails are marred by unsightly scratches. Do you know why your nail polish has scratches? there are a few potential causes to consider.

One of the common reasons your nail polish has scratches dry nails: If your nails are dry and brittle, they will be more prone to scratches. Make sure to hydrate your nails with a moisturizer or oil before applying nail polish.

4 Causes of Scratched Nail Polish

The following are the reasons why your nail polish has stretches

1.  Contact with hot water

Your nail polish has scratches because it was poured over too hot of water. The heat causes the oils in the polish to separate and start creating bubbles. As a result of the bubbles that are developing, your nail polish begins to breed scratches. Hot water is not ideal for your nail polish.

2. Lack of shatter-proof materials

It is also possible for your nail polish to scratch because it does not contain shatter-proof material, which can make it more fragile and not easily prone to breakage. The nail polish can also break if you keep your fingers closed for a long time.

3. Tiny base coat

Nail polish

Another cause of scratches on your nail polish is the base coat. If you picked a base coat that was too thin or applied it too thinly, you could have gotten some bubbles in the product. This could definitely cause nail polish to have scratches.

4. Toxic chemical

Nail polish that contains chemicals known to be toxic such as formaldehyde which is not stable and could cause the polish to have scratches. Also, some types of glass usually used by supermarkets to make bottles and containers can contaminate nail polish.

How to Get Rid Of Scratches Out of your Nail Polish

Having scratches on your nail polish should not be the end of the world. The following are ways you can easily get rid of scratches from your nail polish:

1. Toothpaste

You can solve your nail polish problem with the help of toothpaste. Rub a little on the scratched area and wipe it off with a cotton ball. Do this at least twice a day for about two weeks to see results.

2. Use nail polish remover

To remove the scratch from your nail polish, first, use nail polish remover and cotton to wipe away any excess polish left on your nail.  Apply a top coat of nail polish clear or colored over the scratched area. Wait until it is dry and then gently remove the extra polish with a Q-tip dipped in nail polish remover; don’t use a cleaner that contains acetone as it may discolor your nails. Once dry, carefully peel off the top coat. The scratch will cease to exist.

3. Dap a little bit of polish

Also, you can get out scratches from your nail polish by putting a little bit of the polish on a paper towel and then dabbing gently over the scratch. You can also apply a little bit on the top of your fingernail then rub it back and forth to spread it out.

4. Clean off the entire polish

In a case where the situation of the scratches is beyond control and any of the aforementioned solutions cannot resolve it, kindly wipe off the entire polish and reapply it. This is preferable to start from scratch than have to battle with a messy polish. Only ensure that you do it carefully while following the right steps.

4 Ways to Avoid Scratches on Your Nail Polish

Truly, getting your nail polish scratched is not the end, but why do you have to go through that stress and frustration when it can be avoided in the first place? The following are ways to prevent it:

1. Use a topcoat

Protect your manicure from scratches by using a top coat. Paint the top of your nail with a clear polish, let it dry, and then apply another layer. This will protect your polish from chipping and leave you with a smooth shine. To prevent your nail polish from getting scratched, first use a base coat. Then apply two layers of color, letting each coat dry completely between each application.

2. Ensure that your nails are moisturized

Keeping your nails moisturized is another great way to prevent scratched nail polish. Use a non-abrasive nail brush and a regular massage of olive oil or castor oil on your nail as the basis. If you always get a scratch, make sure that your nails are properly primed and moisturized before painting them.

Also, you should not apply too much pressure when you paint your nails as this can lead to cracking and flaking.

3. Avoid shaking the polish before using it

In case you are not aware, not aware of its implication, the act of shaking causes bubbles, and those bubbles cause scratches which is what you do not want. Thus, I advise mixing it without creating bubbles by rolling the container between your palms if need be.

4. Avoid excessive water contact

Excessive nail polish contact with water can also cause scratches on your nail polish. Therefore, ensure that you keep it dry as much as possible to avoid dealing with scratches and chips all the time.

How Long Should I Let Nail Polish Dry?

First, it’s important to understand that the drying time for nail polish can vary depending on the type of polish you’re using. For example, regular nail polish will take longer to dry than a quick-drying formula. Additionally, the thickness of the coat of polish can also affect the drying time.

A general rule of thumb is to wait at least two minutes between coats and give your nails at least five minutes to dry before applying a topcoat. To speed up the drying process, you can use a quick-dry topcoat or a nail polish dryer spray.

Why Does My Nail Get Streak?

The reason why your nail polish gets streaky is that the top coat is not applied properly, or not enough polish is used. Make sure you are using one layer of clear polish every time you paint your nails and ensure your brush is completely clean before applying your clear coat. Also, remember to wait for at least 30 seconds in between layers to allow the polish to dry completely.

Conclusion

Nail polish is an important aspect of beauty that defines women’s boldness, classic, and elegance but can also be a major burden and a huge source of frustration when it is not properly managed. The good news is scratches which are one of the major problems women face can be prevented by avoiding polish with toxic chemicals, a tiny base coat, and contact with hot water.

Disclosure: This article, other beauty and fashion tips on SheBegan are contributed by experienced fashion professionals, beauty & cosmetics experts. Read our full research and editorial process here. Also, our posts may contain affiliate links, read our full affiliate disclosure
Author

Abimboye Femi is an experienced Beauty Expert. Over the years, he has developed an uncanny nose for sniffing out the perfect fragrance as well as an eye for best beatification practices. He brings to bear, his vast knowledge of research to help deliver rich contents centered on Beauty and Cosmetics.

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