Nail polish is a cosmetic product that can be used to paint fingernails and toenails.
Nail polish is mainly composed of nitrocellulose, solvents and color pigments.
Nail polish comes in different colors.
Nail polish color selection
Nail polish color should match both clothes and makeup, especially lipstick.
In the summer, people tend to wear flashy nail polish colors, in the winter rather dark, muted colors. If you like it discreet, you should choose nail polish in cream, nude or rosé.
Painting the fingernails
Before applying the nail polish, the nails should be cleaned, shortened and filed. Then, a thin layer of base coat should be applied to the nails to protect and strengthen them. The base coat should dry well.
Following this, the colored nail polish is applied, on each nail from the nail bed to the tip. You start with the index finger and paint all the fingers up to the little finger. The thumb is painted at the end. If desired, you can paint a second time. However, one should let the first coat dry well before applying the second coat.
For a particularly durable result, the dry nail polish should then be fixed with top coat. This protects against small scratches and chipping.
Painting the toenails
Before painting the toenails, the feet should be cleaned. Ideally, a pedicure should be done beforehand.
A base coat should also be used for the toenails beforehand so that the nail polish adheres better. After the base coat has dried, the colored nail polish is applied. So that the toes do not touch each other during painting, you can use a foam toe separator. Then the nail polish is applied to all toes. When applying to the nails, it is best to start in the middle of the nail, then paint the sides. If desired, you can paint a second time after the first layer has dried well.
Finally, a top coat should be used to fix the dry nail polish.
Removing the nail polish
To remove the nail polish, a nail polish remover is used. This consists of acetone or other solvents such as ethyl acetate, as well as caring additives such as fats or lecithin.
The nail polish is removed from the cuticle to the tip of the nail using a cotton ball or pad saturated with nail polish remover.
Note: The acetone contained in many nail polish removers attacks not only the polish, but also the nails and cuticles, as this has a drying effect. This can cause brittle nails and irritated cuticles. If acetone is not used in the nail polish remover, other solvents are included, which also dry out.
Alternatives to removal with solvents are pure alcohol-based removers, which are less aggressive to the skin and nails. However, it takes longer for these removers to dissolve the polish.
Note: Both nail polish remover with solvents and the remover pads should only be used in a well-ventilated room to avoid inhaling fumes.
Nail polish can be removed particularly gently and without chemicals using products based on natural raw materials such as soy. However, these removers also require a longer exposure time.
After removing the polish, the hands should be washed well. Furthermore, the hands and nails should be creamed. Alternatively, a special nail oil can be used.
