How to extend the life of a manicure: 3 simple tips from a star nail designer

Jin Sun Choi is a shining example of a self-made woman – a woman who did everything herself. At the age of 30, a girl who didn’t really know English moved from a Korean village to New York. Jean became a manicurist because it was one of the rare professions where immigrants were readily accepted.

Eight years later, Jin Soon Choi opened his first salon in the East Village, then a second in the West Village. Sarah Jessica Parker, who lives nearby, has become a regular at the third. Jean’s current clients include Beyoncé, Jennifer Lawrence, Taylor Swift and Scarlett Johansson.

Those who come to Jean’s salon say that regular nail polish lasts two weeks, even if you’re a fashion editor typing nails on the keyboard eight hours a day. What makes it possible to achieve such a result? The star nail master believes that all you need to do is follow three simple rules.

“The most important step you can take to make your manicure last a long time is to carefully remove all traces of grease from the nail bed,” says Choi. Cuticle oils and hand creams are very important after leaving the salon. But just before applying the varnish, you need to dry the plate well – otherwise the varnish will “slip” quickly. Jean also advises how to polish the nails, giving them shine: “If there are grooves or depressions on the surface, the varnish will accumulate there, which will lead to chips”, explains the manicurist.

The second factor that affects the durability of a manicure is the choice of varnishes: base, color and top. Jean advises to opt for those that contain nutrients and never use coatings with drying ingredients like formaldehyde, camphor and toluene. Maintaining healthy nails is very important – polish does not adhere well to those that have become brittle and peeling.

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In order for the varnish to last a long time, it must be taken care of. It’s not too complicated – Choi advises to regularly style the tips of the chipping nails first. She also advises renewing the top clear coat over the entire nail once a week – this will keep the vibrant color of the manicure.