Should I Send My Base Coat? Understanding The Importance Of Nail Care

Do you need to send your base coat? Well, that depends on what you're painting. If you're painting your nails, then a base coat is not strictly necessary, but it will improve the final look and protect your nails. If you're painting a car, then a base coat is essential to achieving an even finish and protecting the paint job.

Base coats are not necessary but can improve manicures

A base coat is a special type of nail polish that is applied directly to the nail before the nail polish colour. It is usually clear, but sometimes has a slight colour to correct undesirable undertones.

Base coats act as a protectant against nail stains

Base coats are not necessary for a manicure, but they do play an important role in achieving a long-lasting manicure. They can also smooth out ridges on the nail, creating a flawless foundation for nail polish.

To prevent staining, it is recommended to use multiple coats of base. Additionally, certain ingredients in base coats can help improve the health and resilience of your nails, such as calcium, keratin, vitamin E, and avocado oil.

Base coats can smooth out ridges on nails

Ridges on nails are a common issue that can be caused by several factors, including age, excessive hand washing, the use of acetone-based nail polish removers, and alcohol-based hand sanitisers. While this issue is typically unavoidable, the good news is that it can be addressed with the use of a base coat.

A base coat is a special type of nail polish that is applied directly to the nail before the coloured polish. Its primary function is to create a protective barrier between the nail and the nail polish, preventing stains and chipping. Additionally, it can help address various nail issues, such as dryness, unevenness, and weakness.

When it comes to ridges, a base coat can be a great solution. It fills in the lower grooved areas of the nail, creating a smooth and level surface. This not only improves the appearance of the nail but also provides a flawless canvas for the nail polish to be applied evenly. The base coat essentially functions as a "filler", settling into the ridges and creating a uniform nail plate.

There are various base coat products available in the market that specifically target ridge filling. For example, the Barielle Hydrating Ridge Filler is a popular choice, known for effectively levelling the nail surface and filling in grooves. Another option is the Essie Smooth-e Base Coat, which serves as both a ridge filler and a base coat, providing a smooth nail surface while also prolonging polish wear time.

By using a ridge-filling base coat, you can achieve smoother, healthier-looking nails and ensure that your nail polish application is flawless and long-lasting.

Base coats can be sticky, thick, hardening, strengthening, moisturising, or peel-off

Base coats are an important step in achieving a long-lasting manicure. They are applied directly to the nail before coloured polish and act as a protective barrier. Base coats can be sticky, thick, hardening, strengthening, moisturising, or peel-off, depending on your needs.

A sticky base coat is ideal if you have oily skin or nails, as it gives the colour something to adhere to, making your manicure last longer. This type of base coat dries to a rubbery finish and is perfect if you frequently use moisturising products.

Thick base coats are applied more thickly than top coats and typically take longer to dry. They are often used to smooth out nail ridges, creating a flawless manicure.

Hardening and strengthening base coats are ideal for repairing soft, bendy, and flexible nails. They can help to fill in cracks and ridges, creating a smooth and even surface for your nail polish.

Moisturising base coats are formulated with vitamins and proteins that hydrate and strengthen your nails. They are perfect for restoring damaged and weak nails, especially if you frequently use gel or acrylic applications.

Peel-off base coats are designed for short-term wear, usually lasting just a day or so. They are perfect if you want to easily remove glitter polish or change your nail colour frequently.

By choosing the right type of base coat, you can improve the health and appearance of your nails, prevent staining, and ensure a long-lasting manicure.

Base coats can be coloured to correct undesirable undertones

Base coats are usually clear but can sometimes be coloured to correct undesirable undertones on your nails. They work in a similar way to colour-correcting contours used under makeup application to conceal red, yellow or purple undertones.

For example, if your nails have yellow or undesirable undertones, you can use a coloured base coat to offset this. Base coats also provide a foundation for the polish, serving as a smoothing layer to offer an even surface for colours to stick to and lay evenly on top of. They act as a barrier between your nail and the coloured polish to prevent damage and staining, while simultaneously ensuring a better surface to adhere to, which provides the opportunity for longer wear time of your colour. By applying a base coat, you can improve your nails’ health, natural colour and ensure longer, more even, and more vibrant manicures.

Frequently asked questions