Taking proper care of your nails can help to reduce the risk of infection, ensure your nails continue to grow strong and healthy, and provide you with clean, polished looks that help you to feel confident in your own skin all day long. There are many ways to take proper care of your nails, like getting or performing regular manicures, keeping your nails well-moisturized, and even following a well-balanced diet to ensure that you get the right nutrients and vitamins to keep your nails growing strong.
One of the best ways to keep your nails healthy is by using the right products and tools for the job. The right tools will protect your nails and help you to avoid damage or injury, and the best polish products will help you to maintain your gorgeous manicure and keep the surface of the nail durable and healthy.
That’s where nail lacquer comes in. Nail lacquer is a great addition to any home manicure kit, and it’s easy to begin applying this helpful tool right at home.
Whatever your nail lacquer or nail polish needs might be, turn to the team here at Nailboo. We believe everyone should have access to affordable and high-quality manicures, which is why we carry a growing collection of nail dip kits, and why we’re sharing all we’ve learned as nail experts. Take a look at our library to learn about essential tools and products, like nail lacquer.
What Is Nail Lacquer?
Nail lacquer shares a lot of similarities with regular nail polish and it can be difficult to differentiate the two, especially when you’re just getting started. The truth is, however, there’s quite a lot that sets polish and lacquer apart, and knowing and understanding the difference between them can help you to protect and care for your nails for a long time to come.
The most defining feature of nail lacquer is that it helps to protect the surface of your nails in a way that nail polish does not. In fact, nail protection is one of the essential elements of nail lacquer, so if you work in an environment that puts strain on your fingers and nails or if you have brittle nails that are prone to damage and breaking, nail lacquer can help. Here are some of the other key differences between nail polish and nail lacquer.
Nail Lacquer Is Thicker
At-home stylists know that the smooth application of nail polish allows for some gorgeous designs and styles, but it’s important to remember that nail lacquer is much thicker than nail polish—before you start applying. This thickness allows the lacquer to protect the surface of your nail more easily.
You’ll Have Fewer Chips
The thickness of nail lacquer also means you won’t have to worry about chipping or surface damage, the way you do with nail polish. If you use your hands a lot or you just notice that your new manicure never seems to last, then you may want to consider swapping out your nail polish for nail lacquer.
Nail Lacquer Helps You Shine
If you love that smooth and shiny look you get when you leave the salon, you’ll want to reach for a bottle of nail lacquer. In addition to protecting the surface of the nail from damage or wear, lacquer also helps to give it a shiny and glowing appearance, so your nails always look sleek.
Nail Polish Comes in More Colors
Nail lacquer is a lot more utilitarian than nail polish, which means you won’t be able to find it in the wide range of colors and shades the way you can with nail polish. That said, nail lacquer is becoming an increasingly popular tool for home stylists, so it’s possible to find lacquers in more tinted shades than ever before. If you’re looking for a full palette to create designs and tell stories on your next manicure, then you’ll want to reach for your nail polish, instead.
Nail Lacquer Can Get Pricey
Nail polish is very affordable, so you may be a little surprised at the cost of nail lacquer. To start, it’s becoming more readily available than ever, which means the cost of lacquer is starting to go down. But more importantly, a little lacquer goes a long way, which means you’ll be able to get your money’s worth out of every bottle.
Why Is Nail Lacquer Important?
Applying nail lacquer might seem like just another step in your next manicure process, but the truth is that there are many benefits to using nail lacquer. Here are just a few.
It Protects the Nails
Your nail lacquer will both help to keep your nail safe and healthy and save you money on the next great manicure. Its thickness provides protection, which means fewer chips and dings, and it will protect the nail against environmental damage or irritants, as well.
It Adds Thickness to the Nails
The thick nature of nail lacquer means each application will help to add some height to the surface of the nail. There are many benefits to this, but if you’re looking to add to the appearance of thin or brittle nails, then a nail lacquer can be a huge asset.
If your nails are of different thickness due to injury or damage, applying a few layers of nail lacquer can help you to get that even look. And your nails are sure to appear healthy and strong for whatever the day or week might bring.
It Makes Your Manicure Last
You should be able to enjoy the next great manicure for more than a day or two, and that’s where nail lacquer can help. By protecting your manicure from chips and damage, nail lacquer helps to extend the life of your new nail art, whether you’re getting pampered at the salon or creating a beautiful artistic vision right at home. You won’t have to worry about touching up your manicure every day thanks to a simple nail lacquer application.
It Gives a Tint
You can find completely clear nail lacquers, but if you’re looking to add a little something special to your favorite colors, nail lacquer is the way to go. Nail lacquer is available in many tints and shades from across the color wheel, and that little extra touch of color will really make your next manicure stand out. Pick up a few unique and stylish nail lacquer colors, so you always know you have the right shade on hand for the next manicure.
You’ll Shine and Glow
And, of course, one of the top reasons to love a nail lacquer is because it always gives that extra shine. Nail lacquer will seal in the best of your favorite color and give you that chic and elegant look that is sure to provide confidence and cool, whether you’re headed to the office or a black-tie celebration. That little extra shine really speaks for itself and you’ll know that it will last when you use your favorite nail lacquer.
Nail Lacquer vs. Polish: The Choice Is Yours
Picking out the right tools and resources for your nails goes a long way to protecting and caring for their health and wellness, both today and in the long term. It’s always important to use the right tools, sanitize them between uses, and toss out expired products. This will help you to keep your nails strong and prevent complications like inflammation and irritation.
One of the most important tools you’ll want to add to your manicure kit is a nail lacquer. Nail lacquer is similar to nail polish, but it has its own benefits and uses. Unlike nail polish, which is mostly decorative, nail lacquer helps to protect the surface of the nail.
That means more protection for dry or brittle nails, fewer chips and dings on the surface of your polish, and a longer-lasting manicure that can save you time and money on the next application. And that’s not all. Nail lacquer also helps to give your nails a smooth and glossy appearance every time, which is sure to add a little something chic to the finished product.
When you’re ready to pick up new manicure tools, discover exciting manicure nail shapes (squoval, anyone?), and take the next step on your nail care journey, Nailboo is here to help. Check out our collection of easy-to-use nail dip kits and find resources on great new products like nail lacquer. Get that gorgeous, glossy look you deserve for your next manicure.
Sources:
How to Maintain Healthy Nails and Cuticles at Home | Self
Brittle Splitting Nails | American Osteopathic College of Dermatology
