How to keep nail polish from chipping underwater?

[#1]

So when I was swimming last weekend, I noticed that since my nails were underwater, the polish peeled off or chipped. I even used high quality OPI polish. I was wondering if there is a way to prevent this or any alternative to polish that won't chip underwater?

[#2 · Accepted solution]

Hiya nanobear18 - If you are open to trying a cheaper, drusgtore brand, I have recently been into Sally Hansen's Insta-Dry (red bottle), which is touted as a super fast drying top coat. And really is.  It drys my nails in five minutes, hard to the touch (they say 30 secs but its really like 5 mins before you can knock your hands about). One of the added benefits is that my polish lasts a super long time.  I haven't tested it out swimming, but I wash my hands constantly, and I wash dishes by hand everyday....and no chips after 7-10 days.  The staying power depends on how long I let my polish dry before using the topcoat.  They say you can wait 2 mins, but I usually wait about 4-5 mins before applying the topcoat and that works really well. I'd be interested to see how the Kensington works out for you, if you decide to go for it.  Good luck!

[#3]

Hi Nanobear18,

I always have the same problem when I swim!  I think it might have something to do with the chlorine in the pool that breaks down the bond a bit.  I've had some luck with the polish staying when I've applied more than 1 top coat & painting the edge to "seal" it in.  Also making sure that each layer has adequate time to dry before applying the next helps too.  I found one of the previous posts with some great advice from a few of our other experts that helped me a lot here http://bit.ly/KbHmL1.  

One of my favorite top coats is the Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Top Coat.  Its quick drying & leaves a glossy shine finish!

Good luck & I hope that helps!

xo, Mia

[#4]

I, too love the Nails Inc. Kensignton Caviar Top coat. Great Pick!! In addition to that, I have found a new staple product I will never be able to go without. Butter London Nail Foundation. This glorious basecoat will change the way your manicure wears! It will even hide nail imperfections such as ridges! 

[#5]

Honestly all I do is add a clear top coat to seal in the color. Most of the time I just use a Sally Hansen x-treme wear in invisible and it works fine. I swim all the time and it takes about a week before it finally chips but you might be harder on your nails than I am. Also, a really good nail polish I frequently use is China Glaze and I luv it! The colors look amazing and they last a while!