PSI Texas State Board Nail Tech Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Test Prep

Applying a top coat every few days is a common method for extending the longevity of nail polish. A top coat serves as a protective layer over the nail polish, helping to seal in the color and prevent chipping. It creates a smooth surface that enhances the shine of the polish while providing an additional barrier against damage from everyday activities. This practice can help maintain the polish's appearance by preventing wear and tear, thus prolonging the overall wear of the manicure. Regularly refreshing the top coat can also help restore any lost shine and keep nails looking freshly polished for a longer period.

While keeping nails trimmed short, using matte polish, or applying lotion to nails after painting may have their own benefits, they are not as effective in specifically enhancing the wear time of nail polish as the application of a top coat. Short nails can arguably reduce snagging or breaking, but that doesn't directly extend polish life. Matte polish offers a different finish and may not adhere as well, while lotion can soften the cuticles and skin but does not impact the wear of the polish itself.