How Much Polish is Too Much Polish?

We’re addicted to nail art (the hundreds of pictures on Beautylish prove that you are, too!) but have you ever considered the health of your tips? With more color variations available than ever, it’s tempting to change your polish every day—but could it be ruining your nail beds? According to Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI executive vice president and artistic director, the more color, the better!

“Frequently changing your lacquer won’t damage your nails if done properly,” says Suzi. “I constantly test new shades—I may change my polish multiple times a day—but I always use a base coat to prevent staining, and always apply cuticle oil.” Contrary to what people believe, nails don’t actually “breathe,” so you can wear nail polish (and change it!) every day of the week. However, if you don’t wear a base coat your nails can turn yellow or discolored from staining agents. “If this does happen, I recommend letting your nails grow out before wearing lacquer again,” advises Suzi.

A strong nail bed is the foundation of a good manicure, and Suzi ensures that her shape is always maintained. “After removing your lacquer, file nails in one direction to prevent splitting and use an exfoliating product on cuticles, pushing them back rather than cutting them,” she suggests. “Then, apply base coat, followed by two or three thin layers of polish, and finish with top coat. Reapply your top coat every other day to add shine and prevent chips. Lastly, apply cuticle oil to keep your cuticles moisturized.”