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A top coat is a layer of clear nail polish that is applied over colour nail polish. This helps to protect your manicure, adding shine and making the polish last longer. For a basic manicure, it’s the last step.
What Does a Top Coat Do?
The top coat does the following:
- Helps to protect nail polish from chipping.
- Adds a shiny finish.
- Helps a manicure to last longer.
- Can seal nail art.
Not all top coat products are shiny; matte, quick-dry, and gel-like products are also available.
Is Top Coat the Same as Clear Nail Polish?
No, these are not the same. Whilst clear polish is just transparent nail varnish, top coat is designed to go over the top of colour polish.
When Do You Apply Top Coat?
After base coat and colour polish are applied, as the last step of a simple manicure. Base coat goes on first, directly on top of the natural nail, followed by the colour polish. This is then sealed with a top coat.
Do You Need a Top Coat?
Top coat is not essential for home manicures, but it is a useful extra step if you want your manicure to be shinier, look smoother, and last longer.
What Types of Top Coat Are There?
The main types are as follows:
- Glossy– adds shine.
- Matte– removes shine, leading to a more ‘flat’ appearance.
- Quick-dry– helps your manicure to dry faster.
- Gel-effect– gives a thick, glossy look that mimics gel polish.
Can Top Coat Stop Nail Polish Chipping?
Yes, top coat can help by acting as a protective layer over the colour polish. It is particularly useful for capping the free edge of the nail. However, old, thick, or oily polish in particular is still susceptible to chipping.
Can You Use Top Coat on Bare Nails?
You can, as this will make the nails look shiny. However, base coat is a better option for protecting the nail before colour goes on.
Final Thoughts
A top coat is the final layer of a manicure, after the base coat and colour have been applied. Top coat helps to seal the nail, protecting the colour and adding shine for a longer lasting manicure. Whilst not absolutely essential, a top coat can be a great addition to make a home manicure extra special.