A woman holding up her sand-covered feet up with the ocean in the background.

How Long Does a Pedicure Last? 9 Tips to Make Them Last Longer

We love the look of a fresh pedicure, but who has the time (or money) to go to the nail salon every week? Luckily, with the right know-how, you can easily learn how to make nail polish last longer, perhaps up to three extra weeks! Save time and money by extending the life of your pedicure with these simple tips:

Bring Your Own Bottle of Nail Polish

Many nail salons use thinners to get more use out of each bottle of nail polish. However, using fresh, new polish last much longer than pedicures using older or thinned nail polish.

Not only will your polish last longer, but you’ll also have the right color on hand should you have any chips.

Take It Easy

If you’re learning how to make a pedicure last longer, taking it easy is a great tip! Did you know that it takes up to 12 hours for nail polish to harden? For this reason, it’s best to schedule your pedicure on a day when you can relax afterward. If you’re running errands or going out dancing after your pedicure, you’re much more likely to smudge your fresh nail polish. 

Wear Open-toed Shoes

Wearing shoes after a pedicure is also a no-no. Wear flip-flops, sandals, or go barefoot for the first 8-12 hours after your pedicure to help it last longer.

Use a Foot Peel to Prevent Calluses

Dead skin and calluses make feet look dull. Keep feet smooth in between pedicures by using a foot peel. Our Original Exfoliation Foot Peel gently removes dead skin and calluses using a combination of ingredients including fruit acid. You can use petroleum jelly on your nails to prevent Baby Foot from fading nail polish, or on the tops of your feet to preserve your tan.

Keep Feet Moisturized

Moisturizing your feet keeps them looking healthy, while also extending the life of your nail polish. Always moisturize after washing your feet, as soap and water can dry out the skin around the toenails and cause chipping. We recommend using unscented lotion. Scented lotions use synthetic fragrances that can cause nail polish to crack. If your feet are extra dry, try a Baby Foot Moisturizing Foot Mask, which rehydrates parched feet.

Re-apply Topcoat Every Week

A good pedicure always includes a layer of topcoat, but everyday wear and tear can buff away this protective layer. To keep nails shiny and prevent chipping, apply topcoat every week. Be careful not to apply too many coats, as it can cause your nail polish to chip.

Use Cuticle Oil Every 2-3 Days

Cuticle oil is formulated to prevent cracks while keeping your cuticles moisturized and healthy. It can also prevent your nail polish from chipping. Keep nails in tip-top shape by massaging nails and cuticles with cuticle oil every 2 to 3 days.

Cover Up Your Toes

Of course, you want to show off your feet, but wearing sandals every day can shorten the life of a pedicure. Wearing sandals and flip flops expose the feet to sun, dirt, sand, and other environmental factors that can dull your pedicure. Keeping toes under wraps will help to prolong your pedicure and prevent the formation of calluses.

Avoid Chlorine

It’s relaxing to dip your feet into a pool, but chlorine can actually crack and fade nail polish while drying out the cuticles and feet. If you can’t resist the pool, rinse your feet with fresh water after swimming and apply unscented lotion to moisturize your feet.

Written by: Colleen Welsch