We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Cosmetic

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Professional Nail Polish?

By Christine Hudson
Updated: May 21, 2024
Views: 10,684
Share

Professional nail polish is polish formulated to adhere to the nail better and last longer. Regular nail polish is generally more prone to chips and peeling than professional nail polish because it is usually made with lower-quality ingredients to save cost. The professional-quality polish is made with higher-quality products and normally tested longer to ensure the quality before it is marketed.

Additives in professional nail polish make it less likely to separate or thicken in the bottle like some regular polishes are known to do. Professional polish is more likely to go on evenly and with less air bubbles, creating a smooth finish. Some nail polishes have special additives that cause the polish to harden while it dries to create a sort of shield for the nails. Others are made with moisturizing benefits to help nails grow.

Since professional nail polish is typically made with higher-quality ingredients, it is also generally more expensive. In some areas, it may also be difficult to find professional-quality polish without having it shipped for extra costs. In most areas, however, professional nail polish can be purchased in nail salons and beauty supply stores.

Gel polishes are a fairly popular type of professional nail polish. These polishes create a thicker protection than most other polishes and very rarely chip or flake. To apply gel nail polish correctly, an ultraviolet, or UV, light is needed to "cure" each layer—to remove the polish, it must be soaked in polish remover for several minutes. This type of polish is generally meant to be applied in a professional salon, but may also be done at home with the right supplies and a little practice.

Professional nail polish comes in many different colors and is made by many brands. Choosing the best polish may take some time. Brands seen in local nail salons are generally good to try first, and it may even be a good idea for individuals to talk to a professional nail artist to learn some tips.

Although professional nail polish is designed to adhere better and last longer than regular polish, proper nail preparation and care is still recommended to get the best results. This includes shaping the nails, pushing back the cuticles, and applying a base coat before applying the polish. Removing all old nail polish and using a primer to remove oils from the nail surface are also generally good ideas to start with a clean nail for the polish. After painting, a clear top coat can protect the polish from chips, and the nails should be allowed to dry for at least an hour.

Share
BeautyAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By Rotergirl — On May 30, 2014

@Pippinwhite -- I don't buy nail polish very often, either, but when I do, I want the good stuff. Not only does professional nail polish last longer, but it also seems to have better color intensity and depth. It also seems to go on smoother, dry faster and look smoother on my nails.

I used a lot of clear polish, too. And you're right: it has a number of other uses besides keeping my nails nice.

By Pippinwhite — On May 30, 2014

I just refuse to pay $20 for a bottle of "professional" nail polish. No way. There are top coats and base coats that will help the polish last longer, so I'll use those.

I'm perfectly happy with drugstore polish. I don't wear it that often, so paying upwards of $20 a bottle makes no sense for me. A bottle of clear nail polish does just as well, and can be used for other purposes, too.

Share
https://www.beautyanswered.com/what-is-professional-nail-polish.htm
Copy this link
BeautyAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

BeautyAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.