The Major Reason You Shouldn't Pick Your Nail Polish Off (Seriously, Don't Do It)

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We've all been there. Your nail polish starts chipping or you're tired of your manicure while out and about, so you start picking at it and peeling it off. But trust us when we say that's a really bad idea. You may not realize it when you're picking off your polish, but you can accidentally be removing the top layer of your nail bed as well. That can weaken your talons, resulting in splitting and peeling (of the nail and polish) while also making them more prone to damage and snagging. Not to mention, peeling off a nail layer can be painful and leave the ends of your fingers sore. You could also end up breaking or splitting not only the nail you're trying to remove the lacquer from but the one you're picking it with too. Not good.

There are a few easy ways to stop your nail polish from chipping, which can eliminate the temptation to go in for the peel. Applying a base and top coat, like OPI Infinite Shine Long Wear Nail Polish Base Coat & Top Coat or Essie All-In-One Base Coat and Top Coat, can help keep your manicure intact longer. Equally, properly moisturized hands and nails will give you a healthier mani.

If you're prone to picking your polish, it's a good idea to carry remover with you at all times so you can take it off safely when you feel the urge. Though it's not always practical to have a bottle of the liquid with you, pre-soaked pads — like Butter London Nail Polish Remover Pads or Cutex Care Swipe and Go Nail Polish Remover Pads — are a much more convenient option. A cotton pad manually soaked in remover is also an optimal way to take off your manicure if you have more time and space. You can even make your own nail polish remover using at-home ingredients if you're in a pinch, so there's really no excuse for peeling it off.

If you prefer a gel manicure, which can be more durable than regular lacquer, it's imperative you properly research safe removal techniques before doing it yourself, as removers for standard polish won't cut it. Gel nails should be gently filed and soaked in acetone before being removed gently — no picking at it! If you're unsure, visit a professional to ensure it's taken off properly. "Improper application or removal can weaken natural nails, especially if they are peeled or filed aggressively," celebrity nail artist Lisa Kon told us while explaining the pros and cons of gel nails. This can be particularly true for the even more long-lasting hard gel manicure, as the removal process is trickier than you think and typically needs to be handled by a professional.