Top coats can be worn over your favorite fashions in bad weather to cover your clothes.  They can also be worn on your nails to protect that expensive mani/pedi you treated yourself to recently.  In essence top coats for nails work in a similar fashion to the coat variety.  They cover the last color application and work to guard it against chips, smudges or other appropriate nail endangerments.

Difference Between Quick Dry Topcoats & Regular Topcoats

Like everything else in the beauty biz, top coats come in a variety of formulations.  There is a normal top coat and the quick dry variety.  Is there a difference?  Yes, absolutely.

A quick dry topcoat works from the top down so that it quickly dries the topmost coat of polish first, to make the nails more resistent to smudging.  We've all been there.  We thought the nails were dry and whoosh, we feel the dreaded smudge happening.  I have even smudged my toes getting into my car after a hour long pedi. Did I have a quick dry topcoat on them?  Nope.  I was in too much of a hurry to allow the manicurist to apply the magic potion.  I learned my lessons the hard way.  Now I insist on a top coat.

A regular topcoat dries from the bottom up.  Some nail experts believe there is no real difference in the results but others swear by one of the other. 

When in doubt which type of nail topcoat to select, let your manicurist guide you.  Afterall, they have probably fixed bizillions of smudges by now.

Downsides to Topcoats? 

They add drying time to the overall manicure/pedicute timetable.  If you are having both a mani and a pedi, the manicurist can apply the topcoat to the toenails while she does your fingernails.  By the time the fingernails are finished, the toenails should be completely dry.

So how long are we talking about for time for topcoats to dry?  Depending on the brand topcoats can take anywhere from 12 to 20 minutes.  Some products promise that they work in a lot less time than that but honestly, you can't believe everything you hear.  Also, the super fast drying products have been proven not to dry all the way down through all the layers.

The reality?  A really good top coat can take from 45 minutes to 1 hour to completely dry.  The benefits are definitely worth the time investments and will help to extend the life of a manicure and pedicure for days. 

Topcoats & Hot Flashes Don't Mix

Did you know that topcoats can take even longer to dry if the body temperature of the person receiving the topcoat is higher than normal.  A warm to hot body temperature can prevent top coats from drying at their normal speeds.  What to do?  Stay as cool as possible and drink iced drinks to bring your body temp down. 

Alternatively, if you have hot flashes plan more time for your top coat to dry.

Topcoats - Clear Or Not?

Most nail experts suggest that you go with a completely clear top coat, whether you select regular of fast drying.  Why?  Top coats that are creamy will alter the underneath colors or may need to be buffed off.  Which adds even more time.  In today's work of hustle, bustle and short lunch hours, time is of the essence. 

Should You Apply A Topcoat After The Mani/Pedi?

Yes.  It is often advised that another application of the same topcoat should be applied a few days after the original application.  This extends the life of the nails even further.  Be sure to purchase some Topcoat from your manicurist before you leave the salon/spa.

Topcoats That Win Kudos

The BeautyScoop Editors really like the Seche Vite top coat because they are a nail industry classic and they really work.  We also like the top coats from OPI and Esse.

Summary

Next time you get your nails done...don't forget to wear your topcoat home from the salon.

Visit HairBoutique.com for more beauty and hair tips as well as great articles.

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