by Kimberley Heit

Created on: April 02, 2009

Many dark nail polish colors look stunning, but because they draw more attention to your hands, they require some specialized nail care to help them look amazing. Before you even reach for the bottle make sure your hands and nails are in good condition. Then consider the following tips:

-Always use a base coat-

The number one rule when it comes to applying dark colored nail polish is to always use a base coat first. If you apply a dark color straight onto unprepared nails you are likely to end up with discolored nails which resemble a shade of dirty yellow. When it comes to softer colors you might get away with skipping a base coat every now and again, but don't take the chance with a dark shade.

-Consider what suits you-

Dark nail polish colors tend to look better on people with long, thin fingers and broad nails. If you have stubby fingers, or small nails then it's probably best to tone it down a little. You can still select a deep shade, but perhaps you should look for a red or burgundy, rather then black. Alternatively, you could apply some false nails to give your nails and hands extra length and then go as wild as you desire with the color.

-Take a break-

Wearing nail polish back to back without giving your nails a rest in between applications can lead to brittle, discolored nails. When it comes to dark nail polish colors the risk of discoloration is even greater. So make sure you give your nails a few days rest from polish each month, especially if you consistently wear dark colors.

-Hit them with the tough stuff-

When it comes to removing dark nail polish you will most likely find that it can be a little troublesome. For this reason you might find it easier to use an acetone nail polish remover. Non acetone nail polish remover is gentler and less damaging on your nails, but may be a little weak when it comes to removing very deep shades.

-Use two coats of polish-

When it comes to dark colors it can be quite tempting to simply paint one thick coat of polish on your nails, rather then building up the layers gradually. However, this is likely to look lumpy and unprofessional. So aim to still apply two thin coats. You will also find that two thin coats are less susceptible to chips.

-Reapply top coat regularly-

Depending on your lifestyle a manicure typically lasts between 4-7 days. When it comes to dark colors any small chip will be glaringly obvious. Therefore, it is beneficial to apply a top coat every day or two to prolong your manicure's appearance.

-Use a steady hand-

When you make a mistake painting on a soft, neutral shade of nail polish it isn't that noticeable. However, when it comes to dark colors it can really spoil the appearance of your manicure. So you will need to take extra care when it comes to application. Firstly, try planting your hand firmly on a tabletop to paint your nails. Holding your hand in the air is much less stable. Always ensure there isn't too much polish on the brush because it can lead to drips or smudges. Finally, make sure you have a nail polish corrector pen or cotton tip dipped in remover handy to combat any mistakes before they begin to dry.

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