Semi-permanent varnish is a long-lasting solution for a perfect manicure over the long term! How do I do it at home? Just follow the right steps. 

Semi-permanent varnish is all the rage: you can have fun with your style and keep it for weeks! Ideal for vacations, we'd love to be able to enjoy them all year round... The downside is that semi-permanent nail polish is generally applied in an institute and can be expensive if you decide to make it a ritual. Fortunately, brands are well aware of this, and more and more of them are offering you the option of doing your semi-permanent manicure yourself, at home.

Semi-permanent varnish, classic varnish - what's the difference?

It's important to know. Classic nail polish can last up to a week, or a little longer if you're lucky, before chipping or flaking off... Semi-permanent varnish can last up to three weeks, or even longer, without chipping or flaking. Other major factors differentiate the two varnishes. Drying time, for example. Normal varnish dries in the open air and can take between 10 and 20 minutes to dry completely. Semi-permanent varnish is cured under a UV or LED lamp, and takes just a few minutes to dry completely. The application technique is different for the two types of varnish. Classic varnish is generally applied in two coats, whereas semi-permanent varnish requires a base coat, two coats of color and a top coat. It's important to remove the sticky layer that remains after curing under the UV or LED lamp. As for removal, normal varnish is easy to remove with nail polish remover. How to remove semi-permanent varnish, however, is a little more difficult. Semi-permanent varnish requires professional removal with a specific nail polish remover and a wrapping technique using cotton soaked in nail polish remover.

In short, semi-permanent varnish is more durable than normal varnish, dries more quickly... However, it requires a more complex application technique and much more troublesome removal. 

Step-by-step application of semi-permanent varnish

As you can see, the application of semi-permanent varnish requires a well-oiled routine based on a number of different steps.

To start with, get the right equipment 

To apply semi-permanent varnish, you'll need certain specific materials and tools. Here's a list of recommended equipment for applying your semi-permanent varnish:

1. Une lampe UV ou LED  (48 watts) 

2. A nail file 

3. A cuticle pusher 

4. Nail cleaner 

5. A base coat 

6. Semi-permanent varnishes 

7. A top coat 

8. Cotton squares and nail polish remover 

It's important to use quality tools and products to achieve optimum results and prolong the life of your semi-permanent varnish... 

A manicure before applying semi-permanent varnish 

It's essential to have prepared hands before applying semi-permanent nail polish. This includes a thorough cleaning of hands and nails, a hand scrub, and the application of a gentle care and nourishing oil to soften cuticles and enable them to be better treated afterwards. If you have ridged nails, you can also lightly sand them to smooth the surface and enable the varnish to adhere more easily. 

Semi-permanent varnish application in stages 

Now that your hands are fresh and ready to receive their polish application, there are a few more steps to remember.

Prepare your nails:

Remove any existing nail polish with nail polish remover, then file and shape your nails to your liking. Use a cuticle pusher to push back cuticles, and trim nails if necessary.

1. Préparez vos cuticules : Appliquez de l'huile à cuticules sur les cuticules pour les ramollir. Utilisez un bâtonnet de buis pour repousser les cuticules et retirer tout excès de peau.
2. Clean your nails: Use a nail cleaner to remove any traces of oil or dust from the nail surface, then apply a nail serum to nourish the nail before applying the various products.
3. Apply a base coat: Apply a coat of base coat to protect your nails and help the semi-permanent varnish adhere better. Be careful not to touch your cuticles or skin.
4. Curing the base coat: Place your hands under a UV or LED lamp for the time recommended by the manufacturer to cure the base coat.
5. Apply semi-permanent nail polish: Take your time and do it meticulously. First, apply a thin layer of semi-permanent nail polish from the base of the nail to the tip, taking care not to overlap. We then pass our hands under the lamp to dry the layer and repeat the whole operation once or twice, depending on the more or less intense result desired.
6. Apply top coat: Apply a coat of top coat to seal the semi-permanent varnish and give it a shiny appearance. Cure under UV or LED light.

1. Clean up smudges: Use a cotton bud soaked in nail polish remover to remove any excess nail polish around the nail.
2. Moisturize your cuticles: Apply cuticle oil or moisturizing cream to your hands to moisturize them.

By following these steps, you can achieve a professional semi-permanent manicure at home. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for each product used, and the recommended curing time for each layer under the UV or LED lamp.