Matte nails are one manicure trend that has been around and doesn’t seem to be fading away anytime soon. It’s one trend I’ve seen hand models worn on several occasions on runways.
It’s indeed the new buzz in town, and many people are beginning to ditch that glossy shiny look they usually get at the end of a manicure for a darker finish devoid of shine.
Matte nails are a type of nail polish finish that is characterized by a flat, non-shiny appearance. Matte nail polish is typically made with a formula that lacks traditional nail polish’s shiny, reflective agents. This gives the polish a more muted, subtle look that is often preferred for a more understated or edgy style.
Getting a matte nail is one way to transition your regular shiny nail polish to a flat and unshiny color. So if you’re considering doing your manicure today, I urge you to try the Matte top coat, and you’ll be glad you did. This article will discuss how to clean and maintain matte nails.
3 Simple Steps to Keep Your Matte Nails Clean and Fresh
Unlike other manicures, cleaning matte nails requires special skills with a little bit of your time. I’ve seen different ways to achieve this, but here’s a method that I found pretty impressive.
This method requires just a few household items you can easily find in your closets. Follow me as I walk you through the step-by-step guide on how to clean matte nails easily and without stress.
Items Required
- 250ml of warm water
- Baking soda
- Lemon
- Nail brush (Fingernail Scrub Brush)
- Hairspray
Step 1: Make A Stain Cleaning Solution
First, pour 250ml of warm water into a bowl, then add one spoonful of baking soda with 2 – 3 spoons of lemon. Mix them thoroughly, then soak your nails in them for 5 – 10 minutes.
Step 2: Brush To Remove Spots
After about 5 – 10 minutes, remove your nails from the bowl, then brush gently using a nail brush. Do this until your nails are completely cleaned.
If there are still stains on your nails, wipe them dry with tissue paper or a clean towel, then apply the hairspray and brush gently. The stains should go out by this time.
Step 3: Moisturize Your Nails
After you’ve successfully removed your matte nail polish, ensure to wipe the surface before applying your moisturizer.
Applying moisturizers to your nails will help prevent them from chipping and keep them stronger and healthy.
7 Tips for Maintaining Matte Nails
- Keep your nails trimmed and filed regularly to prevent chipping and breaking.
- Avoid using nail polish remover, as it can strip away the matte finish. If you need to use nail polish remover, make sure to use a non-acetone formula and be careful not to scrub too hard.
- Use a clear top coat specifically designed for matte nails to provide a protective barrier that can help to prevent dirt and stains from sticking to the nails.
- Keep your nails and cuticles moisturized with cuticle oil or moisturizing nail cream. Just be careful not to use too much and not to get any oil or cream on the surface of the nails, as this can dull the matte finish.
- Be gentle when washing your hands or doing activities that could damage your nails, such as washing dishes or gardening.
- Avoid biting your nails, as this can weaken and damage them.
- If you notice any chipping or peeling, consider removing the matte polish and giving your nails a break for a few days to allow them to repair and recover.
Does Matte Nail Polish Dry Faster?
No, Matte nail polish generally takes longer to dry than regular nail polish. This is because the formula for matte polish does not contain the same type of solvents found in regular polish. These solvents help to evaporate quickly, allowing the polish to dry faster.
Without these solvents, matte polish tends to dry more slowly. This can make it more prone to smudging and smearing, so it is important to be careful when applying and handling your nails while the polish is drying. Some matte nail polishes may also have a thicker consistency, contributing to a longer drying time.
To help speed up the drying process, you can try using a fast-drying top coat or a nail polish drying spray. You can also try using a nail drying fan or placing your nails under a cold water tap for a few seconds after applying the polish. Just be careful not to get the polish too wet, as this can cause it to smudge or smear.
Can I Use Cuticle Oil on Matte Nails?
Yes, you can use cuticle oil on matte nails to help moisturize and nourish your cuticles. However, it is important to use the oil sparingly and to be careful not to get any of it on the surface of the nails.
Cuticle oil is typically applied to the skin around the base of the nails, where it can help to soften and moisturize the cuticles. If the oil comes into contact with the matte polish, it can cause the polish to become shiny or slick, which can diminish the matte effect.
To avoid this, I would advise that it is best to apply the cuticle oil sparingly and to avoid getting any of it on the nail itself. You can also try using a cuticle oil pen, which allows you to apply the oil more precisely and avoid any accidental spills or drips.
Can I Use Nail Polish Remover on Matte Nails?
It is generally not recommended to use nail polish remover on matte nails. This is because most nail polish removers contain solvents designed to dissolve nail polish, which can also strip the matte finish from your nails.
If you need to remove matte nail polish, you may try using a nail polish remover specifically formulated for removing matte polish. These removers tend to be gentler on the nails and are less likely to damage the matte finish.
You can also try using a polish designed to peel off easily, such as a peel-off base coat or nail polish. These products can be removed without needing nail polish remover, which can help preserve the matte finish of your nails.
If you decide to use nail polish remover on matte nails, choose a non-acetone formula and use it sparingly. Be very careful not to scrub or rub the nails too hard, as this can cause the matte finish to become damaged or stripped away.
Can You Clean Matte Nails With Alcohol?
Yes, you can clean matte nails with alcohol, but it is important to be careful. Alcohol can dry the nails and cuticles, so it is best to use it sparingly and only as needed.
To clean matte nails with alcohol, use a soft, dry cloth or cotton swab to wipe the nails gently. You can also try diluting the alcohol with water and using it to scrub the nails gently. Just be careful not to scrub too hard, as this can cause the matte finish to become damaged or stripped away.
It is also a good idea to moisturize your nails and cuticles after cleaning them with alcohol to help prevent them from becoming dry or brittle. You can use cuticle oil or a moisturizing nail cream for this purpose.
How Long Does Matte Nail Polish Last?
Matte nail polish can last up to 2 weeks if done correctly, unlike other manicures with a glossy shiny look which usually doesn’t last more than a week.
If you want your matte nail polish to last longer, then follow these three keys;
- Prepare your nails to be polished
- Pick a quality matte nail polish
- Follow by proper application
Prepare your nails by ensuring they are cleaned and free from old polish. Follow it up by picking a top-notch matte polish. Then end it with proper application.
Applying nail polish from the base down to the tips with a thin coat will make them last a day or two. So do this when applying your matte top coat, and your matte nails will last longer.
How do you get dirt out of white matte nails?
To get dirt out of white matte nails, you can use a soft, dry cloth or cotton swab to wipe the dirt away gently, or you can use a mild soap and water to scrub the nails gently.
How can I prevent my matte nails from getting dirty or stained?
To prevent your matte nails from getting dirty or stained, you can use a clear top coat specifically designed for matte nails to provide a protective barrier, be careful when doing activities that could potentially stain your nails, such as cooking or gardening, and avoid exposing your nails to water for extended periods of time.
Can You Put A Clear Coat Over Matte Nail Polish?
Yes you can put clear coat over matte nail polish, you can go ahead to put a clear coat over your matte nails but know that doing so will ruin the look of your matte polish. If you want to maintain the look of your matte nail polish, then apply a matte topcoat instead.
Can nail salons do matte nails?
Yes, nail salons can do matte nails.
Take-Home
Cleaning matte polish from your nails is quite easy if you followed this post and it doesn’t take much time either. To clean your matte nails, what you need is some household items like lime, baking soda, a nail brush, warm water, and hairspray.
Also, if you want to rock matte nails on your nails, the steps involved are pretty simple as well. In the end, go for the matte look that suits you the most, I will be rooting for you.