Top coats do more than just extend the life of manicures and pedicures. Depending on what your clients want, there are many different types—from matte to fast-drying—that will help achieve the desired look. “A top coat not only protects and seals in the color but also maintains and promotes shine,” says Lisa Tran, nail technician and owner of La Par Nail Bar in Los Angeles, CA. “The sky seems to be the limit when it comes to top coats. It’s exciting to see brands completely reinventing formulas all the time.” One of Tran’s secret hacks for top coat application is to keep the brush flat rather than at an angle when applying. She makes sure to apply from the center of the nail, before applying to the sides. The last step is to seal in the tip of the nail with a final stroke of the top coat, resulting in a beautiful and long-lasting manicure or pedicure.
From quick-dry to soft matte, check out our favorite top coats that will protect and extend the life of your clients’ manis and pedis.