Nail polish is one of the most popular ways to decorate fingernails and add a pop of color. But with so many kinds of nail polish out there, it can be confusing to know the differences. Lacquer nail polish is a specific type of nail polish known for its high shine, durability, and extensive color options.<\/p>\n
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Lacquer nail polish is a fast-drying nail polish made with nitrocellulose lacquer as the main ingredient<\/b>. It provides a glossy, hard finish that resists chipping and scratching.<\/p>\n
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about lacquer nail polish including what lacquer nail polish is made of, the pros and cons of using it, how it differs from other nail polishes, tips for applying and removing it, and the most popular lacquer nail polish brands and colors.<\/p>\n
Lacquer nail polish is a type of nail polish made from a blend of solvents, pigments, resins, and plasticizers that produces a hard, glossy finish on nails. It provides long-lasting color and shine while protecting the nails underneath.<\/p>\n
Let’s explore the details of lacquer nail polish and what makes it unique.<\/p>\n
The term “lacquer” refers to the formulas used in these nail polishes. Lacquer is a clear or colored varnish that produces a hard, durable finish. Unlike regular nail polishes that chip and scratch off quickly, lacquer nail polishes are designed to be tougher and more scratch-resistant.<\/p>\n
Lacquer nail polishes first rose to popularity in the 1930s. Their hard setting and brilliant shine made them a mainstay in nail salons. Today, lacquers remain a top choice for their eye-catching effects and durable wear.<\/p>\n
Lacquer nail polishes get their unique qualities from the blend of ingredients used to create them. Here are some of the main components:<\/p>\n
The amount and quality of these ingredients determine the quality, durability, and color intensity of each lacquer polish.<\/p>\n
Lacquer nail polish stands apart from other types of nail polish in a few key ways:<\/p>\n
| Lacquer Polish<\/th>\n | Regular Nail Polish<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n |
|---|---|
| Creates a smooth, glossy finish<\/td>\n | Tends to be less glossy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Very durable and scratch-resistant<\/td>\n | Chips and scratches more easily<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Very pigmented and bold colors<\/td>\n | Less pigmented, more natural looking<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Longer wear, 7-10 days<\/td>\n | Shorter wear, 2-5 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n The main advantage of lacquer nail polish is its strength and resilience. It resists chips, cracks, and scratches better than regular polish. Lacquer also provides lush, vibrant color choices that really stand out.<\/p>\n All of these benefits make it a great choice for special occasions or when you want your manicure to last.<\/p>\n With the glossy shine and durability of lacquer nail polish, it’s easy to see why it has been a trusted nail product for nearly a century. Its eye-catching look and protective qualities continue making it a go-to polish today.<\/p>\n Pros and Cons of Lacquer Nail Polish<\/h2>\nLacquer nail polish has several advantages that make it a popular choice among many nail polish users:<\/p>\n Long Lasting<\/h3>\nOne of the biggest pros of lacquer nail polishes is their incredible staying power. Thanks to their durable formula containing nitrocellulose and plasticizers, lacquer polishes can last over a week without chipping or fading on most people.<\/p>\n This makes lacquer an awesome option if you want a polish that will hold up for as long as possible without the need for frequent touch-ups.<\/p>\n Easy Application<\/h3>\nLacquer nail polishes tend to have a smooth, easy-to-apply formula. Their viscosity is perfectly balanced – not too thick or runny. This allows the polish to glide evenly over the nail on the first swipe, minimizing the need to go back and forth adding extra layers.<\/p>\n One coat is sometimes all you need with a good quality lacquer polish for full, even coverage.<\/p>\n Vibrant Colors<\/h3>\nThe pigments used in lacquer nail polish formulas allow for rich, vibrant shades. The color payoff is exceptional, allowing you to achieve eye-catching pops of color. Pastels come out soft yet still vivid rather than washed out. Glitters and shimmers shine brightly without needing multiple coats.<\/p>\n This makes lacquer polishes a top choice for bold, head-turning manicures.<\/p>\n Wide Variety<\/h3>\nLacquer polishes come in just about any shade or finish you could want – cr\u00e8mes, shimmers, glitters, flakies, chromes, holos, and more. Major nail polish brands like OPI and Essie offer extensive lacquer polish collections with tons of on-trend colors and effects to choose from.<\/p>\n You’ll never be lacking options with lacquer nail polish.<\/p>\n Harsh Chemicals<\/h3>\nWhile lacquer nail polishes are durable, their tough formulas do contain chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). Many polish brands have removed at least some of these chemicals from their lacquers.<\/p>\n However, those with sensitivities may still react to ingredients like nitrocellulose. Allergic reactions and irritation are potential cons to consider.<\/p>\n Difficult Removal<\/h3>\nGetting stubborn lacquer polish off your nails can be a hassle compared to regular polish. The tenacious formulas bond tightly to the nail plate. You’ll likely need pure acetone and a good bit of scrubbing rather than gentler nail polish removers. This can result in dried out nails and skin.<\/p>\n However, there are now many lacquer “soak off” gel polishes that allow easy, damage-free removal.<\/p>\n Long Dry Times<\/h3>\nWhile lacquer polish itself dries to a hard finish fairly quickly, it takes significantly longer for it to fully cure and harden compared to regular polish. It’s best to avoid any activity that could dent, chip or smudge the manicure for at least 24 hours after application.<\/p>\n For those with busy lifestyles, this can be rather inconvenient.<\/p>\n How to Apply and Remove Lacquer Nail Polish<\/h2>\n |