FIND YOUR PERFECT BASE COAT

Healthy, beautiful nails start with the right foundation. Choosing a base coat isn’t just about prep — it directly impacts how your manicure wears, how long it lasts, and how your nails look over time. When you understand your nail type, you can choose a base coat that truly supports your nails rather than simply masking any imperfections.

As nail technician Kirsten Desai explains:
“Base coats are an essential part of a nail routine as they offer protection for the natural nail. With our mii base coats, you can select the formula best suited to your individual needs,  to create a more tailored treatment plan.”

STEP 1: DIAGNOSE YOUR NAILS

Before selecting a base coat, take a moment to assess your nails. Just like skin, nails have different needs — and using the wrong formula can limit results and slow long-term improvement.

“It is important to always perform a nail diagnosis and select the appropriate base coat to achieve the best results,” says Kirsten. “Choosing the correct base coat helps address specific nail concerns and supports the longevity of both the treatment and its results.”

It’s also worth noting that nail types can change over time due to factors such as age, hormones, medication, nutrition, environmental exposure or trauma — so reassessing regularly is key.

NORMAL NAILS

Key signs: Smooth surface, good flexibility, minimal peeling or breakage.
Common causes: Naturally balanced nail structure, consistent care.
What they need: Maintenance, protection, and lightweight nourishment to preserve strength and shine.

BRITTLE NAILS

Key signs: Hard but inflexible, prone to snapping, splitting or cracking.
Common causes: Frequent hand washing, cold weather, dehydration, chemical exposure.
What they need: Flexibility-boosting hydration and strengthening ingredients to prevent breakage and improve resilience.

WEAK OR DAMAGED NAILS

Key signs: Thin, bend easily, feel soft or fragile, may break after gel or acrylic removal.
Common causes: Over-filing, improper removal of enhancements, environmental stress.
What they need: Reparative ingredients to rebuild structure, reinforce the nail plate, and restore strength over time.

THIN OR PEELING NAILS

Key signs: Flaking layers, splitting at the free edge, and difficulty growing length.
Common causes: Lack of essential nutrients, overexposure to water, daily stress on the nails.
What they need: Layer-binding support to smooth separation, strengthen fragile layers, and improve overall stability.

STEP 2: PRESCRIBE THE RIGHT BASE COAT

Once you’ve identified your nail type, choose a targeted formula designed to treat its specific concerns and support a longer‑lasting finish.

TO HAVE + TO HOLD – Normal Nails

A nourishing blend of Bamboo, Sunflower Oil, Goji, White Tea and Vitamin E maintains natural strength while supporting healthy growth and smooth polish application.

PRESERVE + PROTECT – Brittle Nails

Argan Oil, Wheat Proteins, Vitamin E and Patented Hexanal help reinforce rigidity while improving flexibility to prevent splitting and everyday breakage.

BOOST + BENEFIT – Weak/Damaged Nails

AHAs, Vitamin B5, Vitamin C and Patented Hexanal work to repair, fortify and restore resilience to stressed nails.

STRONG + STABLE – Thin/Peeling Nails

Pistacia Resin Oil strengthens fragile layers, smooths peeling and improves nail stability for a healthier-looking finish.

STEP 3: CONSISTENCY IS KEY

Like any targeted treatment, visible improvement comes with regular use. Consistency strengthens the nail plate, improves polish wear and enhances long-term results.

“It is recommended to reapply a base coat every 2–3 days and remove once a week. Once removed, the application process can be started again,” advises Kirsten.

Weekly Routine:

• Day 1: Apply one coat to clean, dry nails
• Day 3: Refresh with another coat
• Day 5: Apply a fresh layer
• Day 7: Remove and repeat

Stick with the routine and you’ll notice nails that feel stronger, look smoother, and hold polish for longer.