Ridged nails, uneven nail polish, or color that chips too quickly? These common issues can ruin a manicure. Enter the unsung hero of nail care: the smoothing base coat, also called a nail primer. This essential first step smooths ridges, creates an even surface for your nail polish, and helps it last longer without chipping. Ready to upgrade your manicure routine? Here’s what makes this must-have product a game-changer.
What is a smoothing base coat?
A smoothing base coat (or sometimes called a nail ridge filler ) is a nail treatment polish designed to even out the surface of the nail, blur nail imperfections and cover nail discoloration. Think of it like a makeup primer: invisible, yet essential for a flawless finish — especially if you have ridged nail plate or uneven nails.
A solution for ridged or uneven nails
Nail Ridges are visible fine lines on the nail plate. They may run vertically or horizontally, start from the nail bed, and are often more pronounced with age. They can be triggered by vitamin and nutrient deficiencies, mechanical stress (like over-filing, frequent applications of false nails or Gel Polish, aggressive removals, or nail tearing), or even underlying health issues related to Nail Growth. These factors can disrupt keratin production, with ridges appearing as a medium-term result.
The outcome? Dull and uneven nails and colored nail polish. In most cases, ridges are simply a cosmetic concern. The good news? A smoothing base coat is often all it takes to visually blur out surface imperfections. Problem solved — and we’re here for it!
Ridges? Nothing to worry about!
What role does it play in your manicure routine?
Think of the smoothing base coat as your magic wand for a professional-looking result — without even leaving the house. It plays two key roles:
- Ridge filler: It fills in uneven areas to create a smooth base. Even without colored nail polish, nails appear more radiant, clean and uniform. So much better than a classic clear coat, as it also covers nail discolouration.
- Prepping step before applying nail polish: Like a traditional base coat, it acts as a primer to help polish adhere better. This improves longevity, helps support healthy Nail Growth, and prevents nail aging, smudging and premature chipping.
When and how to use a smoothing base coat
Incorporating a smoothing base coat into your nail care routine is easy. Simply apply it directly onto clean, bare nails.
Active™ Smooth: your ridged nails' new best friend
For a flawless manicure — with or without colour — we created Active™ Smooth, a treatment polish with a CC-effect finish that works as a smoothing base coat. It deeply nourishes and revitalises the nails thanks to the regenerative properties of castor fibres, hexanal, AHAs and vitamin E. With a lightly tinted formula available in four shades (pink, beige, gold and bronze), it subtly enhances all skin tones.
💡Pro tip: Try nail layering by combining Active™ Smooth with other treatment polishes from the Active™ range to alternate effects while strengthening your nails.
Active™ Smooth: the ultimate smoothing base — treatment, glow, and soft shades in one.
Smoothing base coat & ridged nail routine: the winning combo
Here are three intensive, adaptable treatment routines over two weeks to smooth ridged nails. From beginner-friendly to expert level, pick the one that suits your needs best.
Basic Routine: simple & effective
- Week 1: Apply a few drops of a nourishing oil, like Green Oil, 2–3 times per day onto bare nails, massaging it into the nail and surrounding area.
- Week 2: Apply Active™ Smooth as a base layer 2–3 times during the week, without removing previous coats. Continue using Green Oil 1–2 times daily, massaging gently until removal. At the end of the treatment, remove Active™ Smooth using Oil-based Remover or a non-acetone remover like Green Flash™ Gentle Remover.
Basic Routine: a gentle approach for visibly smoother nails.
Starter Routine: the intermediate option
- Week 1: Start by gently smoothing the nail surface with the Nail Priming Emery Board. Apply Active™ Smooth every two days, without removing previous layers. Each day, apply a drop of Green Oil and massage gently into the nail and its contour.
- Week 2: Repeat the same routine.
👉 You can find all the must-haves for the Starter Routine in a complete set. For heavily ridged nails, continue for an additional two weeks.
Smooth, nourish, strengthen: the winning trio of the Starter Routine.
Ultimate Routine: the expert cure
- Week 1: Start by smoothing the nail surface with the Nail Priming Emery Board. Apply Active™ Smooth every two days, layering each coat. Each day, apply Perfecting Concentrate in the morning and a drop of Green Oil in the evening. At the end of the week, remove Active™ Smooth and apply the SOS Mask overnight. Peel it off the next morning.
- Week 2: Repeat the entire programme.
👉 The ultimate treatment plan to smooth dull, deeply ridged nails — available as a complete set. For even better results, continue the routine for another two weeks.
Ultimate Routine: a full-on approach for nails that are smooth, neat and deeply restored.
More than just a transparent polish, the smoothing base coat is an essential ally for ridged or uneven nails — helping restore a natural, even nail surface and ensuring a long-lasting manicure, with or without colour. With Active™ Smooth and the right nail care routine, you can finally forget about ridged nails and show off your beautifully groomed tips 💅
