I Tried the 1,000 Layer Nail Polish Challenge | Style Theory

The Style Theorists2 minutes read

The narrator takes on a challenge to wear a thousand layers of nail polish for 24 hours, enlisting help from Josiah and Rachel to paint the layers with various outcomes. Despite facing challenges in daily tasks and learning about the history and science of nail polish, the experience offers insights into the practicality and comfort of shorter nails.

Insights

  • The challenge of wearing a thousand layers of nail polish for 24 hours required meticulous painting and drying processes, with different techniques affecting the final outcome and comfort of the nails.
  • The practicality and functionality of long nails were tested through daily activities, highlighting the limitations and challenges they pose, despite historically symbolizing wealth and status.

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Recent questions

  • How many layers of nail polish did the narrator wear?

    200 layers

  • What was the sponsor mentioned in the summary?

    Scentbird

  • How did Rachel speed up the nail painting process?

    Approximately 30 seconds per layer

  • What was the fastest way to dry nail polish?

    Painting each layer thinly to maximize solvent evaporation

  • How did Josiah achieve solid layers of nail polish?

    Using one bottle of polish at a time and emphasizing patience in drying

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Summary

00:00

"Thousand Layers of Nail Polish Challenge"

  • The narrator decides to wear a thousand layers of nail polish for 24 hours as a challenge.
  • Inspired by Simply Nailogical's challenge, the narrator enlists Josiah and Rachel to help paint the layers.
  • Josiah and Rachel are tasked with painting the nails, with a competition to determine the best job based on beauty, livability, and durability.
  • Josiah is meticulous and slow, while Rachel is fast and efficient in painting the layers.
  • The narrator realizes the time-consuming nature of the challenge due to the need for each layer to dry fully.
  • Sally Hansen's Insta-Dry Polish is used, with Rachel taking approximately 30 seconds per layer.
  • The narrator delves into the science of nail polish, explaining the ingredients and the role of the solvent in drying.
  • The narrator mentions Scentbird as a sponsor, offering a discount on designer fragrances.
  • Various drying hacks are discussed to speed up the nail drying process.
  • The narrator faces the challenge of the time-consuming nature of the nail polish drying process and seeks solutions to complete the challenge.

10:23

"Layered Nail Polish Challenge: Beauty vs. Function"

  • The fastest way to dry nail polish is by painting each layer as thinly as possible to maximize solvent evaporation.
  • Elbow-length latex gloves inspired by Cristine were used to create a portable nail painting setup.
  • A total of 200 layers of nail polish were applied, with Josiah managing 157 layers plus a layer of super glue.
  • The nail polish layers felt squishy due to the plasticizers added to prevent chipping.
  • Rachel's nails were affected by not allowing the recommended 60 seconds for drying and using a fan.
  • Josiah's solid layers were achieved by using one bottle of polish at a time, emphasizing patience in drying.
  • Team Tortoise led in the beauty category, with Josiah scoring higher than Rachel in aesthetic appeal.
  • Livability was tested by normal daily activities, revealing challenges in typing, using the phone, and bathroom tasks.
  • Brushing teeth with long nails was manageable but challenging to check results.
  • Driving was not significantly impacted, but tasks like shifting gears and putting on a jacket were challenging due to the nails.

21:19

Long acrylic nails: beauty vs. practicality

  • Wearing long acrylic nails was unexpectedly exhausting, requiring constant attention and creativity to perform simple tasks like using a phone or driving.
  • Long nails are not practical for daily activities like playing musical instruments or doing physical work, causing functional issues.
  • Long nails historically symbolized wealth and status, originating in ancient China where they were a luxury item for the upper class.
  • A nail art competition crowned a winner based on aesthetics, livability, and durability, with the shorter nails being more practical and comfortable.
  • The winner of the nail art competition was determined by durability, with one participant losing two nails while the other maintained better nail integrity.
  • Despite the challenges and humorous experiences, the narrator gained a better understanding of the world of nail polish and expressed a willingness to try more normal nail polish in the future.
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