What is the primary purpose of using a base coat in nail care?

The primary purpose of using a base coat in nail care is to prevent stains on the natural nail. Base coats create a protective layer that serves as a barrier between the nail and polish, which can often contain pigments that may stain the nail surface, particularly dark or vivid colors. This barrier minimizes the risk of discoloration, ensuring that the natural nails remain healthy and clear of unsightly marks even after the polish is removed.

While adding shine, lengthening the wear of polish, and smoothing out ridges are also important aspects of nail care, these functions are not the primary purpose of applying a base coat. Shine is typically associated with top coats, which seal and finish the polish, while the longevity of polish wear is influenced by both base and top coats as well as the quality of the nail polish itself. Smoothing out ridges can be addressed by buffing the nails or using ridge-filling base coats, but the foundational role of a base coat is primarily about protecting against staining.