One of the main factors making gel nails one of the most popular types of manicures is their exceptional durability and longevity. But how long does a gel manicure last actually?
The longest you can wear a gel manicure without compromising your nail health is two weeks.
Here’s everything you need to know about how long gel polish lasts, as well as some quick tricks to extend its lifespan if you’re new to the world of nails or, you know, it’s just been a while since you had them done.
How Long Does a Gel Manicure Last?
So how long does gel manicure last?
A gel manicure made using gel nail polish can last you 2 to 3 weeks without peeling, chipping, or lifting.
Now, each person will have a significantly different experience with the exact duration of their gel manicure. The lifespan will vary based on:
- the quality of your gel manicure’s maintenance.
- if the appropriate nail prep and application techniques were used.
- environment in which your gel nails are used.
- the condition of your natural nails.
Read More: How Long Does a French Manicure Last?
How to Make Gel Manicure Last Longer?
How to get gel manicure to last longer? The majority of these suggestions apply to gel nails made from nail polish or gels used to create nail extensions.
Properly Prep Your Cuticles
The area of skin at the base of your nails known as the cuticle needs to be pushed back and aligned before gel nail polish is applied. Your gel manicure will likely lift if you don’t.
You see, gel or gel polish is designed to adhere to your nail plate; however, if it rests on your cuticles rather than your natural nails, it will come off easily, causing lifting and peeling.
This is why it’s crucial to prepare your cuticles before applying the gel polish, whether it’s you or a nail technician. Use a cuticle pusher to push back and align your cuticles as you prepare your skin.
Buff Your Natural Nails
After dealing with your cuticles, use a medium grit nail file to buff your nails.
Buffing aids in the bonding of your gel or gel polish to your nail plate, extending their lifespan. Buffing your nails help to:
- Make the surface of your nails more rough – allowing the gel to grip onto the nails better. You see, if the nail plate is too smooth, there won’t be a good surface for the gel to adhere to.
- Remove any dead cuticle skin on your nails – any cuticle skin on your nails can prevent the gel from bonding directly with the nail plate.
- Take off the sheen from the natural nails – the natural sheen that your nail has makes it hard for the gel to adhere to which is why it needs to be removed.
Use a Gel Base Coat & a Gel Top Coat
A gel manicure requires both a gel base and a gel top coat. As you can see, both a gel base coat and a gel top coat are necessary for the proper operation of gel polishes and extensions.
Gel Base Coats work by making the gel polish adhere better to your nail plate. They accomplish this by forming a strong bond with your nails and a sticky layer on top of which your gel will adhere.
Gel Top Coats work by forming a hard protective glossy layer over your gel manicure protecting it from getting damaged easily.
Keep Your Gel Manicure Moisturized
Keep your gel manicure moisturized at all times because if you don’t they tend to dry out and possibly peel.
The best way to maintain your gel manicure right now is to use a cuticle oil, which will also strengthen and hydrate your cuticles and natural nails while maintaining the condition of your manicure.
Using a cuticle oil pen will help you keep your nails moisturized even when you’re on the go, so I highly recommend it.
Read More: Are Gel Manicures Bad for Your Nails?
Properly Cure Your Gel Manicure
When working with gels, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is not curing them thoroughly.
In other words, if your gel polish or gel isn’t properly cured, it will be hard on the outside and soft on the inside. This implies that damage to them is simple.
Clean Your Nails before Application
Cleaning your nails is the last step in the preparation process. I suggest wiping your nails down with a cotton pad dipped in acetone or rubbing alcohol to clean them.
This allows the gel to adhere to the nail plate more effectively by cleaning off any oil, dust, or debris from your natural nails.
Use a Nail Primer & Dehydrator
It’s not required to use nail primers or dehydrators, but if you want your gel manicures to be incredibly robust and long-lasting, I strongly advise it.
Your nails’ moisture and oil are completely removed by nail dehydrators.
Apply Your Gel Polish in Thin Layers
Gel polishes need to be applied in several thin layers rather than in one thick layer.
As you can see, the gel polish is easily cured by the UV light thanks to the thin layers. While thick layers are typically more difficult to cure because the UV light won’t be able to penetrate as easily.
Additionally, the polish has a propensity to pool and become uneven with thick layers.
Read More: How to Do Gel Manicure at Home?
Cap the Free Edges
Your nails’ free edges are one area that is prone to lifting and peeling; these are the ends of your nails.
As a result, I advise you to seal it off with gel polish so that it doesn’t start to peel.
Wear Gloves When Your Nails Are Exposed to Harsh Conditions
Your gel manicure may be damaged or experience premature lifting and peeling under certain circumstances because these conditions tend to increase wear and tear.
Wearing gloves to prevent exposure is currently one of the simplest ways to prevent damaging your gel nails.
Avoid Exposing Your Gel Manicure to High Temperatures
You run the risk of damaging your gel manicures if they are frequently exposed to heat. Therefore, stay away from hot baths and cooking while wearing gel nails.
Does Gel Ruin Your Nails?
Gel polish won’t harm your nails as long as you visit a qualified manicurist, though.
If your nails are already thin and brittle, applying gels won’t make them any stronger, but if you follow all the instructions carefully, from application to gel nail removal, you can’t really hurt your nails.
Read More: Does Gel Manicures Cause Cancer?
Conclusion: How Long Does a Gel Manicure Last
Yes, gel manicures can last two weeks, but if you care about your nails, you should definitely have your polish removed professionally after 14 days.
For the duration of your manicure, make sure you have plenty of cuticle oil, files, and top coat on hand to keep your nails in excellent condition.
FAQs
How Long Should a Gel Manicure Last before Chipping?
If applied to healthy nails, you can expect a gel manicure to last between two to three weeks.
What’s the Average Cost of a Gel Manicure?
$25 to $45.
How Long Do Gel-x Nails Last?
Gel-X Nails generally last between three and four weeks without chipping or raised edges.
