Gel nails are designed to last longer than regular nail polish and in some contexts, acrylics. Generally speaking, a gel manicure should last for around 21 days, but the exact lifespan of your gel manicure will vary greatly with each individual. The exact lifespan of your gel manicure will vary based on how well you take care of your gel manicure if they were correctly applied using proper nail prep, the environment that your gel nails are exposed to, and how oily your natural nails are.
There are ways to improve wear with strengthening base gels like LeChat Liquid Gel Builder ($18) that will make your gels last longer. Although the exact duration can vary based on several factors for long lasting gel nails at home and salon:
How long do gel nails last Factors
Nail Growth Rate
As your natural nails grow, a gap between the gel polish and your cuticle may start to appear, causing the nails to look less aesthetically pleasing. This growth usually prompts people to get a fill or a new gel manicure.
Nail Care Habits
Your gel nails longevity can be affected by how well you take care of them. Avoiding activities that could cause chipping or lifting, such as harsh impacts, using your nails as tools, or exposure to certain chemicals, can help prolong the life of your gel manicure.
Quality of Application
The skill of the nail technician and the quality of the products used can influence how long the gel nails last. Proper preparation of the natural nails, correct application of the gel polish, and appropriate curing times under a UV or LED lamp are important factors.
Nail Health
The condition of your natural nails can also impact how long gel nails last. If your natural nails are weak, brittle, or prone to splitting, the gel manicure might not adhere as well.
Maintenance
Some people choose to get “fills” or “infills” after a couple of weeks to refresh the appearance of their gel nails. This involves filling in the gap that has formed as the natural nails grow.
Mostly the longevity of gel nails depends on the quality of the products used, the skill of the nail technician, and how well you care for your nails. Gel nails are a type of artificial nail enhancement that involves applying layers of gel polish to your natural nails and then curing them under a UV or LED lamp.
The durability of long lasting gel nails is one of their main advantages, as they tend to resist chipping and peeling better than regular nail polish. However, as your natural nails grow out, there will be a visible gap between the base of the gel and your cuticle. This is one reason why many people choose to have gel nails removed or touched up after a couple of weeks.
How to make gel nails last longer
When learning how to make gel nails last longer/long lasting gel nails, one of the last steps in the process should be putting on that beautiful and glossy top coat. This coat essentially seals in the colored polish, preventing any premature chipping. It is important to add an additional top coat around a week after your salon visit to guarantee that any potential damage is kept at bay.
Additionally, you should never use your nails as tools or open drink cans or peel off stickers with your nails, as this will shorten the lifespan of your manicure. Finally, you should wear gloves when your nails are exposed to harsh conditions and avoid exposing your gel manicure to high temperatures.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help your gel nails stay beautiful and durable:
Gel Nail Preparation
Choose a Reputable Salon or Quality Products
If you’re getting gel nails done at a salon, make sure they have a good reputation for using quality products and following proper techniques. If you’re doing them at home, invest in a reputable gel nail kit.
Nail Prep
Properly prepare your natural nails by trimming, shaping, and gently buffing the surface. This helps the gel adhere better.
Clean Nails
Clean your nails thoroughly to remove any oils, lotions, or debris. Use a non-acetone nail polish remover to ensure there’s no residue.
Gel Nail Application
Base Coat
Apply a thin layer of gel base coat. Be sure to avoid getting it on your skin or cuticles.
Thin Layers
When applying the gel polish color, use thin layers. Multiple thin layers adhere better and dry more evenly than one thick layer. Cure each layer under the UV or LED lamp according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cap the Edges
Paint the gel polish over the tips of your nails (known as “capping”) to prevent lifting.
Top Coat
Apply a thin layer of gel top coat for added shine and protection. Again, cure it under the lamp.
Wipe Off the Sticky Layer
After curing the top coat, there might be a sticky residue on your nails. Wipe it off gently with rubbing alcohol on a lint-free wipe.
Gel Nails Maintenance
Cuticle Oil
Regularly apply cuticle oil to keep your cuticles and nails hydrated. This helps prevent drying and lifting.
Protect Your Nails
Wear gloves when doing chores or tasks that could expose your nails to water, harsh chemicals, or excessive pressure.
Avoid Using Nails as Tools
Your gel nails are not indestructible. Avoid using them to open cans, scratch off labels, etc.
Be Gentle
Treat your gel nails with care. Avoid picking at them or using them to pick at other things.
Regular Touch-Ups
As your nails grow and the gap between the gel and cuticle becomes more noticeable, you might consider a fill or touch-up. If you’re doing this yourself, follow the same preparation and application steps.
Avoid Soaking Nails
Prolonged exposure to water can weaken the gel. If you need to soak your nails (like for a manicure), try to limit the time and pat them dry afterward.
Sunscreen
If you spend a lot of time in the sun, apply sunscreen to your hands to prevent the gel color from fading.
By following these steps and practicing good nail care, you can help your gel nails last longer and maintain their beauty. If you notice any signs of lifting or damage, it’s best to address them promptly to avoid further issues
Keep In Mind Before Using Gel Nails
It’s important to note that gel nails should be properly cared for to maximize their lifespan. This includes avoiding activities that could cause undue stress to the nails, using gloves when doing chores that involve water or chemicals, and moisturizing the cuticles and surrounding skin regularly to prevent drying out.
Ultimately, the longevity of gel nails can vary from person to person, but with proper care, you can expect them to last around two to three weeks before needing a touch-up or removal.
Remember that while gel nails can last for a few weeks without significant chipping or fading, there will still be a point where they will require maintenance or removal to keep your nails looking their best. If you notice any signs of lifting, peeling, or damage, it’s generally recommended to visit a professional nail technician to assess and address the issue.
Conclusion
In Conclusion, gel nails can last 2 to 3 weeks with proper application and care. To maximize longevity, avoid using nails as tools, wear gloves for household chores, apply cuticle oil daily, get timely fills, and be gentle on your hands. While gel manicures are durable, they still require maintenance every few weeks. For the healthiest nails, take occasional breaks from enhancements. With proper prep and removal, gels are safe for natural nails. Overall, gel nails offer longer-lasting color and shine compared to regular polish with minimal damage if cared for correctly.
FAQs
How long should you keep gel nails on?
Gel nails can typically last 2 to 3 weeks before needing removal or fill. Keeping gels on longer than 3-4 weeks increases the chances of damage and lifting.
Do gel nails damage your nails?
When properly applied and removed, gel nails do not significantly damage natural nails. However, picking off gels or improper removal can pull off layers of the nail plate.
How long do gel nails last at salon?
Gel manicures are done in a salon using quality products and proper technique and generally last 2-3 weeks on average before needing to be filled or removed.
Is gel or dip better for your nails?
Gel and dip powders are comparable in safety for natural nails. Gels offer more versatility in color while dips are a bit more durable. Overall, they are both good options when applied and removed properly.
Can you fill in gel nails?
Yes, you can get gel nail fills to extend the life of your manicure. Fills involve reapplying gel to the new grown out portion of the nails every 2-3 weeks.
Why do my gel nails only last a week?
Gel nails that only last a week are most likely a result of improper application, nail damage, oil on nails that prevent adhesion, or trauma such as using nails as tools.
How do you take off gel nail polish?
A: Gel polish should be soaked off only with pure acetone. File off the top layer before soaking cotton in acetone for 10-15 minutes. Never pick gels off.
How long do gel nails last at home?
Gel manicures done properly at home typically last 1-2 weeks. Salon gels tend to last longer due to higher quality products and curing equipment.
What are the pros and cons of gel nails?
A: Pros include longer lasting color, no chipping or smudging, durability, and a wide variety of colors and effects. Cons are they must be done by a professional, require more prep and removal care, and can damage nails if picked off.
How many times can you get a fill on gel nails?
You can get 2-3 gel nail fills before needing full removal. Any more than 3 fills in a row increases the chances of fungus or damage.
