A Go-to Guide On How To Make Your Gel Manicure Last Longer

If you want a magical solution to all your chipped nail paint problems, then you need to give gel manicures a try. If a standard nail polish lasts for like 5 minutes on your nails *rolls eyes*, then trust us, gel manicures last for what will seem like an eternity!

Exaggeration aside, gel manicures also tend to show signs of wear and tear with time. But this is something you don’t really need to worry about because we’ve curated some essential tips on how to get the most out of your gels.

Before we get started, you need to know just how long to keep your gel nail polish on before it starts damaging your nails. Read on for a detailed guide on everything you need to know about getting yourself a super swanky gel manicure!

How long do gel manicures actually last?

If we are being realistic, then you shouldn’t be wearing a gel manicure for longer than two weeks if you want to preserve the health of your nails. Even if you think that your manicure looks absolutely perfect even after two weeks, you run the risk of damaging your nails if you keep the polish on any longer.

This damage is caused because gel nail polish tends to cure in direct sunlight or when it comes in contact with UV exposure. The longer you keep your polish on, the longer it cures, which makes it much harder to remove. Hence, it is best to go to your manicurist after two weeks, so that they can gently remove the polish without damaging or stripping your nails.

But even though you are not supposed to wear gel nail polish any longer than two weeks, there’s still a handful of things you can do to keep your nails looking nice and pretty for the entire two-week stretch. Read on to find out what they are.

Make cuticle oil your new BFF

One of the best ways to ensure that your gel nail polish lasts long is to invest in a cuticle oil. Apart from ensuring that your cuticles remains hydrated, rubbing in some cuticle oil once or twice a day helps strengthen and condition your nails. This prevents them from chipping, breaking or becoming brittle.

Protect your nails

If you don’t already wear gloves when doing the dishes or other seemingly harmless household chores, we suggest you start right now. Gloves protect your hands and nails from over-exposure to chemicals that can cause product breakdown leading to the gel polish chipping or lifting. Plus, cleansing products can be drying for the skin on your hands.

Don’t pick your polish

Do your catch yourself picking at your nail polish the minute you’re stressed or lost in thought? Although this is an absolute no-brainer, we think it needs to be said once again. Picking or chewing on your nails is a one-way ticket to a chipped manicure. And sadly, it doesn’t stop there. The more you pick your polish, the thinner your nails become.

File your nails regularly

When it comes to making your gel polish last longer, it is important to care for them. If you see a little snag on your nail, smooth it out with a file or buffer to prevent any further chipping, splitting, or tearing. Also, always keep a top coat handy. While it won’t really do anything to make your manicure last longer, a quick layer of shine will give your gels a nice refresh, if you need it.

Lastly, treat your nails as nails

In terms of emergencies, we are all guilty of using our nails as handy tools; whether it is to open cans, pull off tapes or in gardening. But this is a huge no-no if you really want your gel manicure to last. This is a really unhealthy practice that causes your nail colour to chip or lift.

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