You have invested time and money in a beautiful gel manicure, and naturally, you want it to last as long as possible. With proper care and maintenance, you can extend the life of your gel nails and keep them looking fresh for three weeks or more. Here is everything you need to know about maintaining your gel manicure between salon visits.
Understanding How Gel Nails Wear
Gel polish is incredibly durable, but it is not indestructible. Understanding what causes wear and damage can help you prevent it. The most common issues with gel manicures are:
- Lifting: When the gel separates from the natural nail, usually starting at the cuticle or sides
- Chipping: Small pieces of gel breaking off, typically at the tips
- Peeling: Layers of gel separating from each other or the nail
- Dullness: Loss of the glossy shine due to surface scratching or chemical exposure
Daily Care Tips
Hydrate Your Cuticles
This is perhaps the most important step in gel nail maintenance. Healthy, hydrated cuticles help maintain the seal between your gel polish and natural nail. Apply cuticle oil at least twice daily, massaging it into the cuticle area and the skin around your nails. The oil keeps the area flexible and prevents the dry, tight feeling that can cause lifting.
Look for cuticle oils containing nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil, vitamin E, and sweet almond oil. Keep a small bottle in your bag for on-the-go application.
Wear Gloves for Wet Work
Water is not your gel manicure's friend. Prolonged exposure to water causes your natural nails to expand and contract, which can weaken the bond between the gel and your nail. This is why many people experience lifting after doing dishes or taking long baths.
Always wear rubber gloves when:
- Washing dishes
- Cleaning with household chemicals
- Gardening
- Using harsh soaps or detergents
Avoid Picking and Peeling
We know it is tempting, but picking at lifting gel or peeling off chipped polish is one of the worst things you can do for your nails. The gel bonds to the top layers of your natural nail, so when you peel it off, you remove layers of nail with it. This leaves your nails thin, weak, and damaged.
If you notice lifting, apply a small amount of clear top coat to seal the area until your next appointment, or visit your nail technician for a repair.
Protecting Your Manicure
Use Your Nails as Jewels, Not Tools
This old nail technician saying holds true for gel manicures. Using your nails to open cans, peel stickers, or scrape off labels puts tremendous stress on the tips of your gel, leading to chips and breaks. Keep a small tool or key handy for these tasks instead.
Be Mindful of Heat
Extreme temperature changes can affect your gel manicure. Very hot water, saunas, and hot tubs can soften gel and cause it to lift. If you enjoy these activities, try to minimise direct exposure to your nails, and apply cuticle oil afterward to rehydrate.
Protect Against Chemicals
Many common chemicals can dull or damage gel polish:
- Hand sanitisers containing alcohol can cause dryness and dullness
- Acetone and nail polish remover will break down gel
- Household cleaners can cause lifting and discolouration
- Hair dyes and treatments can stain lighter gel colours
- Sunscreen and insect repellent may affect the gel finish
Wear gloves or wash your hands promptly after contact with these substances.
Extending Your Manicure's Life
Apply Top Coat Weekly
Adding a thin layer of gel top coat once a week (and curing it under your lamp) can refresh the shine and add an extra layer of protection. This is especially helpful for the tips, which experience the most wear.
Address Growth at the Cuticle
As your nails grow, a gap will appear between the gel and your cuticle. While there is no way to prevent this, keeping the area neat and hydrated makes it less noticeable. Some salons offer "infill" services where they fill in this growth gap without removing the entire manicure.
Buff Away Minor Scratches
If your gel has lost its shine due to minor surface scratches, you can gently buff the surface with a high-grit buffer (220 grit or higher), then apply a layer of clear top coat to restore the gloss.
Knowing When to Remove
Even with perfect care, gel manicures should be removed or redone every 2-3 weeks. Signs that it is time for removal include:
- Significant lifting at the cuticle or sides (more than 2mm)
- Multiple chips or cracks
- Discolouration of the gel
- Nail growth creating an unbalanced look
With these maintenance tips, you can enjoy your gel manicure for its full lifespan while keeping your natural nails healthy underneath. Remember, the key to long-lasting gel nails is consistent care and being gentle with your hands.