Tips to extend the life of your gel nails

Gel manicures are a popular way to keep your nails looking fresh and glossy for weeks on end. However, as with all manicures, over time the gel polish can begin to chip or peel away, leaving your nails looking less than perfect. If you want to keep your gel manicure looking fabulous for as long as possible, there are a few simple things you can do to ensure your nails stay looking their best.

Firstly, preparation is key. Before you get started on applying your gel polish, make sure your nails are clean, dry, and completely free of any oil or residue. This means buffing your nail plate with a fine-grit buffer, pushing back your cuticles, and wiping your nails down with a cleanser or rubbing alcohol to remove any oils or debris. This way the polish will adhere better to the nail and stay in place for longer.

1. Proper Nail Preparation

Before applying any gel nail polish, it is important to ensure your nails are properly prepared. Start by washing your hands with soap and water, and then dry them thoroughly with a towel. Use a cuticle pusher to push back and clean any excess skin from the nail bed. This ensures that the gel nail polish will adhere better to your natural nails.

Next, buff your nails gently using a nail buffer, giving the polish a rough surface to cling onto. This step is essential as it makes sure that there is no oil or moisture on your nails, which can result in the nail polish peeling or chipping too quickly.

Once you’ve cleared away excess cuticles and buffed your nails, clean them with alcohol to remove any oil or dust that might be left on the nails. Nail technicians also use a pH balancer, which helps your gel polish to last longer by balancing the pH levels on your nails.

2. Use a Base Coat

Boost your gel nails’ lifespan by applying a base coat to your nails before applying color polish. The base coat protects your nails from chipping and helps the polish to adhere to the surface of your nail. Unlike regular nail polish, gel polish bonds long-lasting and much better with a base coat.

Apply the base coat evenly to your nails, making sure you cover the edges properly. Once the base coat is dry, you can apply the color polish of your choice.

3. Apply Gel Polish in Thin Layers

Gel nail polish takes a while to dry, hence why many people get impatient during the process. However, applying thick polish coats can cause the gel to crack easily and make it chip off.

To avoid this, apply the gel polish in thin layers. Apply the first coat, then cure under the LED lamp for the period indicated by the manufacturer. Repeat, and apply a second or third layer if needed.

4. Use High-Quality Gel Nail Polish

There’s nothing worse than spending your time preparing your nails only for the polish to chip after a day or two. To make your gel nails last longer, invest in high-quality gel nail polish from reputable brands.

Professionals recommend top-quality brands like CND Shellac and Gelish that can last up to 14 days without chipping.

5. Finish with a Topcoat

Applying a topcoat is an essential final step in gel nail polish application. Not only does it add shine and gloss, but it also seals the polish and ensures that it lasts longer. A topcoat acts as protective armor against chips and offers an extra layer of protection for your nails.

Apply the topcoat after your final coat of color polish, then cure under the LED lamp as instructed by the manufacturer.

6. Avoid Water for a Few Hours After Applying the Gel Nail Polish

Gel nails require some time to cure completely, which is why you need to avoid any water contact for the first few hours after application. Water exposure can cause the polish to soften and weaken, which ultimately makes it more prone to chipping.

It’s best to wait for at least four hours before washing your hands or exposing your nails to any kind of moisture.

7. Take Good Care of Your Nails

The health of your nails matters if you want your gel polish to last long. Taking good care of your nails will ensure that the polish is less likely to chip off prematurely. It’s crucial to keep your nails well-manicured by keeping them clean, moisturized, and trimmed.

Avoid nail-biting, peeling, or cutting your nails too short, as this can weaken the nail bed and cause the polish to crack.

8. Use Gloves When Doing Household Chores

Household chemicals found in detergents, bleach, and cleaning products can be harsh on your nails and cause the polish to chip off easily. When doing household chores, always use gloves to protect your nails. Gloves not only protect your nails, but they also keep your hands clean and soft.

9. Avoid Picking or Peeling the Polish

Picking or peeling the polish from your nails can be tempting, especially if you have a small chip. However, doing so can damage your nails and cause them to peel or crack. Always use acetone to remove the polish if you need to change it.

If you notice that your nail polish is starting to come loose, immediately schedule a nail removal appointment instead of picking at it yourself.

10. Schedule Regular Fills or Maintenance Appointments

For those who love to have their nails perfectly polished all year round, it‘s essential to schedule regular fill or maintenance appointments. Regular appointments prevent any cracks and chips from growing further, keeping your nails looking beautiful and healthy.

Fills are crucial as the gel polish can lift from the nail bed, creating a gap that can collect debris and bacteria. Schedule a maintenance appointment once every two to three weeks, depending on your nail growth.

10 Tips for Making Your Gel Nails Last Longer

Let’s take a look at some practical tips that will help you prolong the longevity of your gel nails and keep that salon-fresh look going for weeks on end.

1. Prep Your Nails

Before applying gel polish, make sure your nails are clean and dry. Use a fine-grit buffer to smooth out any ridges or roughness, then wipe your nails with a lint-free cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol. This will remove any natural oils that might compromise the adhesion of the polish.

2. Use Quality Products

Always opt for high-quality gel nail polish and base and top coats. Cheaper, inferior products may be tempting, but they often contain harmful chemicals that can damage your nails, cause bubbles or chipping, and peel.

3. Apply Thin Layers

When it comes to applying gel polish, less is often more. Apply thin, even layers of base coat, polish, and top coat, and cure each layer properly. Thick, gloopy layers are more likely to peel, lift, or crack.

4. Keep it Cool

Heat can cause gel polish to soften and lift, so avoid exposing your nails to hot water, steam, or direct sunlight. Instead, use cold water and keep your hands cool to prevent the gel from melting.

5. Watch What You Touch

Avoid touching your nails too frequently, as this can cause the polish to lift or peel. Also, be careful when handling oily or greasy materials, as these can weaken the bond between the polish and your nails.

6. Don’t Pick or Peel

Resist the urge to pick or peel your gel nails, even if they start to chip or lift. This will only damage the nail plate and shorten the life of your manicure.

7. Apply Cuticle Oil

Keep the skin around your nails moisturized by applying cuticle oil daily. This will help prevent dryness and crackling, which can damage your nail beds and nail polish.

8. Be Gentle with Your Nails

Avoid using your gel nails as tools, and don’t use them to open cans, jars, or bottles. Also, be mindful of your nails when doing everyday tasks, such as typing on a keyboard, washing dishes, or gardening.

9. Maintain Your Manicure

To extend the life of your gel nails, maintain your manicure by touching up any chips or nicks with a matching polish. You can also add a layer of top coat every few days to keep your nails looking shiny and fresh.

10. Give Your Nails a Break

Lastly, give your nails a break every few months by removing your gel polish and letting your nails breathe. Use this time to moisturize and repair your nails, so they’re strong and healthy for your next manicure.

Top Tips for Making Gel Nails Last Longer

Gel nails have taken the beauty industry by storm, and it’s easy to see why. They are sleek, shiny, and long-lasting. However, getting your gel nails to last as long as possible can be a challenge. To help you make the most of your gel manicure, we’ve compiled a list of top tips to make your gel nails last longer.

Tip #1: Prep Your Nails

Preparing your nails before applying gel polish is crucial in ensuring that the polish adheres well and lasts longer. The first step is to clean your nails thoroughly with nail polish remover to get rid of any residual oil or debris. Next, buff your nails gently using a nail buffer to create a smooth surface that the gel polish can adhere to. Finally, apply a base coat to your nails and let it dry completely before applying your choice of gel polish.

Tip #2: Use Quality Products

The quality of the products you use plays a significant role in determining the longevity of your gel manicure. Invest in good-quality gel polishes, base coats, and topcoats to ensure that your manicure looks flawless and lasts longer. Low-quality polishes tend to chip and lift off easily, leading to a shorter lifespan for your gel nails.

Tip #3: Apply Thin Layers

Applying too much gel polish can cause your manicure to peel and chip off quickly. Instead, apply thin layers of polish, starting with a base coat, color coat, and topcoat, to achieve a smooth and long-lasting finish.

Tip #4: Protect Your Nails

Gel nails can be quite damaging to your natural nails if not removed correctly. To avoid damage to your nails, use a gentle acetone-based nail polish remover and wrap your nails in foil for 10-15 minutes to loosen the gel polish. Never use force to remove gel nails, as this can cause your natural nails to peel and weaken.

Tip #5: Maintain Your Gel Nails

Maintenance is key to ensuring that your gel nails last as long as possible. Apply cuticle oil to your nails every day to keep your cuticles moisturized and prevent them from drying out. Wearing gloves when doing chores or washing dishes can also help to protect your nails from damage.

Gel nails can be a great addition to your beauty routine but knowing how to make them last longer is key to getting the most out of your investment. Remember to prep your nails, use quality products, apply thin layers, protect your nails, and maintain your gel nails for a flawless and long-lasting finish.

Get Ready to Rock Those Gorgeous Nails for Longer Periods of Time

Now, you have all the tips and tricks you need to make your gel nails last longer and look great. Prevent chipping and lifting by keeping them dry, avoiding harsh chemicals, and being gentle with your hands. Remember to moisturize your cuticles and nails regularly, and don’t forget about regular maintenance. Try to follow these steps and enjoy your beautiful nails for weeks! Thanks for reading and don’t forget to visit again soon for more beauty tips and tricks.