How Long Do Gel Nails Last – Follow Smart Nail Hacks

Gel nails are durable and long-lasting, which is why they’re among the most sought-after types of manicures. In this post, we’re going to look at how long a manicure with gel is expected to last. We will also offer some advice to help make them more robust and long-lasting. Gel nails are now the most popular method to get durable manicures. But how long will they last? Are they worth the price? Today, we’ll answer these questions and help you determine if gel nails might be the best option. We’ll also give you some suggestions on how to make the gel nail last longer. So let’s have a look.

What are gel nails

They are a form of synthetic nail constructed from a material called gel. Gel nails are put on in the same manner as regular nail polish. However, they need to be cured using the light of a UV or LED. This will help the gel set and harden. They are pretty popular since they last for longer than regular nail polish. They also are more resistant to scratches and chipping. However, they do require more care than regular nails. They also require specific removal techniques that could harm the natural nails.

How long do gel nails last

A manicure made with a nail polish made of gel will last between 2 and three weeks without peeling, chipping, or lifting. The exact duration of your manicure will be different for every individual. The duration will differ based on:

• How do you care for your manicure with gel?
• If they were applied correctly by using the correct nail prep.
• The conditions that the gel nail is exposed.
• How oily are your natural nails?

Gel Nail Extensions created with a hard gel could last up to 3-4 months. Therefore, the hard gel is the most commonly used gel for making Gel nail extensions.

Now Soft Gel, also known as the soak-off gel, may last up to 2 weeks. Hard Gel is more durable but cannot be removed with acetone. Instead, it has to be removed by filing. Although a soft gel isn’t as strong as a hard gel, it is more easily removed using acetone.

Tips to make gel manicures last longer

The majority of these suggestions apply to gel nails that are made of Gel polishes or that are used to create nail extensions.

Properly prep your cuticles

The cuticle is the layer of skin located at the side of your nails. It must be pulled back and aligned before applying your nail polish. If you don’t, your manicure could be susceptible to lift. The gel and polish are made to adhere to your nail plate. However, when it is placed on the nail plate instead of the natural ones, it can easily fall off, which could cause peeling and lifting. This is why it’s vital to have both you and your nail technician prepare your cuticles before applying your gel nail polish. To prepare your cuticles, employ a pusher to push back and align your cuticles.

Apply your gel polish in thin layers

Gel Polishes are not to be used in layers of thick thickness. Instead, you should apply several thin layers. Thin layers permit sunlight to penetrate quickly and cure the gel polish. While thick layers can be more difficult to cure as the UV light cannot penetrate as easily. In addition, thick layers make the polish prone to gather and then become uneven.

Avoid exposing your gel manicure to high temperatures

If your manicures made of gel are exposed constantly to temperatures, they could be damaged. Therefore, avoid hot baths and expose your manicures to heat during cooking.

Use a gel base coat & a gel top coat

A gel base and a top coat are crucial for an effective gel manicure. Gel polishes and extensions are designed to work with a gel base coat and top coats that are gel. Gel Base Coats help gel polish adhere more to the nail plate. They do this by gluing tightly to your nails and creating the sticky layer that allows your gel to adhere. Gel Top Coatswork by forming a protective glossy layer on the gel manicure to protect it from being easily damaged. Now, if you’re searching for a top Gel Top Coat and Base Coat, I strongly recommend Gelish. They’re among the top and compatible with any gel or polish.

Cap the free edges

The free edges are the edges of your nails. Unfortunately, they’re one of the areas susceptible to peeling and lifting. This is why I suggest you apply a clear gel to seal it. This will stop it from being able to peel off.

Clean your nails before application

The final step in preparing your nails is cleaning their nails. I suggest cleaning your nails with cotton pads soaked in acetone or rubbing alcohol. This removes dirt, dust, and oil from your natural nails, allowing the gel to bond more on your nail’s plate.

Properly cure your gel manicure

One of the most significant errors you could make while working with gels is that you aren’t treating them adequately. If your gel polish or gel doesn’t cure effectively, it’ll appear rough on the outside but soft inside. Unfortunately, this means they could be easily damaged. Reading and following the directions in the package that comes with your polish is imperative. For example, if the directions say it takes 60 seconds to cure, you must cure for 60 seconds. Now, if you want to be extra careful, I suggest curing for some time, like 10 seconds more, to ensure that the gel has completely cured.

Buff your natural nails

Once your cuticles are taken care of, it is time to smooth your nails with the medium-grit nail file. Buffing can help your polish or gel adhere to your nail plate, allowing the polish to stay longer. Buffing your nails help to: Create the nail’s surface rougher, allowing the gel to stick to the nails more effectively. When the nail plate is not smooth enough, the gel will not have enough surface to stick to. Get rid of the dead skin of your cuticle that you have on your nail. Any cuticle skin present on your nails could prevent the gel from directly bonding to the plate of your nails.

Keep your gel manicure moisturized

It is essential to keep your manicure moisturized. If they’re not, they’ll tend to dry out, which could cause peeling. The most effective way to ensure that your gel stays moisturized is to apply cuticle oils that help keep your manicure in good condition and make your natural nails and cuticles healthy and strong. I strongly suggest applying the cuticle oil pen as it will help keep your nails hydrated even while on the go.

Use a nail primer & dehydrator

The nail polishes and dehydrators are not required, but if you’d like your manicures with gel to be durable and long-lasting, I highly suggest applying these. Nail dehydrators work by taking all the oil and moisture from your nails. They come in different varieties of nail primers. Some are made by creating tiny holes in your nails that allow the gel to adhere to your nails. At the same time, others work as an adhesive that bonds the gel to nails. If you’re planning to apply them, put on the nail dehydrator first; after that, a coat of nail primer is essential.

How long to wait between gel manicures

With gel manicures increasingly sought-after, people are pondering when to get them. The answer depends on various elements, like the kind of gel you choose to use, the state of your nails, and the way you care for your nails between manicures. When applying a product that needs UV curing, it’s crucial to allow your nails to get some time away from the UV light once over time. Excessive exposure to UV light can cause nails to break and become dry. This is why certain people prefer using LED curing gels that do not require the same amount of exposure to ultraviolet light.

The state of your nails can influence how often you take a gel manicure. When your nails appear solid and healthy, and robust, you should probably be able to get one once every 2 to 3 weeks. However, if your nails are fragile or hard to hold, it is possible to spread out your manicures using gel more. Also, how you care for your nails between gel manicures can determine how often you’ll need to have them. For example, keep your nails moisturized and clean, and avoid using any harsh cleaners or chemicals on your nails. Doing these things will keep your nails strong and healthy and make the longevity of your manicure with gel.

Conclusion

They are the preferred option for people who desire durable manicures. They can last for up to three weeks with the proper maintenance. However, gel nails require more maintenance than regular polish and should be removed when they begin to break or chip. They are more expensive than regular polish but could be worth the cost for durable manicures. As an expert, I typically suggest a manicure with gel every 2 to 3 weeks. You might want to put off appointments for a while if you’ve got brittle or fragile nails. To ensure that your nails remain healthy for longer, make sure to take care of them in a proper manner between manicures.