A gel manicure is a great way to keep your nails looking polished and well-kept for two or even three weeks without chipping or peeling. Because these manicures are so durable, they are typically found only in professional salons and spas. Gel manicures do require some special care to extend their life, but following these 12 tips will help you get the best results from your gel manicure.
1. Prep Your Nails
Before applying your gel polish, make sure that your nails are clean and free of any existing polish by cleaning them with a cotton ball soaked in acetone-free nail polish remover.
2. Apply a Base Coat
Next, apply a thin layer of base coat over your entire nail, including the tip and the edges of each nail. The base coat helps protect your natural nails from becoming stained by the polish color you will apply next. Allow this layer to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
3. Apply Polish Color
Now it is time to choose your color! Apply one layer of color coat over all of your nails, including the tip and sides of each nail. You should see a thin layer of gel cover all areas of your nails after applying this layer. Use a Q-tip dipped in
So you’ve got your first gel manicure, and as you’ve probably heard, it’s supposed to last up to two weeks without chipping. But if you’re anything like me, you probably don’t want to wait that long until your next appointment. And who can blame you! Once you get used to the glossy finish and quick drying time, a regular manicure just doesn’t cut it.
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to extend the life of your manicure. I’m no professional when it comes to nails or applying gel polish, so these are all just tips I’ve picked up along the way. If anyone has any other suggestions or comments on how to make this list better, please share them in the comments section!
The reason gel manicures have become so popular is because they are super-durable and last a long time. However, as with all treatments, they do need some care to make them last as long as possible. Here are some tips on how to make your gel manicure last longer:
1. Get a quality gel manicure
2. Use cuticle oil every day
3. Use sunscreen
4. Wear gloves when doing household chores or gardening
5. Be very careful with your nails
6. Do not peel off the gel polish!
7. Only soak your nails in acetone if absolutely necessary.
1. Always use base coat and top coat
A base coat is an essential part of a gel manicure. It helps to create a barrier between your nails and the polish. It also stops discoloration of your nails.
2. Use two layers of color
Gel polish applies very thinly, so you’ll need two coats to get the best results, especially if you are using a dark polish. If you want a nice glossy finish, add a top coat after curing each layer in the lamp.
3. Thin coats of polish
If you apply too much polish it can pool around the edges of your nails and cause lifting. Applying thin coats allows the gel to cure properly.
4. Cap the free edge
The free edge is the tip of the nail, capping helps to seal in color and prevent chipping at this point on your nails which tends to be the weakest point on your nail plate and most prone to chipping or peeling off as well as lifting from the nail bed. When capping make sure that you run the brush over the tip of your nail twice for extra protection against chipping or peeling away at this point.
5. Don’t put hands in or under water for 24 hours after application
The key
Gel manicures continue to gain popularity as a long-lasting and durable alternative to traditional nail polish. While gel manicures do last longer than regular nail polish, your natural nails are still vulnerable to damage and breakage more so than with regular nail polish. Nails can become dry, brittle, and yellow from UV exposure during the gel curing process. To help protect your nails from excessive damage, here are some tips that will help extend the life of your gel manicure and keep your natural nails healthy.
So you have a gel manicure on your hands (literally). First of all, congrats! Your talons are totally enviable. But now what? You can’t just remove the polish with any ol’ remover and expect it to come right off. That’s not how gel works. Below, a few tips for taking care of your gel manicure so you can keep rockin’ those gorgeous nails.
1) Don’t pick at your polish. This is the No. 1 rule when it comes to keeping your gel polish intact as long as possible. It will only hurt your nails if you try to peel off the polish, says Los Angeles-based celebrity manicurist Ashlie Johnson, who works with Katharine McPhee and Lucy Hale. “When you pick off the polish, you risk damaging your nail plate,” she says. Instead, soak your nails in 100 percent acetone for 15 minutes to loosen up the pigment, then scrape it off with an orange wood stick (aka cuticle pusher) or metal cuticle pusher that’s been wrapped in cotton soaked in acetone.
2) Be gentle when washing your hands. “Do not be rough and scrub at them while washing dishes or cleaning,” Johnson says. She also
1. Do Your Research
A gel manicure can be an expensive commitment, and it’s important to do your research before you book an appointment. Find a salon with a good reputation and ask your friends for recommendations. Make sure you know what kind of gel polish the salon is using and to find out if they are properly trained in the application. It’s also important to bring up any health issues – like allergies or respiratory problems – that you may have so that your manicurist can take precautions during the process.