When gel nail polish hit the market, it was an instant game-changer. Advertised as a chip-free and long-lasting manicure, this type of polish is basically like acrylic nails, but significantly less damaging to your natural nails.

For those who are new to gel nail polish, it is a type of nail polish that stays on your nails for up to two weeks without chipping or peeling. In order to get this kind of manicure you will need to either visit a nail salon or buy your own gel nail polish kit and do it yourself at home.

The regular type of nail polish that you are used to using is applied in the same way as gel polish but requires a different type of removal process. Regular nail polish isn’t soaked off with acetone but instead peeled off or scraped off with a metal tool, which can damage and peel away the natural layer of the nail if done incorrectly.

Does Gel Nail Polish Really Last Longer Than Regular Nail Polish?

Many women believe that gel nail polish lasts longer than regular nail polish. This can be true, but not necessarily. The reason you may have heard that gel nail polish lasts longer than regular polish is because it is not just a nail polish and your nails need to be prepped before applying gel polish.

There are two different types of gel nail polishes: soak off and no soak off. The soak off gel nail polishes need to be applied over a base coat that adheres the color to your nails and gets cured under a UV light after each coat is applied. Soak off gel nails can stay on for up to 3 weeks without chipping, peeling or cracking. The no soak off gel nail polishes are hard like acrylics and can last for up to 4 weeks without chipping, peeling or cracking.

Gel manicures cost about $20-$35 dollars at salons and takes about 45 minutes per application (per hand), including the prep work, application and curing process under a UV light after each coat of color. A full manicure with gel lasts about 3-4 weeks without a chip, crack or peel.

Gel nail polish is a very popular product. It’s a long lasting manicure that is supposed to last up to two weeks without chipping or peeling, and the process of applying it is similar to regular nail polish.

The main difference between gel polish and regular polish is the UV light that cures the gel polish, so that it hardens on your nails.

Here’s how it works: You apply two coats of color, then a topcoat and cure each layer under a UV light for 30 seconds (each step usually takes less than five minutes). Once you’re done with all three coats, you have an ultra-glossy manicure that will last as long as 14 days before needing a touch-up.

As an added bonus, gel nail polish also has more pigment than traditional nail polish, so the colors are often more vibrant and appear more true-to-color.

But does this expensive UV cured manicure really outlast traditional nail polish? And do you get what you pay for? A gel manicure can cost anywhere from $30-$50 depending on where you live and where you go, but I’ve seen some salons charge up to $75 for one application! If it does last longer, then perhaps the cost is

In the nail polish world, we have seen many new brands and trends come and go. Gel nail polish, which promises a chip-free manicure for up to two weeks, is one of the more recent trends that has been growing in popularity. But does it live up to the hype?

If you are interested in trying gel nail polish for yourself, there are a few things to keep in mind before you head to the salon. First, look for a salon that has experience with gel nail polish. Many salons will offer this service and advertise it as “gel nails,” but they may be using regular nail polish with a gel top coat instead of actual gel products.

Second, if you are looking for a specific color or brand of gel polish, make sure to check with your salon ahead of time. Not all salons offer every color from every brand of gel nail polish on the market. Some salons may even offer exclusive colors or lines you can find only at that salon.

Third, be prepared to pay more than you normally would at your salon for a manicure. Gel nail polishes cost more than regular polishes and require special equipment to apply them correctly. It also takes longer to apply them correctly than regular polishes; they require a curing

I think it’s safe to say that many of us are obsessed with gel nail polish. The gel manicure promises a three-week chip-free, high-shine, glossy finish that we can’t get enough of. But does the polish really live up to its promise? I tested out the process for myself and have the results.

I went to my local nail salon and had them apply the polish (followed by a UV light setting). Gel nail polish is usually applied only at salons, though you can buy kits online and do it yourself. The gel polish comes in many different colors and finishes (matte, glittery, shimmery), so you can pick your favorite shade to try out.

When gel nail polish hit the market, we all became so obsessed with its long-lasting, chip-free benefits that we stopped caring about the dangers of a UV light and air-dried nails. We were so excited to have a manicure that didn’t chip that we forgot our favorite polishes from brands like Chanel and Dior.

But, as it turns out, there are some downsides to gel nail polish, and they don’t just include the fact that it’s hard to remove or that you have to sit in a salon for over an hour for application. According to a new report from CBS This Morning (via The Cut), this type of polish can lead to skin cancer.

According to the report, dermatologists are seeing more patients with skin cancer on their hands due to gel manicures. In fact, some doctors say they see as many as one patient per week who has been diagnosed with skin cancer after using gel nail polish.

Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi told CBS This Morning that the danger comes from “the UVA light used in gel manicures that penetrates deep into your skin and can cause DNA damage and premature aging,” she says. “Over time, this damage can lead to squamous

The next time you’re at your manicurist, you might notice a shiny new item on the menu. Among the classics, such as manicures, pedicures and acrylic nails, you may see an additional service: gel nail polish.

Gel nail polish is more durable than traditional varnish, but must be cured under UV or LED lights and soaks off in acetone. The result is a chip-free manicure that can last up to two weeks.

To help you decide whether to shell out for a gel mani, we asked Dr. Dana Stern of New York Dermatology Group for her expertise on the trend.

If you love the look of gel nail polish but are worried about the potential health risks, Stern recommends speaking with your dermatologist or primary care physician to determine if it’s right for you.