Your gel nails may last longer than you think
How long does a gel manicure last? For most people, the answer is two to three weeks, but you may be surprised to learn that a gel manicure can last up to six weeks with proper nail care and maintenance.
A good routine can help
Many people assume that their manicures can not last as long if, in addition, they have weak nails, but this is not true. You just have to know how to do it.
Lesser-known but equally efficient tips
One of the keys lies in your daily habits, which can affect how long your manicures last. You probably know most of the major mistakes everyone makes with gel nails, such as picking or improper removal, but there are many other tips that are not as well known but are very efficient.
Change your approach
These lesser-known tips are just as important for anyone who wants to get more out of their gel manicure. If your gel nails never seem to last long enough, it’s time to completely change your approach with a few simple tips.
Importance of nail preparation
Pay attention to the previous preparation of the nails.
Appropriate steps and tools
Gel manicures have many steps and can be brutal on your nails if not prepared correctly. If your gel manicures don’t last long, you need to choose a nail salon with the tools you need to prepare your nails the right way or learn how to do it yourself the right way.
First step cuticle remover
To begin the preparation of the nails, push back the cuticles, which can be done with the help of a cuticle remover and a pusher. This step removes dead skin and provides the polish with a clean bed for application.
It is a painless process
This process, which should be painless or at most slightly uncomfortable, sets the stage for nail buffing, which creates a better surface for nail extensions or gel to adhere to.
Deep clean your nails
The next step is crucial: dehydrate the nails. A dehydrator or rubbing alcohol removes dirt, water and oils from the nails. This will allow the extensions to adhere properly without lifting for weeks.
Take into account the characteristics of your nails
If your nails break easily and age your manicure, consider using a hard gel polish. Keep in mind that your nails will need to be buffed and rehydrated again. Then, you can move on to an acid-free primer so that the extensions adhere properly. With primers, less is more. Too much can do the opposite of what you need. With that done, your nail extension is ready to be applied.
The application of the gel is very important
The gel application process is key.
Correctly polishing the nail surface
Once the extension is secured, make sure a drill bit is used to blend the edges with the natural nail. This is also a good time to buff the surface of the extensions so that the gel adheres well.
A base coat must be applied
After this, the application of the gel can begin. The first thing to do is to give a base coat to provide a better slate for your gel. Be sure to let it dry well under UV light before applying the gel in thin layers.
Thin layers of nail gel
Thick layers of gel make the process fast and may appear dry after exposure to UV light, but can actually create puddles of gel between coats. Thinner coats may lengthen the process, but ensure that the glaze cures well and does not lift. Always be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time.
Clean up accidental errors
Another essential tip is to immediately wipe off any gel that comes off after application on the nail with acetone. Waiting too long could lift the polish when you try to remove it.
Let the nails dry long enough
Depending on the intensity of the color, two or three coats will be sufficient. Once the coats of paint have hardened, use a top coat to preserve the enamel.
Also important is the edge of the nails
Remember to cover the tips of the nails by applying a top coat on the part of the nails that would come in contact with a table if you were to drum your nails on the edge of the table. Finish with cuticle oil, important to keep your nails healthy between manicures.
Routine care is important
Start a hand and nail care routine.
A correct routine helps to give a better life to your nails
A hand and nail care routine can give your gel manicure a longer life. To create a basic routine, start by purchasing a cuticle oil that you can use after every hand wash.
With a cuticle oil pen it will be very easy to use
The easiest thing to do is to buy a cuticle oil pencil to make the application process easier and more convenient for routine use.
Gently dry your hands with a microfiber towel
An important tip is to dispense with hand dryers, which can be very aggressive on nails and hands. Instead, dry your hands with a clean microfiber towel.
You should also take care of your hands with moisturizing cream
After the cuticle oil, apply a hand cream to moisturize the cuticles.
Be careful not to damage your nails
Avoid substances that can spoil the gel manicure.
Your daily activities may damage your nails
If your gel manicure doesn’t last long, your daily activities could be to blame. For starters, neither your nails, nor your hands, nor your skin, do well in hot or very hot water.
Hot water affects your nails and skin
Hot water can weaken the gel polish and lift it. It can also dry out the skin and take away its youthfulness, so it’s best to shower with lukewarm water. You should also avoid dipping your hands in hot water, detergent, vinegar or hair dye.
Wear protective gloves
If you have to subject your hands to contact with hot water, it is best to wear protective gloves to protect your nail polish and to remove them carefully after use.
Gardening can damage your nails
If you are into gardening or it is one of your hobbies, you need to know that various pesticides can also corrode your gel polish.
Protect your hands against harmful products
In short, it is important that you invest in rubber gloves to protect your nails, which will also protect the skin on your hands.
Hand care and nail care are different
It may seem that hands and nails have identical needs, which is somewhat true. However, one significant difference is that hands need sun protection, but nails do not.
Sunscreen is necessary for your skin but keep it away from your nails
Sunscreen can dissolve gel and acrylic polish. Speaking of sunscreen, a helpful tip from Adeline Kikam, a board-certified dermatologist, is to use sunscreen before going under the UV lamp.
Protege tu piel
Kikam goes by «brownskinderm» on Instagram, where she shared this tip. He explained that the UV lights used to dry gel polish can cause premature aging and cancer. So, make sure to cover your fingers right before putting them under the UV lamp.
Do not use faster or easier roads
Immediately removes chips from the nails.
The best thing to do is to fix the damaged nail completely
The sad thing is that some chipped nails are unavoidable. Nails can get caught in clothing or hair, and this is even more likely if you use gel polish on your natural nails. Many people suggest filing the chips out of the nails to erase them, but not all experts recommend this. The best thing to do is to fix the chipped nail. Filing or cutting the nail may be cheaper, but they are one-way roads to chipping and peeling.
On the ground it depends on you
Finally, let’s not forget that making your gel manicure last longer is not just up to you. If you have them done in a salon, your nail technician is responsible for building a solid foundation, so spending money on a good one is essential. Just as if you’re the one doing it at home, it’s important to invest in quality products that will ensure the health of your nails and the longevity of your manicure.
