How To Make Your Gel Manicure Last Longer

Want your fresh gels to last you more than just a week or two? We’ve got you covered in our latest beauty guide.

Picture this: You go to the salon, ready to get your nails all dressed up. You spend 20 minutes picking a colour, talking your nail artist through your dream design, and get all shaped up for the perfect set. You’re over regular polish—it’s all about gel now. After all, they’re supposed to last for up to two weeks or more. So, why won’t yours?

To get a pretty manicure one day, only for it to chip or peel that same week, is a feeling of frustration many will understand. Fortunately, it’s also a feeling you may not have to endure ever again. From what you’re doing wrong to what you can do instead, find out how to make your gel manicure last longer in our latest beauty guide below:

Tip #1: Lay the foundations right

When it comes to nails that last, the right prep and finish are essential. So, whether you’re doing a DIY job at home or you’ve headed to the salon to consult the pros, there are three things to look out for. The first is the right nail prep—a meticulous routine of cuticle remover, nail dehydrators, and primers gives your gel something to stick to. Trust, it’s all essential.

From there, a base coat and top coat sandwiching your gel is a must, too. If you still find that your nails are struggling to stay on, it may be worth doubling up on the base and top coat for an extra hardy seal.

Tip #2: Cap your edges properly

Where do chips form? If you said the edges—ding, ding, ding, you’re right! If there’s one thing you do after every manicure, make sure it’s sealing and capping the free edges of your nail with top coat. This will make all the difference in the long run. To effectively “cap” your nail, run your top coat over the edge and onto the underside of your nail. It’s really that simple!

Tip #3: Don’t use your nails as tools (duh)

If you find that you’ve prepped, sealed, and capped your gels perfectly and your nails are still chipping at lightning speed, it’s time to do some self-reflection. Are you simply just too rough with your nails? If you’re using your claws as a screwdriver, a box cutter, or a can opener, we fear the issue lies within you.

Your options are either to keep your mitts at bay, or accept that gels were not meant for you! The good news? Acrylics are always an option (more on that later…).

Tip #4: Avoid hot water and soaking your nails

Alright, so you’re not rough with your hands—so why won’t your gels stay put? It might be something else in your daily routine. Namely, it’s either the warm post-work baths you’re soaking in, the hyper-hot pre-bed showers you indulge in, or all the dishes you’ve been washing after dinner. The worst possible thing for your manicure is a long, steamy soak. So, if you want your nails to go the distance, skip the hot showers and wear gloves when you do the dishes!

Tip #5: Don’t pick at it (obviously)

We’ve all been there. A chip shows up out of nowhere, and before you know it, you’re surrounded by a pile of picked nail polish. Not only is picking bad for your nail health, but it’s also just making your chipped situation worse. Instead, resist the urge and head back to the salon for a touch-up (or DIY your fill)! 

Tip #6: Opt for acrylics or press-ons instead

So, you’ve tried it all and to no avail! What can be done? Well, you can pick a manicure that’s better suited to your lifestyle, for a start. Acrylics are stronger, harder, and last longer, so if you find you need a set that’s built to withstand anything that’s thrown at it, it’s worth looking into. 

Alternatively, you can skip the fancy manis altogether and opt for a buff and shine of your natural nails. You can’t really go wrong with it!

Of course, if you can’t give up a pretty set, press-ons are always an option. They’re perfect for a special occasion, but they also come on and off to allow you full utility over your mitts in the meantime.

READ: #SupportLocal: Where to buy custom and ready-made press-on nails in Malaysia

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