How long do gel nails last? This is a question that does not seem to have a concrete answer. Some say gel nails from a professional nail salon will last up to a month, but most of us have found that does not seem to be the case.
For most people, the standard amount of time is about two weeks between manicures, and there are things we can do to help your gel nails last that long.
Read on for more information on ways you can make your gel nails last as long as possible. And know the hidden answer to how long gel acrylic nails last.
How Long Will A Gel Manicure Last?
Most experts agree that a gel manicure can last, at the longest, two weeks without having a detrimental effect on the overall health of your nails.
Even if your manicure still looks great after two weeks, you do have a risk at that point of damaging your nails if you continue to keep the same gel nails on at that time.
Keep in mind the polish on your gel nails tends to continue to cure when it is exposed to ultraviolet light rays, including the ones you get from the sun. So the answer to how long gel nails last lies in your manicure maintenance process.
You really should head to your favorite manicurist every two weeks so they can gently remove your nail polish without stripping your nails or causing damage to them.
How To Help Gel Nails Last Longer?
There are several ways you can keep your gel nails looking great for the entire two weeks, and we have listed several in our detailed list below. All are the components for the answer of how long gel nails last.
1. Cuticle Oil Is Important
Cuticle oil is more important than most people realize. You should definitely have some on hand at all times and use it regularly since it will not only hydrate the cuticles of your nails, but it is a great oil to condition your nails and leave them stronger so that you will have less breakage and chipping.
This will also help you avoid having brittle nails. You should use cuticle oil two times every single day for the best results.
2. File Them Often
Much like pantyhose or tights, if you nick them on something but do not take care of it right away, you will end up with a huge run down your leg.
The same scenario holds true with your nails, which means if you get a nick in one of your gel nails, you should smooth it out right away by using a buffer or a nail file to stop it from splitting, tearing, or chipping and ruining your manicure before it is time to have a new one.
You can even keep a mini nail file in your purse or handbag so that it is readily available to you if one of your nails is nicked when you are out and about.
2. Top Them Off
After you’ve repaired a nick in your nails by filing it down, so it doesn’t become worse, it is a great idea to put on a layer of topcoat over your manicure to protect it even more. So without applying the maintenance tips, the question like how long gel nails last have no value.
This is a good idea to ensure that your nail technician uses a topcoat when you first get your manicure to help prevent nicks from happening in the first place.
3. Dry Is Better
Even though gel nail polish does not chip as easily as the polish used in a classic manicure, it is still important to protect your nails to keep them looking their best for two weeks.
One of the things that you need to do is keep your nails as dry as possible, which can include donning a pair of rubber gloves while you clean your bathroom or wash the dishes.
Changing the environment of your nails from dry to wet and back again can break down the gel polish and cause chips in your nails. You should always keep your hands and nails as dry and clean as possible. This is the secret answer to how long gel nails last.
If you are an avid swimmer, you may want to opt for a different type of manicure that will last longer since your nails will be exposed to water and moisture much more often than people who do not swim on a regular basis.
Recommended Wait Time Between Gel Manicures
I think you already get the answer to how long gel nails last. And when you have to revisit your nail stylist again. Basically, the amount of time you let pass between your gel manicures is up to you.
While some people go straight for years with a gel manicure on their nails at all times, others like to give their nails a chance to breathe and reset in between each manicure or after so many manicures in a row.
It really comes down to your own preferences and how well your nails do if you constantly have gel nails on them over time.
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