Liam Carter
Gel manicures are supposed to last two to four weeks without chipping or lifting. However, if you find that your gel nail polish chips in just a few days, it could be due to improper application, not taking care of your nails, or the products used. To make your gel manicure last longer, there are several steps you can follow during the preparation, application, and post-application stages. These include properly preparing your nails, using specific brands and types of gel polish, and taking care of your hands and nails post-application.
How to make gel nails last longer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Ensure nails are thoroughly dried after washing hands, and use a nail buffer to create a textured surface for the gel polish to adhere to. |
| Application | Use a thin layer of gel polish, cap the free edge of the nail, and avoid getting gel polish on the skin. |
| Aftercare | Avoid hand sanitiser, harsh chemicals, and very hot water. Keep nails and cuticles hydrated with high-quality nourishing products. |
| Products | Use a quality brand, with a base coat and top coat from the same manufacturer as the gel polish. |
| Nail Shape | Shorter nails are better to minimise breakage, and oval or rounded shapes are less likely to catch on things. |
| Timing | Curing time can range from 15 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the brand. |
| Salon | Choose a reputable salon and ensure they are curing the gel for long enough. |
| Removal | Gels can cure longer if they are filed off, rather than soaked in acetone. |
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What You'll Learn
- Use a cuticle pusher to push back cuticles and prevent lifting
- Buff nails to create a rough surface for the gel to cling to
- Apply thin layers of gel polish to prevent wrinkling and ridges
- Avoid getting gel polish on your skin to prevent premature lifting
- Wash hands thoroughly before application to prevent moisture from causing gel to lift
Use a cuticle pusher to push back cuticles and prevent lifting
Using a cuticle pusher is an important step in the preparation phase of a gel manicure. It helps to push back the cuticles and prevent the gel polish from lifting prematurely. This is because dead skin and dead cuticles are the primary causes of gel manicure lifting.
There are a few tools you can use to push back your cuticles, including a cuticle pusher, cuticle clippers, an e-file, or a nail drill. If you are using a metal cuticle pusher, be extra gentle to avoid damaging your nail bed. A wooden cuticle stick is also a good option, as it is gentle on the nail bed and can effectively push back the cuticles.
It is also important to buff your nails after pushing back your cuticles. This creates a textured surface for the gel polish to adhere to, which helps to extend the life of your manicure. Be sure to use a 180-grit nail buffer and only buff for 6-8 strokes per nail to avoid over-buffing, which can damage your nail bed.
Additionally, make sure to remove any nail dust with a dust brush or nail cleanser after buffing. Any loose dust will prevent the gel polish from adhering properly to the nail bed.
By following these steps and using a cuticle pusher to push back your cuticles, you can help prevent lifting and ensure that your gel manicure lasts as long as possible.
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Buff nails to create a rough surface for the gel to cling to
Buffing your nails is an important step in the preparation process to make your gel nails last longer. The purpose of buffing is to create a rough surface for the gel polish to adhere to, which can help extend the longevity of your manicure. To buff your nails effectively, follow these steps:
First, select an appropriate nail buffer. A 180-grit nail buffer is recommended, and you can find one at your local beauty supply store or online. Nail buffers come in different shapes, such as rectangular blocks or popsicle sticks. Next, hold the nail buffer parallel to your nail and use circular motions to buff the surface. Aim for 6-8 strokes per nail to avoid over-buffing, which can damage your nail bed. Be sure to buff all around the edges of your nail to prevent the gel polish from lifting. Use the coarsest side of your nail buffer, which is usually coloured black.
After buffing, it is important to remove any nail dust created during the process. Use a dust brush or a nail cleanser to ensure that your nail bed is free from dust, oils, and dirt. Any residue left on the nail can prevent the gel polish from adhering properly and achieving a smooth finish. You can use a cotton pad with acetone to cleanse your nails before starting the application of the gel polish.
Additionally, it is recommended to trim your nails short and file them into a rounded shape after buffing. Shorter nails are less susceptible to bending and cracking. However, if you have weaker nails, you may want to keep them slightly longer to minimise breakage.
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Apply thin layers of gel polish to prevent wrinkling and ridges
When applying gel polish to your nails, it is important to apply thin layers. Thick layers of gel polish may cause the polish to run and pool at the sides, creating an uneven layer, which can lead to uneven curing. This may cause wrinkling, ridges, and lifting.
To apply thin layers of gel polish, dip your brush into the gel polish, then wipe the excess polish on the sides of the container before brushing it onto your nail. If you are using a lighter shade of polish, you may need to apply three layers to achieve opacity.
If you accidentally get gel polish on your skin or cuticles, quickly remove it with a wooden cuticle stick or a cotton swab before curing. Curing gel polish on your cuticles can cause premature lifting.
Additionally, remember to cap the free edge of your nail after applying each coat. This will help seal in the gel polish and prevent chips and cracks on the end of your nail.
Finally, it is important to keep your hands and cuticles hydrated. Daily moisturising with high-quality nourishing products will promote hand and nail health. Healthy cuticles mean stronger nails as they grow, so consider using a cuticle oil if you have weaker nails.
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Avoid getting gel polish on your skin to prevent premature lifting
Getting gel polish on your skin can cause it to lift prematurely, so it's important to be careful when applying the polish to avoid this. Nails are porous, so they easily absorb oils and other products. This means that if you accidentally get gel polish on your skin, it can separate from the area after it dries, preventing the nail from being fully sealed and causing premature lifting.
To avoid this, work on one hand at a time and go slowly to avoid mistakes. It's also important to push your cuticles back before you start, as this prevents any loose skin from sticking to the gel, which is usually the main cause of lifting or peeling. You can use a cuticle pusher, cuticle clippers, an e-file, or a nail drill to do this, but be extra gentle if you're using a metal cuticle pusher so you don't damage your nail bed.
If you do accidentally get gel polish on your skin, quickly remove it with a wooden cuticle stick or a cotton swab before curing. You can also use a little dawn dish soap and water to clean your nails, which will help to remove any oils and give your nails a matte effect.
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Wash hands thoroughly before application to prevent moisture from causing gel to lift
Washing your hands before a gel manicure is essential to prevent moisture from causing the gel to lift prematurely. However, it is equally important to ensure that your hands are thoroughly dried afterward. This is because, if your nail beds retain water after the gel application, the moisture will cause the gel to lift more quickly.
To ensure your hands are completely dry, you can use a hairdryer on a cool setting or gently pat them with a towel. It is also advisable to avoid very hot water for a few hours after your gel manicure to keep your nails looking fresh for longer. The heat from water and steam can cause lifting, so it is best to avoid long soaks in the bath or shower immediately after your manicure.
Additionally, it is worth noting that frequent hand washing and the use of hand sanitiser can also cause gel nails to break down over time. This is because the chemicals in soap and sanitiser are designed to break down bacteria and germs, and they will also break down the coating on your nails. Therefore, it is recommended to keep hand washing brief and to wipe away any excess soap or sanitiser from your nails afterward.
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