Gel nail polish is a great option to achieve a shiny, long-lasting manicure or pedicure. It is possible to extend the life of gel nails at home if you just got them done at the salon. Conditioners can be applied to your nails, a clear polish can be added, and hot water can be avoided. Preserve your gel polish by taking a few precautions before and during application. The following steps will help you achieve an impressive gel manicure that lasts for at least two weeks!
Method1: After gel nails have been applied, preserve them
1. Keep your nails healthy by using cuticle oil daily
It is crucial to replenish the moisture taken out of your nails and cuticles by prepping them before applying the gel polish. When nails become dry, they become flaky, so the polish does not last as long. Keep your cuticles and skin around your nails moisturized by brushing cuticle oil on them every day. Apply a cuticle oil just before bed and follow up with a moisturizer. This will make your hands extra soft and conditioned.
2. Once your nails are dry, coat them with clear polish
It is essential to reapply a topcoat about a week after getting a gel manicure to keep it from chipping. Apply the coat and use a light to cure it. Alternatively, you can air dry it by using clear nail polish. The top edge of your nails should be sealed first before applying the topcoat to the entire nail. Keep your manicure or pedicure from chipping by using a top coat every few days.
3. Take care not to damage your nails
Make sure you’re gentle with your hands and fingers when you have a brand new gel manicure. It is not uncommon for the slightest chip to grow larger and lift from the nail bed. Don’t tear open packages or scrape sticky labels off of surfaces, as this can damage the edge of the polish.
4. Stay clear of hot water or cleaning products
You can extend the life of your gel manicure by avoiding prolonged exposure to hot water after the first two weeks. When you plan on doing dishes or cleaning, wear gloves to prevent your nails from getting damaged. The breakdown of polish can be exacerbated by hot water and chemicals used in cleaning products.
Method 2: Getting Lasting Results from Your Nails
Do not wash your nails with hot water or soap before you get a gel manicure
Some people prefer to soak their nails or wash them before receiving a manicure or pedicure. It’s not a good idea to wash your nails with soap because the soap contains oils that can adhere to your nails. When you apply gel polish, this can cause it to lift. Before painting your nails, make sure they are scorched by avoiding moisture. If you’re using gel, do not wash the dishes or shower for at least one hour before applying the gel. You’ll need to let your nails absorb water for at least one hour before using the gel.
You must prepare and prime your hands separately for best results
When you prepare each nail, try focusing on one hand at a time for even, accurate results. Take your most accessible hand first, then move on to the one that feels more challenging. Slowly make your way through the game. Efforts like these will set you up for a great manicure. Do not rush through the priming and prepping process, or you will undermine its effectiveness.
Clear your nail bed by pushing your cuticles back
You can cause your nail polish to lift and chip by applying it over your cuticles. Before polishing your nails, you need to push your cuticles as far back as possible on each fingernail with a wooden cuticle stick. Use the post gently to remove cuticles if there are a lot of them on the nail. Instead of using a metal cuticle pusher, try a wooden cuticle pusher because they are soft and won’t damage your nail bed. A cuticle remover can be used to soften your cuticles before you push or remove them. Be sure not to use any oils.
Use a nail buffer to polish your nails
Dry skin is removed by buffing the nail bed, and the surface is smoothed out. Buff your entire nail by quickly rubbing back and forth from edge to edge while holding the buffer parallel to your pin. You shouldn’t use more than six strokes per nail. Otherwise, you won’t be able to buff them as well.
It would help if you used the side with the coarsest texture on your nail buffer. This is usually the black side. If you use a file on your nail bed, make sure you use a buffer instead. The edge of the nail should only be smoothed with a file. Beauty supply stores typically carry nail buffers. Some of them take the form of rectangular blocks, while others resemble Popsicle sticks.
Wipe your nails clean with 99% isopropyl alcohol and lint-free wipes
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Before applying gel polish, your nails must be dry and debris-free. 99% isopropyl alcohol should be used for each nail to clean. Put a small amount on a cotton swab and rub each nail with it. You will notice your nails becoming more and more dry and flaky over time. Next, use a lint-free wipe to clean each nail.
If you wish to further dry out the nails, apply nail primer
Using a nail primer, you can dry out the nail bed and help the gel polish adhere. The product can be purchased at most beauty supply stores. Use the brush provided to apply a thin, even coat, and then allow it to dry. If you apply this product to the tips of your nails, you can prevent lifting and chipping. Pure acetone used with a cotton pad will further dehydrate your nail bed. You don’t want to dry your cuticles out too much with acetone; avoid applying it to them.
Coat your nails with a thin layer of base coat
Gel base coats should be applied to each nail before you begin your gel manicure. Base coats ensure that the gel polish adheres to the nail completely, making them a critical step. Apply the base coat using the brush included with your base coat, but do not touch the cuticle or nail bed. Avoid having nails chip by painting the tips of your nails as well. It is important not to get the base coat on the cuticles or the nail beds. If this occurs, the polish may lift, and the manicure will be short-lived.
Conclusion
Gel manicures can last for more than two weeks, but it’s recommended to have your polish professionally removed after 14 days if you care about your nails. To keep your nails in tip-top condition throughout your manicure, stock up on cuticle oil, files, and top coat.
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FAQs
- What is the recommended life expectancy of gel nails?
Duguay-Gordon explains that gel manicures can last up to two weeks when properly prepping the nails and taking proper care at homes, such as applying cuticle oil and hand lotion.
- What should I do if my gel nails peel?
Make sure your hands are moisturized. Keep your nails and hands moisturized even if you pick at them.
- How can I make my gel nails last longer?
Far says gels won’t last as long on nails that are weak, dry, or damaged.