There's nothing worse than a fresh gel manicure that chips or peels after a few days. The good news: most gel longevity comes down to prep and aftercare, not luck. Here's how to make your gel manicure last two to three weeks.
It's all in the prep
- Start bone-dry and clean. Push back cuticles, lightly buff the nail, and wipe with alcohol so no oil or moisture is trapped under the gel.
- Cap the free edge. Run each coat along the very tip of the nail — this one step prevents most early chipping and peeling.
- Thin layers, fully cured. Two thin coats cure better than one thick one. Cure each layer fully under your UV/LED lamp.
Aftercare that keeps it intact
- Oil daily. Cuticle oil keeps nails flexible so the gel flexes with them instead of cracking.
- Wear gloves for dishes and cleaning — hot water and harsh chemicals are gel's enemy.
- Don't pick or peel. Picking gel off takes the top layer of your natural nail with it — always soak off properly.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying gel over oily or damp nails.
- Skipping the free edge.
- Under-curing each coat.
- Using your nails as tools (openers, scrapers).
Nail it (literally) with the right prep and a little daily oil, and your gel will stay glossy for weeks. Shop everything you need in our Nails collection.
