How long does gel polish last, and how can you make it last longer?

A fresh set of gel polish should stay glossy and chip-free for around two to three weeks. Some clients get longer, and now and then a nail lifts after a few days. Most of the difference comes down to a few small habits, so here is what we tell people across the desk.

Why gel lasts longer than normal polish

Normal polish dries as it is exposed to the air, so it stays a little soft and chips easily. Gel polish is cured under a lamp, layer by layer, which makes it set hard straight away. You can walk out of your appointment and get on with your day without smudges.

Before your appointment

• Skip the hand cream that morning. Oils and creams on the nail can stop the gel gripping properly.
• Do not peel off old polish. Peeling takes layers of your own nail with it. Book a soak-off removal and let us take it off gently.
• Tell us about your hands. If you work with water, cleaning products or a keyboard all day, let us know. It helps us choose the right length and shape.

For the first day

Gel is hard when you leave, but it is worth being a little gentle for the first 24 hours. Avoid very hot baths and long soaks, and keep away from harsh chemicals.

Every day after

• Wear gloves for washing up and cleaning. Hot water and cleaning sprays are the biggest cause of lifting.
• Use your fingertips, not your nails, to open cans, peel stickers and scrape things off.
• Oil your cuticles once a day. Healthy, hydrated skin around the nail helps the gel stay sealed at the edges.
• Do not pick. If an edge lifts, picking it pulls up the rest and can damage the nail underneath. Ring us instead.

When it is time for a new set

As your nail grows, a gap appears at the cuticle. After two or three weeks the gel also starts to feel heavier at the tip. That is the time to book in for a soak-off and a fresh colour.

If gel never lasts on you

Some nails are naturally thin or bendy, and gel polish on its own flexes with them and lifts. If that sounds familiar, BIAB may suit you better, because it adds strength underneath the colour. We explain the difference in BIAB or acrylics: which is right for your nails?