Are your gel nails peeling, chipping, or looking less-than-Pinterest-worthy within days of perfecting your mani? Gel should last anywhere between 2-3 weeks before looking a little worse-for-wear.
So, if you’re wondering how to make gel nails last longer, we’ve got all the tips and tricks in this blog!
How to Make Gel Nails Last Longer
Prep, Prep, Prep
Investing time to prep the nails before beginning the mani is undoubtedly one of the most important gel nail tips. Start by gently pushing back the cuticles with a cuticle pusher and trim away loose skin. This reveals more of the nail bed and helps you avoid painting over outgrowth leading to peeling polish.
The next step is to file the nails into your desired shape – be it round, square, coffin, or otherwise. Don’t forget to use a soft file on your nail bed, as this creates texture to aid better gel adhesion.
Choose the Right Base
The second most important step in how to make gel nails last longer is to choose the right base coat. Gel Co. London’s HEMA free base, Rubber Base, provides the perfect blank canvas for your manicure. With effortless adhesion to the natural nail, it helps gel stay put for up to 4 weeks whilst simultaneously strengthening brittle nails!
Want to know more about our HEMA free movement? Learn more in our blog on everything you need to know about HEMA free gel polish.
Nail the Application
Are you going all-in with thick coats of gel nail polish? This seems like a no-brainer to achieve an opaque finish, but it can actually cause the gel to lift away from the nail bed.
Layering multiple thin coats is the way to go. You should also ‘cap’ the nails with the polish by painting along the open edge as this locks in each coat and protects the end of your nails from chipping. Finish with a top coat to lock everything in place and create a flawless look.
Give Your Cuticles a Little TLC
Healthy, hydrated nails begin at the cuticle. Regularly applying a quality cuticle oil will help your nails grow stronger, forming an excellent foundation to achieve a long-lasting gel mani.
Treat Your Gel Nails with Care
Even the most microscopic scuffs and scrapes can eventually cause noticeable chips that compromise the look of your manicure. So, avoid using your nails as tools to open boxes or peel back extra-sticky tape – scissors usually do the job much better and keep your mani intact!
Avoid Nasty Chemicals
Household cleaning products are packed with chemicals that can seep into your nails, break down the gel, and cause them to lift, peel, or chip. Direct contact with hot water has the same effect, ruining your manicure with each exposure.
We recommend wearing quality rubber gloves when handling cleaning products and avoiding soaking your hands in soaring temperatures for too long.
How to Make Gel Nails Last Longer with Gel Co. London
The1 Builder Gel is a HEMA free gel polish available in 50 on-trend colours promising stronger, healthier nails with every application. Designed to offer super long-lasting wear, it boasts incredible resistance to chipping, peeling, and cracking (though we still recommend adding a base and top coat!).
And did we mention it’s also hypoallergenic, vegan, and cruelty-free?
