Gel manicures are a great option. Gel manicures last weeks without chipping and stay shiny for weeks. They can make your nails thin and brittle if they aren’t taken care of properly. We will show you how to keep your tips healthy and strong during your manicure.
What is a gel manicure, you ask?
Let’s be clear: “Shellac” is not the same as “hard gel.” Shellac can be confused because salons may refer to it as gels. However, Shellac is the trademark name for CND, which was the first to patent and register this type. Shellac is commonly found in salons. It can also be cured and hardened with a UV lamp. It is softer than gel and can be soaked off with acetone.
Gel, or “hard gel,” can be applied over fake or natural nails. Shellac, or soak-off gel, has one major difference. You can increase the length of your nail. This can also be sculpted and formed just like acrylic.
How long will it take for the gel to dry on your nails?
Gels should not cause nail damage if they are properly applied and removed by a skilled technician. The majority of damage happens during the removal process. Make sure you take the time to follow these steps. Our number one tip: Don’t pick or peel off your gels. It’s never easy.
It can take up to three to six months to get rid of white spots, lines, or unevenness in your natural nails. This is because it takes time for your nails to grow completely. To smoothen your nails, you can use a ridge filler (similar to how a makeup primer helps fill in pores and fine lines before applying foundation) or Best electric nail files.
We can help you if you are experiencing flaking or peeling after removing the skin.
1. Trim Your Nails
For everyday tasks, longer nails are more likely to break (such as trying to remove the stubborn lid from your Tupperware). To avoid chipping and snagging, keep your nails short. It’s better to start with shorter nails so that you can grow them as needed.
2. Keep them rounded
Gel polish can cause nails to thin over time. This makes them more susceptible to breaking and snagging. To keep nails strong, avoid using pointed or square tips. Instead, use rounded tips.
3. Gently buff them
To smoothen things, lightly run a buffer on any ridges or edges. This will prevent any further peeling, especially at the tips.
4. Moisturize Often
Use cuticle oil to massage your nails and skin around them multiple times per day. You can then seal it all with a thick, hand cream or salve. Creams and oils absorb more into the nails, so they create an occlusive barrier to keep moisture out.
5. Make sure your hands are dry
Limit your exposure to water as much as possible. Do you wash a few plates with your hands? It’s fine. If you need to go on for any longer, gloves are recommended to protect your hands from moisture (which could cause polish to lift).
6. Apply a nail treatment
For a few weeks, take a break from nail polish and apply a nail strengthening treatment. ( OPI’s has proteins that strengthen weak tips.
7. Don’t Leave Your Cuticles Behind
Refrain from cutting or trimming them. Keep your cuticles moisturized. They are there to protect the nails underneath.
8. Do not pick at your Polish
It bears repeating: Resist the temptation to pick off the gel polish if you want to do another gel manicure after your nails have healed. This can cause layers of nail polish to fall off. You can either go to a salon to have it done properly or you can purchase a kit to do it at home.
