Don’t you just hate it when you spot a chip in your nails just days after getting them done? So.damn.annoying. Follow these tried-and-tested tips to preserve your sanity and your polish. They may seem obvious – we’re looking at you, pickers of gel nails – but they really do make a difference.
By Liz Hambleton
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1 Use cuticle oil
A drop of cuticle oil every day on each nail will really help your manicure last and stop it peeling. It keeps your cuticles nice and moisturised so that they don’t dry out and lift up your polish. If you do get a peel, do not – repeat do not – be tempted to peel the whole nail back.
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2 Re-apply top coat
Reinforce your mani with a top-up of top coat about three days after your appointment. This will strengthen your nails and prevent any early chipping. If you have the same brand used by your manicurist, that’s best. If you don’t, your regular one is better than nothing.
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3 Don’t pick it off
DIY gel polish removal is a massive no-no. If it’s not taken off correctly, it can really damage your nails. When you peel off a gel you take the top layer of your nail with it, which will make them weak and bendy. Going to your salon is better in the long run: your manicurist will soak your polish off with remover that allows the nail to slide right off.
FAQs
How can you make your gel manicure last longer?
Applying cuticle oil daily and reapplying your top coat a few days after your manicure will help extend its life. Keeping your cuticles moisturised and strengthening your nails helps prevent peeling and early chipping.
Why should you avoid picking off gel polish yourself?
Peeling off gel nail polish can remove the top layer of your nail, making them weak and bendy. Proper removal at a salon is safer, as professionals use a remover that lets your polish slide right off without damaging your nails.
How often should you use cuticle oil to protect your nails?
Use a drop of cuticle oil every day on each nail to help your manicure last and stop peeling. Moisturised cuticles prevent dryness and lifting of your polish, keeping your nails looking fresh for longer.
What should you do if your polish starts to peel?
Do not pull or peel back the rest of your gel polish if you notice it peeling. Removing the polish incorrectly can damage your natural nails and lead to weakness.
Is it important to use the same brand of top coat as your manicurist?
Using the same brand of top coat as your manicurist is recommended, but your regular top coat is better than nothing. A top-up, even with your own product, helps reinforce your manicure and protects against chipping.