How Long Does Gel Polish Last?

As regular nail polish tends to chip quickly, do you know how long does gel polish last? Gel nail polish was launched in the market in 2010. Since then, gel manicure has become one of the most popular forms of manicures. In today’s post, I will reveal how long does gel nail polish last. A gel manicure ensures a flawless and long-lasting manicure in the world of beauty. It is thicker than regular nail polish and needs to be cured under a UV or LED lamp. You can keep on reading further to find out how long does gel polish last.

How Long Does Gel Polish Last?

Gel polish usually lasts between minimum 2 to 3 weeks. With light wear, gel nail polish last at least twice as long as normal polish without chipping. Even though your manicure looks fine after two weeks, it can damage your nails if you keep them on longer. The lifespan of your gel manicure varies with each individual.

Now, you must be wondering how long does gel polish last on natural and acrylic nails. Usually, acrylic nails last anywhere from six to eight weeks. While your gel manicure on natural and acrylic nails will also last between 2 to 3 weeks at the minimum. 

Gel pedicures last much longer than standard pedicures depending on your technician’s skill level and products. But do you know how long does gel polish last on toes? Depending on your lifestyle, gel polish on your toes can last for about three weeks. It can sometimes last for about six weeks without chipping or peeling.

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How Long Does Gel Polish Last In Bottle?

Generally, gel polish lasts around 24 to 36 months in unopened bottles. Nail polishes expire soon once they have been opened. Regular nail polish lasts around 18 to 24 months on average in an unopened bottle. So, just make sure you don’t open the bottle unless you are using it immediately.

You can consider the following tips to make the nail polish last longer in the bottle.

  • Always keep your nail polish away from direct sources of heat and sunlight. This will avoid separation and discoloration.
  • You can store them in a cool and dark place to keep the formula fresh.
  • A nail polish is airtight and safe from expiry before it is opened, so never open a nail polish bottle.
  • Make sure the cap is tightly screwed onto the polish bottle after every use. This will prevent air from mixing with the product.
  • Whenever you go to paint your nails, shake any opened or used bottles. You can shake or roll the bottle for about 30 seconds on an every-other-week basis. This is the best way to avoid product separation.
  • Ensure the cap and the rim of the bottle are clean before you screw the lid. This will prevent a build-up of nail polish clumps when you open and close the bottle.

You can keep on reading further to know more about how long does gel polish last and take to dry.

How Long Does Gel Polish Take To Dry?

When the gel polish is dried under UV light, it takes around 60 to 90 seconds to dry the base coat. And 60 to 90 seconds to dry the topcoat. However, you can also dry gel nail polish under a LED lamp in 60 seconds. So, it takes 30 seconds to dry one layer of gel polish under a LED lamp.

Many people also dry gel nail polish without UV light or LED light. It can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 24 hours for gel polish to fully dry!

You can keep on reading to know how to make gel nails last longer.

Tips To Make Gel Nails Last Longer

Now, I hope you’ve understood how long does gel polish last. Your gel polish isn’t going to mess with your nail health as long as you go to a skilled manicurist! You can consider the following tips to make your gel nails last longer.

  • Good cuticle oil will help you to strengthen and condition your nails. Regularly use cuticle oil to make keep your nails looking nice and pretty for two weeks. 
  • If you get a minor crack, you can smooth out the top coat with a file or buffer. This will prevent any further chipping or tearing. 
  • It is important to keep your hands and nails as dry as possible. Make sure you always wear rubber gloves while you’re washing the dishes or cleaning your apartment.
  • Ensure that your gel nails are completely cured underneath the UV light or LED light. If the polish isn’t firm enough, it won’t stay as long as it should.
  • Hot water can cause gel polish to lift and peel. So, minimize exposure to hot water.
  • Use both a gel base coat and a gel top coat to protect your gel manicure from getting damaged easily.

How Long Do Gel Nails Take?

At the salon, one-color gel nails take up to 45 minutes. During this process, the nail expert goes through the steps of the typical manicure. He then adds a coat of gel polish to create a glossy layer on the nail. The gel polish is then cured twice under UV light or LED light.

Is Gel Polish Bad For Your Nails?

No, gel polish is not bad for your nails. Always go to a skilled manicurist to get gel nail polish done in the right way. Even if your nails are naturally thin and brittle, putting on gel nail polish isn’t going to change anything. Make sure you always remove your gels professionally if you want your nails to stay healthy!

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FAQ

Does Gel Polish Damage Nails?

Although gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails. Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.

How Often Should You Get Gel Nails Done?

Most gel clients can easily go 3-4 weeks between fills. However, it can be beneficial to start out with 2-week intervals until you see how she is adapting to her nails. As time progresses the intervals can be extended to 3 or 4 weeks. The key is consistency and regularly scheduled appointments.

How Long On Average Does Gel Polish Normally Last?

between 2-3 weeks

Gel polish lasts between 2-3 weeks at the minimum, while regular polish is lucky to go a week without chipping. With light wear, your gel nails last at least twice as long as a normal polish, but realistically they get you four to six times a standard manicure mileage.

Is Gel Polish Worth The Extra Money?

Many people love the gel nails because they last much longer than standard manicures. Gel polish doesn’t chip, so you can keep it on for weeks at a time. You’ll only need to get it changed or removed when your nails grow out too far. If you’re trying to grow your natural nails out, gel is also a good choice.

How Long Should You Wait Between Gel Manicures?

For gel nails, take a break for a week at least once every eight weeks to allow the nails to rehydrate and to allow repair of the underlying structures.

Why Does My Gel Polish Peel Off So Quickly?

The key factor here is moisture – too much water will cause your nails to expand, and when you apply polish on such moist nails, they may begin chipping or peeling sooner than they should. Many technicians use acetone before applying gel polish to prevent this.

Can You Remove Gel Nails At Home?

Acetone offers the most effective way to remove gel nail polish at home, says board-certified dermatologist Shari Lipner, MD, FAAD. Instead of wrapping your nails in foil, she recommends using plastic food wrap.

Is Dip More Expensive Than Gel?

A set of dip powder nails usually costs just $5-10 more than gels, so the difference is negligible if you plan to wear your manicure for as long as possible. If, on the other hand, you like to change your nail color frequently, gels are probably the most budget-friendly choice.

Conclusion

In the above post, I’ve explained how long does gel polish last. Gel polish is much more durable than regular polish. It is made up of acrylic monomers and oligomers that bond together when placed under UV light. Gel manicures can last more than two weeks while gel pedicures can last for three weeks. You can use cuticle oil to prevent them from chipping, breaking, or becoming brittle. Just remember the longer you keep your polish on, the harder it is to remove. Once you know how long does gel polish last, you can keep your nails in good shape throughout your manicure!