4 Easy Steps To Make Your Gel Manicure Last Longer

It’s all well and good creating the perfect manicure, but it’s making it last that is the hard part.

There’s no worse feeling than your client happily leaving your salon with a fresh set, only for them to message a couple days later saying their gels are lifting or have popped off.

Luckily for you, we’re experts in this field, and have 4 easy to follow steps to help make your own and your clients’ gel manicures last longer.

Cuticle oil

We cannot stress this first magic step enough, it literally is magic for making your gel manicure last longer. Using cuticle oil daily, yes daily (!) will help to keep your nails healthy and hydrated, therefore making them last longer.

It also helps to stop lifting which can be caused by dry nail beds. Some say you should apply cuticle oil every time you wash your hands, but daily is enough for us. 

Perfect your prep

Having dust, fluff and dead skin on your nails when applying gel is a for sure way to instigate premature lifting, as your gel will be stuck to them, instead of your nail beds.

Always always always make sure you are wiping your nails clean with a lint free pad before applying gel, and you’re onto a winner.

Avoid hot water

We all love an occasional pamper, but as good as a steamy shower or long bath feels, hot water can sometimes cause your polish to lift. This also goes for using hot water when cleaning.

To avoid this, simply avoid too much time in the water when having a scrub and always wear rubber gloves when cleaning and doing the dishes, to avoid them being in the hot water for too long.

Don’t use your nails as tools

We have a fun little motto here at the Nail Tech Org for this one. Your nails are jewels, not tools.

As easy as it is to start opening cans and picking things with your nails, please do not! Opt for an actual tool when doing these, or ask someone else to do it for you. Win-win!