How long does gel polish last? What determines durability and how to extend wear

A beautiful and long-lasting manicure is the dream of many girls. And it became a reality with the advent of gel polishes, which are durable, like nail extension gel, and easy to use, like varnish. This is an ideal option for those who value long-lasting manicure. However, many ladies are still concerned about the question of: There are a lot of nuances that need to be taken into account.

Price

In addition to how long gel polish lasts on nails, girls are also concerned about the cost of long-term manicure. And here the price may vary. So, in a salon, where the cost is calculated based on the cost of the material, the work of the master and the percentage of the salon itself, doing a manicure is very expensive - about 1500-2000 rubles. Private craftsmen working from home price their services somewhat lower - 800-1200 rubles. But the most profitable thing is that you will have to spend serious money only once - when you first purchase material and equipment (in particular, an ultraviolet lamp).

Manufacturers and companies

How long gel polish lasts on nails depends, in particular, on what company the material is used. Thus, Shellac from CND is considered the most durable and high-quality. This is an American product, the first hybrid of gel and polish to appear in the nail industry. And until now it is he who is considered the best in his category. However, even among more budget-friendly companies there are quite decent and high-quality ones. For example, TNL or Bluesky. The gel polishes of these companies are also very durable, fit well on the nails, and have a wide palette.

Is long-term manicure harmful?

Many girls often wonder whether such a manicure is harmful? Fortunately, long-term coating causes virtually no harm, but only if all instructions for use are followed. And, of course, if high-quality material is used. But even the cheapest gel polish can last up to one week on your nails without chipping or cracking if applied correctly.

Nail preparation

This is the most important point in manicure. "Shellac" or gel polish from any other company requires more thorough preparation than regular varnish new manicure, but also less harsh, as with extensions. The first thing to do is remove the old coating, if any. After this, the cuticle is carefully pushed back using a pusher or for manicure. If the skin is too dry, you can moisturize it with gel to make it more pliable. Using a soft file, the free edge is filed down and given a neat shape. Buff for removing shine from nail plates. Movements are performed from the cuticle to the free edge and nothing else. Using a degreaser, the natural fat film is removed, which can cause material detachments. Most often, gel polish does not stick to nails precisely because of improper nail preparation.

Materials for manicure

Before you start creating nail art, you need to choose the right tools and materials. If with the first everything is simple - you only need a file, a buff, a pusher (orange sticks) and always an ultraviolet lamp, then with the second it is somewhat more complicated. The materials typically required are:

  • base for gel polish;
  • fixative (finish);
  • colored gel polish;
  • degreaser and dispersion layer remover.

Shellac or gel polish does not have to be purchased in a large assortment or, conversely, in a single copy. At first, two or three shades are enough, which can be mixed together to create even more tones.

Base application method

It is worth remembering that gel polish will not dry without light for nail art. This is not an ordinary varnish that dries in the fresh air. This is a hybrid that polymerizes in the rays of an ultraviolet lamp. Therefore, it is impossible to do without it. Apply a thin layer of base (top) to prepared nails. Usually the base coat is colorless, odorless, and has a fairly liquid consistency, like regular varnish. Therefore, use does not cause any particular difficulties. To make the gel polish last longer, apply the base at a distance of 0.5-1 mm from the cuticle so that the material does not fall on the side rollers, otherwise there will be chips and cracks. They will definitely cause the gel polish to slide off ahead of time. The base dries on average 30-60 seconds.

Method of applying color coating

Gel polish of the selected shade is applied over the transparent top layer. Also in one layer, which is dried in an ultraviolet lamp for 60-120 seconds. The application rules are the same as with the base: do not touch the cuticle and side ridges. In addition, you need to securely seal the ends so that the material does not crawl off the nails. If necessary, colored gel polish is applied in two or three layers to obtain a denser shade.

Application of finishing coating

Often, even the highest quality gel polish lasts a week and no more due to improper application of the fixer. It is most often thicker in consistency than the colored material or base. Therefore, first, carefully squeeze the brush onto the bottle, and then apply the fixative to the finished material. After drying, a dispersion layer (sticky) may form, which is removed using a special liquid. Manicure is ready.

Not everyone may understand what gel polish is, how long it lasts on the nails and why it is preferable to use it than the usual composition for creating a varnish coating. Gel nail polish is a product that has recently appeared on the market; it is mainly used in beauty salons. But among amateurs beautiful manicure many questions arise regarding the quality of the resulting coating. They are mainly interested in how long such varnish can last on nails and whether it will damage the natural nail plates.

How gel polish can act on nails

It is unlikely that it will be possible to answer this question unequivocally - the effect of the varnish will depend on the condition of the natural nail plates and on the conditions under which it will be applied.

The gel polish contains the same polymer compounds that are included in modeling gels. Their number is smaller, but at the same time they can “behave” more aggressively. To more fully characterize gel polish, it can be emphasized that it combines most of the best properties of varnish - shine, a wide range of colors, and ease of application. From nail design gel, this product is stable and free of unpleasant odors.

Gel polishes contain substances that are able to provide stable adhesion to the nail plate and its coating, due to which they remain on the nails for quite a long time. It is very important to strictly follow the technology when applying - if this condition is met, there will be a guarantee that the nail is well protected from damage. How long gel polish lasts on the nail plate depends on how carefully you take care of such a coating.

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How long can you keep gel polish on your nails?

In the first two days after applying the coating to the nail, try to avoid prolonged contact with water.

During this time it happens chemical reaction, adhesion of the material to the base is established, and there is no need to disrupt the process. In the future, when performing any household work, it is better to use gloves, but in general, the established coating tolerates non-aggressive external influences quite calmly. Its technology is designed to ensure that nails have an impeccable appearance for about 2 weeks.

Read also: How to use mirror nail polish?

You cannot wear gel polish for more than two weeks. Once this period has passed, the nails may still look good, but the adhesion between the plate and the varnish will become stronger, and removing it later will require aggressive substances that can damage the surface of the nails.

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How does gel polish affect the condition of nails?

Gel polish is a coating that can only be applied by women whose nails are strong and healthy.

Sometimes, after removing nail polish, the surface of the nail plate may appear dry, cloudy, or have a yellowish tint. This can happen if the application technology is followed incorrectly. For example, the master made a too thin layer for the base, and applied a dark pigment on top. Or the gel polish itself is chosen in such a way that to apply it you need to prepare the nail in a special way by removing the top layer with a file - this leads to clouding and overdrying of the plate.

It is necessary to give your nails a rest after several applications of gel polish - this will help keep them healthy. During such breaks, you can apply a light base, cover with regular varnish, and finally apply a topcoat.

If your nails are already not healthy, it is better to choose some other manicure option - consult a specialist.

The gel polish application procedure will last approximately 40 minutes or more. First, apply the base - a layer that is responsible for good adhesion. Then two layers are applied to form the desired color, and everything is fixed on top using a special composition. When applying the coating, each layer must be dried for one to two minutes in a special lamp.

After correct application, you can not worry about its safety for about two weeks. appearance manicure, you can perform any manipulations with your hands. This is how gel polish compares favorably with regular polishes, which have to dry for a long time, trying not to “smear” them during this time. When doing normal household chores, like washing a couple of plates and cups, simple polishes can crack and peel off your nails.

How long gel polish lasts on nails is primarily of interest to those who have never used it before; the rest know that it decorates nails much longer than regular polish. Without exaggeration, this discovery can be called revolutionary. The whole secret is in the unique composition of the decorative product, which ensures easy application, durability, and attractiveness.

One of the main advantages of using it is that there is no need to file the nail, as with extensions. If you are wondering how long gel polish lasts on your nails, then know that it is very convenient because it does not crack, wear off or fade. This coating retains its ideal appearance until the next correction. By the way, the frequency of manicure renewal depends on the growth rate of your nails.

There is a way to cheat a little. To extend the life of your manicure, purchase a polish of the same color as your nails. As it grows nail plate, the area near the cuticle is varnished.

How long does gel polish last on natural nails if applied correctly?

Every woman who always wants to look good is interested not only in how much a manicure in a salon costs, but also in how long it will last. Of course, if we are talking about regular varnish, then the maximum it can last is 3-5 days. But if you cover your nails with gel polish, the duration of the effect can please and even surprise. As indicated in the instructions accompanying this type of manicure product, the approximate period is 2 weeks. This is a period during which, subject to the application rules, the coating will not deform, become cracked, or change color.

Based on practical experience, regarding how long gel polish lasts on natural nails, we can say that 10-14 days is far from the limit. But the problem is that nails grow, and over time, stripes appear in the cuticle area that are not covered with varnish, which does not look very nice. It’s difficult to say definitively how much a manicure with gel polish costs in a salon, because it all depends on the desired design. But considering that the pleasure is not cheap, many try to save money and wear shellac for 3-4 weeks.

Experts say that it is not recommended to have a gel coating on your nails for more than two weeks. The fact is that even after a long time, the adhesion of the varnish and the nail plate continues to strengthen. And when the time comes to remove it, you will have to use aggressive substances, which will negatively affect the condition of your nails.

How to keep gel polish on nails longer, features of its effect

You need to choose a salon not only by the criterion of how much a manicure with shellac costs, but also by a number of other important characteristics. You must be sure that the master will strictly follow the technology; for this, it doesn’t hurt to listen to the opinions of the salon’s clients or a specific master. You also need to pay attention to the materials used in the work; they must be from the same manufacturer.

Each varnish must be fresh, because compositions whose shelf life expires thicken, which is why they are applied in a thick layer, forming air cavities. Under such circumstances, it will not be possible to preserve the coating for a long time, because it will simply peel off. You shouldn’t give preference to too cheap services, because sometimes a high rate of how much a gel manicure costs indicates the skill of the one who does it.

An important factor is the strength of the nail plates; if necessary, it is recommended to take special vitamins. Don't know how to keep gel polish on your nails longer? Here are some valuable tips:

  1. Never expose your hands to solvents, alcohol, or liquids that contain acetone;
  2. It is better to carry out cleaning around the house with gloves, because when scratches appear on the coating, its shine is lost;
  3. try to regularly treat your cuticles with a cream containing lanolin (preferably, but not necessary).

You know how long gel polish lasts on your nails, but now it wouldn’t hurt to understand how this affects their condition. It often happens that after removing the decorative coating, especially if you walk with it for a very long time, the surface of the plate turns out to be dry, cloudy and even with a yellowish tint. This means that the master did not follow the technology; alternatively, he used a thin layer as a base and applied a dark pigment on top. By the way, removing the top layer of the plate leads to its overdrying and clouding.

You shouldn’t do a manicure with gel polish over and over again; you need to give your nails a rest, which will keep them healthy. Alternatively, use regular varnish. Remember that shellac coating is very simple, but if you overuse it, sooner or later you will have to treat your nails.

Gel polish usually lasts for several weeks. If the procedure is performed efficiently and all the nuances of the application technology are observed, the coating remains unchanged. In such cases, the manicure is refreshed only because the nails grow and an unaesthetic gap appears between the coating and the base of the nail plate.

But sometimes gel polish begins to chip and even peel off as a solid film after just a couple of days. There are a number of possible reasons for this.

    Mistakes were made during the creation of the coverage. The layers may not have been sealed or may have been too thin or thick.

    Sometimes gel polish chips due to insufficient treatment of the natural nail. Perhaps the nail plate was poorly degreased or not polished enough. The problem may lie in poor nail file handling technique. In this case, the tool leaves jagged edges that prevent the product from lying evenly.

    Perhaps you were not careful enough with the gel polish while wearing it. Nails should not be exposed to high or low temperatures. Gel polish also peels off due to frequent exposure to water or even humid air.

    The most common cause of chipping is physical impact. Impacts and friction damage the coating, as a result of which it inevitably comes off the nails.

    Chips can also be caused by health problems. Due to infections and hormonal imbalances, hypovitaminosis, the structure of the nail plate deteriorates. As a result, none of the products will stick to the nails. Therefore, neither extensions nor manicures with shellac or gel polish are done on weak, thinning nails.

There are many reasons for chips to appear. But for each of them there is a solution.

To prevent the coating from deteriorating

To prevent the coating from deteriorating, it is enough not to violate the rules for applying and wearing gel polishes.

    To seal layers of gel polish means to properly process the end of the nail. This is what causes the coating to come off. This is quite easy to do. When applying the base gel, colored gel polish and top coat, a small amount of product is distributed onto the tip of the nail. Depending on the manufacturer, only one of the components may be sufficient for sealing. It can be just a base, just a color layer, or just a top coat. Therefore, be sure to read the manufacturer's recommendations before using the product.

    The base product should be applied to the nails with a droplet the size of half a match head. The color layer should be thin. But the top coating is usually made more dense. This way the manicure lasts much longer.

    Only special products are used to degrease the nail plate. In extreme cases, they can be replaced with alcohol or nail polish remover with acetone. All other products will not degrease the nail plate.

    The nail should be polished until the plate loses its shine using a special buff. A buff is a nail file shaped like a cube. Each side has its own abrasiveness. Polishing is carried out using soft sides. They delicately smooth the surface of the nail without leaving rough scratches.

    To ensure that there are no nicks left on the nails after shaping with a file, this should only be done in one direction. Be sure to ensure that the tool is of high quality. It is better to abandon the use of iron files in favor of glass ones.

    After applying gel polish, wet cleaning in the house should only be done with rubber gloves.

    You should avoid visiting baths and saunas. High temperatures and humid air will ruin your manicure.

    In winter, you must wear mittens or gloves to prevent the structure of the gel polish from being destroyed by low temperatures.

The most important

The most important thing is to take care of your nails. If you notice that they are becoming thinner and weaker, and are beginning to exfoliate, then it’s time for restoration.

    Avoid gel polishes and extensions while your nail plate is being restored.

    Do various home treatments. We have collected many recipes to make it easier for you to create a complete nail care complex.

The sustainability of your manicure depends only on you. Take care of the beauty and health of your nails so that any procedure brings joy and not disappointment.

How long does gel polish last on your nails? Do you follow the rules to extend its “life”? Share your tips on how to create an almost eternal coating!

Gel polish has firmly entered the beauty industry, gaining leading positions and success among the female half of the population. It looks and holds up perfectly, far superior to its predecessors. But this is not the only advantage of gel polish. The product is available to a wide range of people, suitable for everyone without exception, both business women and housewives.

Gel polish is an excellent alternative to the usual polish; it does not allow nails to break, does not form chips and cracks for a long time, and allows you to create rich opportunities for creativity. fashion design. Absence unpleasant odor and harmful components are also important advantages.

How long does it last

Surely, everyone is interested in how long gel polish lasts on nails. Gel polish retains its attractiveness on nails for 2 to 4 weeks. In some cases, the coating lasts up to 6-7 weeks.

Impeccable work by a master. The nails lasted 7 weeks without chipping or peeling.

  • manufacturer and quality of gel polish;
  • correct application;
  • properties of nail plates;
  • load and impact (work with or without gloves, office or physical work);
  • compliance with recommendations for preserving gel polish.

In many ways, how long gel polish will last on nails depends on the owner of the manicure. But no less significant is the work of the master.

Step by step application

What can I do to make gel polish last longer? Follow application instructions carefully. Let's list the main points, following which in 60-90 minutes you can admire stylish nails.

  • The first stage is preparing the nail plate. Trimming or European manicure, filing etc. For better adhesion to gel polish, the nail plate is degreased.
  • The second stage is the application of the base, without which further coating is impossible.
  • The third step is the direct application of the coating; the number of layers is determined by the master.
  • Finally, a finish is applied, which seals the finished manicure, creating a protective barrier. Each layer is dried under an ultraviolet or LED lamp.

The master's shortcomings

There are some mistakes made by the master, due to which a fresh manicure can quickly disappoint its owner.

Of these:

  1. ignoring degreasing of nail plates;
  2. presence of streaks;
  3. incomplete drying of each individual layer;
  4. poor-quality preliminary manicure;
  5. use of cheap Chinese materials.

What to do to make the coating last longer

  • Before using gel polish, do not use cosmetics containing fats;
  • After the session, it is undesirable to contact water and other aggressive factors for the first 3 hours;
  • High or low temperature can also have a detrimental effect on nails;
  • Protect your hands with gloves when doing any household work;
  • Make corrections in a timely manner;
  • Periodically give your nails “rest” and “treatment”.

Discussion: 2 comments

    My gel polish lasts very well, I reapply it every 4 weeks just because my nails grow very quickly. The only time my manicure cracked was the very next day, as it turned out due to taking antibiotics. It turns out that while taking them and 2 weeks after, this is possible. Therefore, during treatment, you can take a break for your nails and take restorative and strengthening baths.

    Answer

    I applied gel polish once, for the sake of experimentation, and apparently either the master was new or for another reason, in general I didn’t like it, my nails seemed thick and very massive. But I didn’t remove the varnish on purpose; it started to fall off on its own literally after a week and a half. Then I took it off completely and didn’t do it again. I already have strong and well-groomed nails.

    Answer