The Journal
How long does gel polish last – and why removal matters
Written by India Hudson, founder & therapistGel polish is brilliant: glossy, chip-free and dry the second you leave the salon. But how long should it really last – and what's the best way to take it off? Here's our guide.
How long does gel polish last?
- On fingers: usually two to three weeks.
- On toes: often three to four weeks or more, as toenails grow more slowly.
How long yours lasts depends on how fast your nails grow, how much you use your hands, and how well the gel is applied.
How to make it last longer
- Use cuticle oil every day – it keeps the gel flexible and your nails healthy.
- Wear gloves for cleaning and washing up.
- Don't use your nails as tools for opening cans or peeling labels.
- Come with bare nails so the gel bonds properly.
Why you shouldn't peel it off
We know – a lifting corner is very tempting! But gel bonds to the top layers of your nail, so when you peel it off, those layers come with it. That's what leaves nails thin, bendy and sore, not the gel itself.
What a professional removal involves
The top coat is gently filed, then each nail is wrapped with remover for a few minutes so the gel softens and lifts away cleanly. We finish by shaping, buffing and oiling your nails – and you can have polish reapplied straight away if you like.
Booking tip
If you already have gel on, please book a gel removal alongside your new gel polish. Otherwise we won't have time to do both, and you may still be charged.
Find out more about our gel polish removal in Sheffield.
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