Gel Nail Basics
Gel nails are a great way to have beautiful nails without having to worry about chipping or peeling. Gel nails are applied to your natural nails as a false nail which is then cured with a UV/LED lamp. This process can provide your nails with a more durable and longer lasting protective layer.
However, it is important to know how often you should get gel nails done in order to keep your nails healthy. Let’s take a look at the basics of gel nails.
What are gel nails?
Gel nails are a form of artificially-enhanced nails created with a special type of polish known as “gel polish” that is applied in multi-layered steps and then cured by using special types of equipment such as UV lamps, LED lamps, or other light therapy technology. Unlike regular nail lacquer and acrylics, gel polish is much thicker, yet still flexible and has intense color pigmentation which means that it can achieve a smooth finish without leaving streaks or brush marks. Gel polish comes in a variety of shades and tones ranging from classic nudes, soft neutrals to more exciting hues like reds and blues.
Unlike regular nail lacquer which generally lasts 3-5 days without chipping, gel nails can last up to two weeks if done properly. Gel nails can also be removed easily by soaking it in acetone (a type of nail remover solution) for about 10 minutes or less. Gel nails can also provide a stronger adherence than the traditional acrylics so it’s great for those looking for extra durability. The best part is that gel nails are non-toxic compared to traditional acrylics which may contain some harmful chemicals!
Benefits of gel nails
Gel nails offer an attractive, long-lasting finish to your fingernail look. Unlike regular polish, which can chip or flake off within days from everyday wear and tear, gel nails retain their glossy finish for two to three weeks. Additionally, the high-shine finish of gel nails gives them a more natural look than traditional nail polishes.
Gel nails are also gentler on your natural nails than other processes such as acrylics. Whereas acrylic needs to be put over natural nail beds and removed with acetone that can damage the nail bed and leave it dry and weak in texture, gel only requires no more than 5 minutes under a UV light source that cures the product on contact.
Gel manicures offer better flexibility than regular polish too since they hold their shape well after curing and can bend around your finger instead of chips forming like with traditional polish. Removing gel nails is relatively easy too – no special tools or solvents are needed; simply soak your fingers in warm water to dissolve the bond between the hardening agent and base coat.
How Often to Get Gel Nails
Gel nails offer a long-lasting manicure that looks salon perfect for up to two weeks. But it’s important to know how often to get a gel manicure to maintain the look and keep your nails healthy.
In this article, we will discuss the recommended frequency for getting gel nails done, as well as associated pros and cons.
Factors to consider when deciding how often to get gel nails
When deciding how often you should get gel nails done, there are several factors to consider. The frequency with which you should get a gel manicure to maintain optimal appearance will depend largely on your nail type and lifestyle.
If you have naturally hard nails, then it is likely that a single application of gel polish will keep them looking nice for up to 4-5 weeks. However, if your nails are more prone to breaking or chipping, multiple visits may be necessary. Similarly, if you use your hands a lot in manual labor or other activities – or if you wash your hands frequently – then the polish won’t last as long and will require more frequent visits.
It is also important to consider the quality of the manicure when deciding how often to return for treatment. Some nail technicians use inferior products that don’t last as well as others; it is worth seeking out experienced professionals who use high-quality techniques and gels in order to ensure maximum longevity and results.
In general, most experienced manicurists recommend getting a new set of gel nails every 4-6 weeks in order to maintain their perfect appearance and feel. This timeline can be adjusted depending on personal needs – but regular visits will ensure that your nails remain healthy alongside those gorgeous colors!
Recommended frequency for gel nails
Gel nails are a type of manicure that involves application of a special type of nail polish that is hardened with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. This results in a glossy, long-lasting finish. The durability and strength of gel nails make them popular, but it is important to understand the recommended frequency for gel manicures in order to maintain healthy nails.
For most people, getting gel nails done every 2-3 weeks is the ideal frequency to maintain healthy nails without causing any damage. This means that you should remove and re-apply the gel polish every 2-3 weeks if you want stylish and shiny looking manicure that lasts long. While this may sound like a lot of maintenance, it’s worth the effort as this frequency ensures that any nail damage caused by the gel is minimized while still keeping your hands looking stylish and put together.
It’s also important to note that care must be taken when removing gel polish so as not to cause unnecessary damage to your nails or cuticles. It’s best practice to take off old gels with an acetone remover rather than peeling them off with your fingernails as this carries an increased risk for damaging your cuticles or nail beds. Doing so can also help prevent discoloration from excessive exposure to acetone-based products used during the removal process. After removal, make sure you apply a moisturizing cuticle cream followed by hand cream for lasting hydration.
Tips for Maintaining Gel Nails
Getting gel nails done can give you beautiful, long lasting nails with a glossy shine finish. However, it’s important to understand that gel nails need to be regularly maintained to ensure that they look their best.
So, how often should you get gel nails done to ensure that your nails look flawless? In this article, we’ll be looking at some tips for properly maintaining your gel nails:
Avoid activities that put stress on your nails
When wearing gel nails it is important to avoid activities that put unnecessary stress or pressure on them. These activities include typing on a keyboard, digging in dirt or peeling off stickers and labels. To ensure the longevity of your gel nails and the health of your natural nails, it is recommended that you use a protective barrier such as gloves when performing any of these tasks, along with any other activity that would require applying a lot of friction or pressure to your hands.
Also, bear in mind that UV lamps used for curing gel manicures emit “UVA” rays which increase the risk of skin cancer over time, so always remember to use protective base coats if using these lamps. Finally be sure to cleanse regularly with oil-free cleansers that do not strip away vital moisture in order for your nails to maintain their supple texture and attractive sheen.
Use cuticle oil and moisturizer
Using cuticle oil and moisturizer are essential components of maintaining gel nails. Cuticle oil helps to keep the natural nails nourished and healthy, while also preventing potential damage caused by scratching or picking at the nail. Additionally, using a moisturizer on the hands regularly will help improve the overall health of the skin, keeping it from becoming dry or cracked throughout the course of wearing gel polishes.
Moisturizing should be done at least once daily, with cuticle oil used about two to three times a week for best results.
Avoid using acetone-based nail polish removers
It’s best to use non-acetone based products to remove anything that isn’t specifically marketed as a gel nail polish remover. Acetone will cause the gel nails to weaken and crack prematurely.
To keep gel nails looking their best, it’s recommended that you:
- Use a soft buffing block between applications.
- Soak them in warm soapy water approximately once per week to remove any dirt or debris.
- Use cuticle oil on your nails daily.
- Avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or contact with harsh chemicals including those found in household cleaning supplies, detergents and swimming pool water.
- Use night time hand cream to provide added hydration and prevent brittle gel from chipping prematurely.
Aftercare for Gel Nails
Gel nails can be a great way to have a manicure that will last and resists chipping. However, it is important to take proper care of your gel nails in order to ensure they look their best and last as long as possible.
In this section we will discuss the aftercare that should be done after getting gel nails, as well as answer the question of how often you should get your gel nails done.
Avoid picking or peeling off your gel nails
Removing gel nails prematurely can damage your nails, as the gel pulls away at the top layer of nail. To maintain healthy gel nails and prevent chipping, peeling, or lifting of the product, it is important to treat them carefully after a manicure. Regular maintenance appointments are necessary to keep your nails looking their best and avoid any issues related to improper care.
To make the most of your gel nail manicures, consider these tips:
- Avoid picking or peeling off your gels – use a professional removal service when it’s time for a change.
- Be gentle with your nails – don’t do any activities that may cause them to come in contact with water for more than 20–30 minutes at one time as it can weaken the adhesive bonds and affect how long they stay on.
- Keep hands moisturized – use a hand cream or oil every day to keep your skin hydrated and supple which will help keep your gels from becoming brittle or cracking.
- Opt for regular touch-ups – schedule maintenance visits every two weeks if you want to continually look like you just walked out of a salon.
Wear gloves when doing housework or gardening
To extend the life of your gel nails, it is important to follow some basic aftercare tips. One of the most important tips is to wear gloves any time you do housework or gardening, as these activities can be quite abrasive to your manicure and can cause it to chip or fade sooner. Wearing gloves also prevents harsh chemicals, like laundry detergent and cleaning products, from coming in contact with your nails which could cause damage.
Additionally, make sure you always use lukewarm water when washing your hands and avoid long baths with hot water as this can weaken the bond between the nail plates and polish layers.
Avoid soaking your nails in water for long periods of time
To make sure your gel nails will last for weeks, you should avoid prolonged exposure to water. In general, it is best to limit the amount of time that your nails are in contact with water. Your nails should not be submerged for more than 2-4 minutes at a time when washing dishes, doing the laundry, or taking a shower or bath.
It is also important to keep your hands dry as much as possible during everyday activities by wearing gloves while doing household chores or gardening. Additionally, it is best not to expose your nails to harsh chemicals and cleaners- if needed, you can use gloves to protect them while cleaning. After every exposure to water or chemicals, dry your hands and apply cuticle oil and moisturizer to keep them hydrated and nourished in between appointments.