Recently, gel nail polishes have become increasingly popular, allowing you to achieve incredible results. Particularly attractive is the fact that they stay on the nails much longer than their regular counterparts. However, immediately people who have never used such a product have a completely logical question: how long does gel polish last on nails specifically? Is the result really so impressive that it would be worth spending money and time going through the rather difficult procedure of applying such a varnish? This is exactly what this article will discuss. You will learn not only how long gel polish lasts on your nails, but also how to apply it at home so that it remains in perfect condition for as long as possible. After all, if you approach the process of applying gel polish incorrectly, then in the end it may last significantly less time, which is unlikely to suit you.
How long does the varnish last?
So, first of all, it is necessary to answer the most important question: how long does gel polish last on nails? It's no secret that regular varnish begins to lose its attractive appearance within a couple of days after application, even if you cover it with a protective transparent layer. This is why you should try gel polish, as it lasts much longer. Naturally, a lot depends on the model of the varnish itself, as well as on the process of its application, but under all favorable conditions it should stay on the nails for two to three weeks, which is a lot compared to regular varnish. However, as mentioned above, such an impressive result requires a serious professional approach. But this does not mean that you cannot give yourself a similar manicure at home - you will just need to study all the details, stock up on the necessary materials and devices and get to work. Now that you know how long gel polish lasts on your nails, you can strive for the perfect result.
What is needed for a manicure?
It's time to figure out exactly how to use gel polish. How to apply such a product at home so that the resulting manicure lasts the promised three weeks? Unfortunately, this is not as simple as many would like. Regular varnish is very easy to apply - you just need to be careful. As for gel polish, here you will need a lot of additional equipment.
First of all, this is a nail grinder that will prepare your nail plates for applying gel polish. Secondly, you will need a degreaser - a special product that removes the fatty layer from the nail. An ultraviolet lamp will also be an indispensable device, which will allow you to dry the gel coating. Without it, you may not even spend money on gel polish because you won't be able to get a manicure. Please note that LED lamps are now becoming increasingly popular, as they dry much faster and last much longer, so you may want to consider this option. Naturally, you will need the gel polish itself, a gel base for it, and also a top coat - a special fixer. If you have all this available, then you are ready to use gel polish. How to apply at home? Now you will learn about this step by step.
Grinding
If you are going to apply gel polish to natural nails, then you need to start by sanding the nail plate. Use the special machine discussed above for this. Your goal is to slightly remove the gloss from the surface of the nail, so there is no need to sand the plate too much. This is not the most pleasant process, so you can try using more expensive gel polishes that do not require sanding, but this article describes how to get the most long-lasting manicure, and for this you will need sanding. Now you know how long gel polish lasts on nails - and how nails grow, you should also know and understand that over time it will not look the most impressive. So make an informed decision.
Degreasing
The next step is degreasing the surface of the nail plate. This process is simply necessary for the gel polish to last longer. This special substance must be used on the nail to remove absolutely all dirt and traces of fat that may interfere with your manicure. If fat or any other contaminants remain on the nail plate, the gel polish can very quickly crack and fall off. Therefore, approach this procedure very carefully - after degreasing, try not to touch the nail with your fingers, and do not do any lengthy or labor-intensive tasks. It’s better to start applying gel polish right away. Many people ask about which brand of gel polish lasts better, but in this case the difference will not be too great. What matters most is the process of applying the nail polish, not the manufacturer.
The basis
So, you have degreased your polished nail - what to do next? Without delay, so that no foreign particles have time to get on the nail plate, use a gel base, onto which you will then apply gel polish. This is where many people make the mistake of thinking that the more base you apply, the better the polish will stick. Here, more does not mean better, so apply the base in a thin layer, without overdoing it and distributing the product evenly over the entire plate. After this, you need to dry the resulting layer in an ultraviolet or LED lamp before you move on to the next step.
Colored varnish
Now it's time to apply the main color layer - this needs to be done twice to obtain maximum saturation. Again, in this case, more does not mean better, so you need to make sure that both layers are as thin as possible, but not transparent, that is, so that the color is saturated. Again, you need to dry each layer in a lamp for a short period of time, which depends on the type of lamp you have and its power.
Top
The last step is to apply a setting agent called topcoat. It will provide your manicure with maximum protection, due to which it can last for three whole weeks. Moreover, it adds shine to your manicure, so don’t forget to use it. This is the only layer that needs to be applied really thickly - and it takes a little longer to dry under the lamp. After this, you only need to remove the sticky layer that will remain after applying the gel polish - and your long-lasting manicure is ready.
Going to the salon
As you can see, this is far from the simplest process, which will require serious one-time financial costs from you (for example, to purchase a special lamp), as well as repeated expenditures of time and effort. If you are not ready for this, then you can immediately contact a beauty salon that provides a similar service - and an experienced professional technician will apply gel polish to you so that it is guaranteed to last for at least three weeks.
The manicure, as usual, did not last even a week; the coating was cracked and began to chip off in the corners. And my friend has been wearing her French jacket for almost a month and no matter what. Don't complain, but read how to apply shellac correctly to show off your perfect nails.
Let's divide the whole process into three steps:
- preparation of materials;
- preparation of the nail plate;
- applying shellac.
Any process begins with the preparation of the necessary materials. It’s better to have everything at hand at once than to waste time searching for the necessary thing.
To properly apply shellac and forget about manicure for up to 4 weeks, you will need:
- UV or LED lamp. Their main difference is the rate of polymerization of the varnish. Therefore, for some coatings there are restrictions on drying in a particular apparatus. For example, shellac for LED lamps will not dry in a UV lamp and vice versa.
- Manicure set. You will need a cuticle spatula, a special hatchet, nail files (wooden and/or glass) and a manicure brush.
- Cuticle softener. It can be oil or a special cream. If you are going to do a trim manicure, then you won’t need it.
- Degreaser and hydrator. If there are none, you can find an alternative. Read, .
- Base and top coat. The recommendation on the shellac bottle will help you choose the right one. If there is none, replace the top coat with a clear varnish.
- Sticky layer remover. An alternative would be a degreaser.
- Lint-free wipes. Don't look for a replacement for them in the form of cotton pads. They will leave lint and subsequently compromise the integrity of the coating.
Step 2. Preparing the nail plate
It is important not just to carefully apply shellac, but to create all the conditions so that it lasts as long as possible.
Manicure
Don't rush to apply nail polish. Pay attention to their shape and regrown cuticle. The first is to correct, the second is to get rid of.
Always start with the cuticle. The need to remove it is simply explained. You won't be able to carefully apply shellac without affecting it. With further growth of the nail, it will be the cause of peeling of the coating. Therefore, either cut it with special tweezers, or soften it with cuticle oil and move it away with an orange stick or spatula. Touch up the remains (keratinized layer) with a manicure hatchet.
Don't forget about form. Even if it is perfect, the nail will still have to be sanded for better adhesion to the coating.
Don't use metal files. They destroy the structure of the nail. Give preference to sapphire, sand and fine abrasive ones.
After filing, clean off nail pollen with a special manicure brush.
Degreasing
After giving the nails the correct shape, proceed to the next stage - degreasing.
Pay special attention to this procedure. Degreasing and removing excess moisture from the surface of the nail is necessary so that shellac lasts a long time, does not peel off or roll off during wear.
First, disinfect your nail with an alcohol wipe. It will remove remaining dust and partially remove greasy deposits. Carefully treat the sides and the area around the cuticle.
After this, degrease the surface of the nail plate with bonding agent and remove excess moisture using a dehydrator.
Treat all your nails sequentially, rather than waiting for one to dry before starting the next one. The sooner you complete the procedure and move on to the next step, the more likely your nails will not have time to get greasy again.
Don't apply too much product. The thickness of the layer does not affect the quality of degreasing. Rather, on the contrary, an excess of the substance negatively affects the coating.
If you did everything correctly, the nail will look matte.
Step 3. Applying shellac
The nails are prepared, the remaining dust and grease have been removed, which means you can move on to the most important stage - applying shellac.
Creating the Foundation
Surely, you have already taken out your favorite bottle of shellac, unscrewed the brush and brought it over your nail. Wait. First, create a base. This will be the key to a long-lasting coating.
Use a special transparent gel as a base. It usually states that it is suitable specifically for shellac. It is better not to select analogues or experiment with alternative means. At the basic level, the best option is the original product.
Cover the entire nail thoroughly, leaving no gaps. Otherwise, the shellac will begin to slide off the unpainted areas.
After applying the gel base, be sure to dry your nails in a UV or LED lamp for 10-60 seconds. The waiting time depends on the manufacturer and composition of the coating, as well as the lamp used.
Pay attention to the labeling of the shellac bottle. LED is used to indicate quick-drying varnishes. Only LED lamps can dry these. UV - on the contrary, polymerizes only under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. They will not be suitable for LED lamps.
Have you noticed that there is a sticky layer left on your nail? Under no circumstances should it be washed. This is done only at the end of the entire manicure, and not in the early stages.
Painting your nails
Has the base dried out? Great, you can start applying shellac. There is no fundamental difference from applying regular varnish.
Start with the little finger and work your way up to the big toe. You can dry each nail separately or paint them all at once and place your hand in a UV lamp. The only difference is the availability of free time.
Fill the nail with shellac in three steps. First, place a small dot at the base, near the cuticle, and draw a line along the entire length. Then go over the left edge of the nail, and then along the right. Remember to seal the tip while applying the final coat.
The number of layers of shellac depends on its color and density. Some light shades only develop on the third or fourth coat, while for rich colors two will be enough.
Finish your manicure with a top coat. It will protect shellac from exposure to aggressive environments, prolong its durability and protect against fading.
Remember that each layer must be dried in a lamp for at least two minutes.
Removing the sticky layer
After polymerization of all layers, a sticky layer remains that can and should be removed. Many women use alcohol for such purposes without spending money on special products, such as a cleanser or a degreaser. It is not advisable to repeat after them. Alcohol will deprive the coating of gloss and devalue all your work.
Take your time to remove the sticky layer immediately after drying. A minute should pass between these two stages. This will protect your shellac from tarnishing. Use only lint-free wipes to avoid leaving unnecessary marks on the surface.
It's better to see it once than to re-read it several times. Therefore, watch the video instructions for applying shellac at home:
Common Mistakes
The coating will last longer if you take into account a number of common mistakes and do not repeat them.
Material peeling
To prevent shellac from chipping, flaking, or wrinkling, follow 4 rules:
- Prepare your nail plate carefully. Insufficient degreasing, neglect of the dehydration procedure, and the use of improvised means lead to shellac peeling.
- Know your limits. Do you want bright nails? Apply several thin layers of coating, rather than one thick one. It is unlikely that it will be possible to dry it sufficiently, which means that it will quickly wrinkle, sagging will form and chips will occur.
- Don't feel sorry for the top. Unlike shellac, you can apply it in a thick layer.
- Stick to drying times strictly. If you realize that you only have an hour to create a manicure, it is better to refuse shellac coating. Reducing the drying time leads to delamination of the material.
If you carefully followed all the rules and strictly followed the instructions, but the varnish still chipped, then the reason is in the characteristics of your body. You may have peeling nails. A nail file and vitamins will solve the problem.
Neglecting the cuticle
Often, removing cuticles is long, tedious and sometimes even painful. But without this you won’t get a lasting manicure. Imagine, the nail is constantly growing, but the cuticle remains in place. By grabbing it when painting, you doom the coating to peeling off.
Carefully look at the composition of cuticle softeners. Give preference to bases based on fruit acids, avoiding alkaline ones. They do not leave a specific coating, which means they minimize the risk of coating damage.
Use of low-quality materials
It is difficult for beginners to decide which product is of high quality. I would like to buy inexpensive shellac and quickly start creating beautiful nails. This approach is wrong; you won’t be able to save money on cheap coatings. They damage the nail plate and are consumed 2 times faster.
Find a trusted seller and buy all manicure products in specialized stores.
Pay attention to the expiration date and storage conditions. Do not use shellac that has been exposed to direct sunlight. This manicure won't last long.
Extending the life of your manicure is not at all difficult; you just need to follow a few simple rules of care and application.
Degrease the nail plate
The first rule of long-lasting manicure: varnish should be applied to oil-free nails. Rub the nail plate with a special alcohol-based solution. However, if you don’t have it, then you can get out of the situation with the help of ordinary perfume, which also contains alcohol.
Important: After you have degreased your nails, do not touch them, do not touch them with your fingers, otherwise there will be no effect.
Let each coat of varnish dry completely.
If you do your manicure at home yourself, then you have a great opportunity to make it more durable. In a salon, the master usually applies each next layer immediately after finishing the previous one. To make the polish last longer, spend more time on your manicure - let each layer dry completely, take a 10-minute break between coats.
Important: You need to paint your nails in 4 layers - base, 2 layers of varnish, top. It is this scheme that will ensure the durability of the manicure.
Do not use quick-drying varnishes
Varnishes that dry “in 60 seconds” peel off just as quickly. There is no surprise: quick-drying products simply contain more solvent and therefore instantly chip. By the way, such varnishes are also more harmful to the nail than regular ones, so it’s better to spend time drying.
Popular
“Seal” the tip of the nail
A professional trick that you also shouldn’t forget about: when applying top coat to your nails, always paint the very tip with a brush, without fear of getting your finger dirty. The fact is that the polish always starts to chip from the end of the nail plate, and this measure will help make it more durable.
Do not blow-dry nail polish
For speed, many girls dry their nails with warm air using a regular hairdryer. And this is exactly what you don’t need to do! A hot air stream destroys the structure of the varnish, so don’t be surprised that your manicure peels off the next day. If you really want to dry your polish with a hairdryer, then do it only with cold air.
Renew your coverage with a transparent topcoat
To make the coating last longer, renew the topcoat a day or two after the main application of the varnish - this is much easier than touching up the peeling areas later.
Important: make sure that the top coat is liquid - if the product has already thickened a little, you will only ruin your manicure, and it will peel off faster.
Oil your painted nails
Oil not only makes the cuticle softer, but can also keep your manicure longer. The main reason why varnish peels off is contact with water. Therefore, if you are going to take a shower, lubricate your nails with oil. It seems to you that it was immediately washed off, but a fatty film still remains on the nails, repelling moisture.
Gel polish coating is appreciated primarily due to the fact that it lasts about 2-3 weeks. At the same time, the gel polish remains beautiful, shiny, without cracks or scratches. No ordinary varnish can boast of this result.
Experienced craftsmen know gel polish secrets which allow it to stay on the nails for a long time without losing its appearance.
You just need to follow simple rules that will help you maintain a beautiful manicure for a long time.
Before applying the coating, the master examines the nail plate. The nail must be even.
- Peeling, brittle nails require restoration; only after this can you use gel polish.
- It is important not to use any creams, hand oils or hand washes before starting the procedure. The base product should be absorbed into a dry plate with a primer applied to it.
- The first time after applying gel polish, it is important not to expose the plate to high or low temperatures, avoid contact with water, and avoid visiting a bathhouse or sauna.
- Carry out household chores with protective gloves. Do not expose your nails to mechanical stress.
- It is recommended to carry out correction in a timely manner; it will keep the nail plate healthy and beautiful.
After every three corrections, you need to take a break to let your nails rest. During this period, you can use medicinal varnishes or biogel.
VIDEO INSTRUCTION
Experienced manicurists recommend adding to these points:
- be careful when handling sharp objects, such as a kitchen knife,
- remove dirt from under the nails with a special manicure orange stick,
- Do not file the free edge of the plate and do not trim your nails yourself.
Unfortunately, for some girls, neither shellac nor gel polish lasts long. This may be due to the individual characteristics of the body.
For example, your body may reject a foreign substance during pregnancy.
Let's consider several popular brands of long-lasting gel polishes with good reviews.
Which gel polish lasts the longest on nails?
- Rating leader - Shellac from CND. One of the highest quality products with a dense texture and rich colors. Stays on nails for at least three weeks.
- Color Couture from Entity One - if the technology is followed, the coating lasts about three weeks. It has the property of self-leveling, smoothing out irregularities and cracks on the nail plate. Does not leave streaks and is easy to apply thanks to the special brush. Not susceptible to cracking or chipping.
- Jessica Geleration is a well-known brand with a wide range of gel polish colors. True, the craftsmen have accumulated complaints about some colors. Thus, the colored French coat spreads and does not hold its shape, and the finishing coat is applied unevenly due to the inconvenient brush.
What lasts longer: gel polish or shellac?
The first gel polish coating was developed by CND, which called its product Shellac. This name has become a household name and now many girls mistakenly call all gel polishes “shellac.”
However, shellac differs from the products of other manufacturers primarily in its composition, as well as in the features of application and removal.
At the same time, the properties of both shellac and gel polishes are similar. Their “life” on the nail plate is 2-3 weeks.
Careful handling of nails and adherence by the master to application technology will help extend the life of the shellac coating even more than three weeks.
Be sure not to violate the application procedure:
- preparing the nail plate (removing the cuticle, straightening the nail and shaping the free edge, removing the shiny layer with a buff),
- degreasing the surface using a special product,
- primer coating for high-quality adhesion of the base to the nail,
- applying the base product and drying under a UV lamp,
- applying a colored layer (it must be thin), holding it in a UV lamp for two minutes,
- applying a fixative (finish coating) to impart stability and shine, drying under a UV lamp,
- when covering nails with shellac base and top, it is necessary to seal the end of the nail,
- removing the sticky layer with a lint-free cloth soaked in cleanser.
Compliance with this algorithm will allow you to obtain a durable and beautiful coating that will last at least two and a half weeks.
VIDEO REVIEW
It is important to use high-quality tools and materials from trusted manufacturers.
The right approach to the process of covering your nails with gel polish, and the efforts will be worth it - a long, beautiful manicure.
Beautiful manicure is a timeless trend. Regardless of where and how you do it - at home, in a salon or using private services, a manicure is always an opportunity to show off.
Although the process of manicure itself can be very pleasant, you want the design and varnish to last longer, and not have to come to the nail technician (or do it again) in a couple of days. There are many things that can ruin the appearance of your nails, but there are also a few life hacks that will keep them looking their best.
Prep your nails with nail polish remover
Before painting your nails, you need to prepare them: make sure that all excess old coating is removed, and the bed is not only clean, but also dry. Nail polish remover also degreases the surface of the nail, which makes the polish adhere better.
In addition, you can use toothpaste for cleaning and preparation - this will whiten and refresh your nails.
Polish the surface of your nails
Lightly buff your nails with a soft nail file to smooth the surface to remove any unevenness or roughness. Even if you don’t see them, they most likely exist (some have more, some have less), polishing will remove them, and the varnish will lie more evenly.
Remember that when polishing, the nail file should move in one direction and not randomly. Why? Just like when constantly playing a violin, its strings begin to break and fibers come off from them, as the violinist moves the bow in different directions, and the surface of the nails will not be smoothed out, but will acquire more and more irregularities, which in the future can develop into full-fledged cracks.
Tidy up your cuticles
When you clean and polish your nails, be sure to also apply some cuticle oil or cream. Push it away using an orange stick or spatula.
Regarding removal: it all depends on the type of cuticle. Simply move away the thin and tender ones, but the dry and thick ones can be cut off with pliers or scissors. The second type, in addition, especially needs hydration.
Under no circumstances apply varnish to the cuticle itself - regardless of the type, the coating will begin to crumble first on the skin, and then from the base of the nail - over its entire surface.
Never shake a bottle of nail polish
If the shaking movement has become automatic, remember, it is required when using hair products, not nails. In the case of varnish, on the contrary, it worsens the situation by creating air bubbles. And such a product will scratch your nails.
A good tip: roll the bottle between your palms and warm up the polish a little. This is especially true for gel polishes.
Choose and use the right coating
Methods of applying the base coat, the polish itself and the top coat (top layer) can significantly affect the “wear” of the manicure. Moreover, it is important that there are exactly three layers. So, the base coat ensures that the entire manicure stays in place, and the top coat creates a powerful protective layer.
But the technology of applying three layers also affects the color. It is recommended to apply the middle, color layer in three strokes - one in the middle and the other two along the edges. Then wait two minutes before applying the next coat.
By the way, did you know? The thicker the layer of varnish, the easier it is to remove it later.
Take your coverage to the salon
Of course, this may seem like strange and questionable behavior, but it makes sense.
Jane Park, creator of Julep Nail Parlors, says: "Salons often dilute polishes to save money, extend shelf life, etc. This in turn causes discoloration and bubbles."
Take your polish to the salon - and the frequency of your trips there may decrease.
Add an extra dose of UV light
If you prefer a gel polish manicure, then hold your nails under an ultraviolet lamp for a couple of minutes longer than required.
Randy Schuler, co-founder of The Beauty Brains, notes that this doesn't necessarily increase the wear time of the gel polish, but says it's "theoretically possible."
At the same time, keep in mind that there have been studies that have suggested that too much exposure to ultraviolet radiation can lead to skin cancer, although other studies have refuted this theory. So the extra couple of minutes is a trade-off.
Say no to quick-drying varnishes
Of course, a polish that dries quickly is every woman's dream. And some of these are even on sale. But manicurist Simcha Whitehill recommends not using such products. "If you really care about your nails, you won't use anything that contains acetone on them, unless it's nail polish remover. This stuff makes your nails dry and peel," she says.
But there is the following life hack to understand whether the polish has already dried: cuticle oil. Apply it as a barrier to cover your nail. As soon as the oil is completely absorbed, the varnish is dry.
Double check what touches your hands
Many of the products that we use for granted actually have a harmful effect on our nails and skin and cause serious damage to our manicure.
These include disinfectants, tonics, and lotions containing alcohol - because of them, the color fades and fades, and the nails lose their blooming appearance. So be more careful about what you use.
Be careful with water
Once your beautiful manicure is done, make sure you don't have long contact with water for at least 24 hours. Faina Ritz, founder and chemist of Duri Cosmetics, explains that when you put your hands in water, "your nails absorb the water and their natural shape expands." Then, “as this water evaporates, the nail shrinks, causing the coating to crack and break off.”
Also, wash dishes and laundry only with rubber gloves and sacrifice long baths for beautiful nails. A quick shower is your new choice!
This advice will benefit not only the manicure, but also the hands themselves, which suffer from dishwashing detergents and all kinds of powders.
Love the glitter
If a few days have passed and you see your manicure losing its appearance, use glitter to refresh it. It's fast and convenient. 
“Open up the overgrown gel polish with glitter polish, creating an ombre effect,” Cosmopolitan beauty editor Brooke Shunatona shares a secret life hack. “The best way to distract attention from a broken or overgrown manicure is glitter. It’s beautiful and seems to be applicable in the most hopeless situation.”
Jennifer Choi of the Huffington Post agrees: "A glitter finish usually lasts longer because it improves the adhesion of the polish to the nail, and it's always easy to reapply with a new coat and won't be as noticeable as with plain or even matte finishes."
Sometimes glitter can only enhance a design. For example, an ordinary black coating, peeling off over time, after filling the gaps with sparkles, silver or gold varnish, becomes a real space on the nails.
Secrets of a manicure that lasts a long time
A great manicure that lasts a week (or longer!) doesn't have to be a dream if you're willing to put in a little extra time and effort. Always make sure your nails are properly prepped before coating (hello, buffing!) and use the right products and finishing techniques (three coats in three strokes!).
Once your amazing manicure is complete, remember to pay close attention to your daily habits (no washing dishes without gloves!), and you'll be able to admire and show off your perfect manicure for a long time to come.