Pros of a Gel Manicure

Gel manicures last much longer than their counterparts and dry quickly thanks to UV light curing them, helping prevent chipping and smudging. They may even help prevent chipping altogether!

Gel nails do require soaking in acetone, which may potentially damage natural nails; however, with proper precautions taken they are safe to use.

Long-Lasting

Gel manicures last much longer than regular nail polish and their colors are less likely to chip over time, making it the ideal treatment option for busy women who can’t make regular salon trips.

As with any manicure, gel nails can weaken natural nails if removed incorrectly. “Attempting to peel away a gel manicure instead of soaking can cause its color to thin and your nails to feel brittle,” warns Dr. Joshua Zeichner.

Another issue related to gel manicures is UV exposure from small UV lamps used to cure them, which has been linked with skin cancer and premature aging in some people. To reduce this risk, experts suggest opting for broad spectrum SPF protection before your manicure as well as UV protective gloves during curing time – plus apply cuticle oil frequently following one so as to avoid dehydration and damage of nails from gel polish.

Easy to Apply

A gel manicure is quick and easy to apply, with its color going on smoothly. Prepping nails before using gel, however, is vitally important: “Remove all oil, polish remover or other chemicals from the surface of your nails and cuticles before using a nail cleanser on a lint-free cloth to clean all free surfaces of nails as well as any lateral folds (if they exist) or undersides (if any exist) of each fingernail,” according to Sarah Gibson Tuttle.

Buff your natural nails regularly to smooth out ridges and shape them for best results. And when removing your gel manicure, avoid picking or ripping it off as this could cause further damage to the nails, Dr. Adigun and Jenna cautioned. Soaking gel manicure in acetone wrapped in foil provides adequate protection during removal; additionally rehydrating with cuticle oil after every polish change prevents drying out and brittleness, which could increase chipping or peeling risks between applications.

Aesthetically Appealing

Gel manicures involve three steps, beginning with applying a base coat, nail color and topcoat – each coat baked or cured under UV lights to ensure it adheres correctly and sets into place on natural nails.

This allows your nails to maintain their shine for weeks without chipping, making this an ideal solution for busy women who don’t have time to touch up their nails regularly.

Like acrylics, which extend the length of your nails, the gel manicure only changes their color; additionally it prevents them from drying out by sealing over their natural nail beds and protecting them. Due to its long-lasting shine and protective sealant properties, gel manicures make great choices for special events or professional contexts where well-kept nails convey expertise and attention to detail; additionally it can offer creative expression through nail art; vibrant hues and intricate designs can showcase an individual sense of style!

Easy to Maintain

Gel manicures can be an absolute lifesaver for anyone who appreciates the polished look of a manicure but loathes having to spend hours filing, buffing and filing their nails to keep them in perfect condition. Thanks to gel polish drying quickly, smudging issues are virtually eliminated so life goes on without having to wait around while your nails dry before proceeding with activities like your day-to-day life.

According to Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, gel polish manicures typically last two weeks when properly maintained and require at least two breaks between applications in order for your nails to repair themselves properly.

Picking at gel nails can cause irreparable damage; to preserve their health and prevent further issues with them, apply cuticle cream regularly to your nails to soften and moisturize them, which will also help minimize brittleness and lift-off. Remember to wear rubber gloves while doing any household tasks!