How Long Will Manicure Last?

A manicure should last at least a week without chipping, however there are a few steps you can take to prolong its strength.

Make sure that your nails are well hydrated by regularly using nail polish and cuticle oil.

Long Length Press-On

If you want a manicure that will stand the test of time, long press-on nails could be your solution. According to Byrdie Advisory Board member and manicurist Rachel Frank, long press-on manicures can last for two weeks with proper preparation including cutting short nails short, pushing back cuticles, wiping nails with alcohol before attaching tabs or glue tabs.

Elle and Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek recommend investing in products with adhesive tabs for easy application and removal, such as Kiss Impress nails (a 2021 GH Beauty Award winner). These enable quick application/removal.

Medium Press-On

Press-on nails provide an effective alternative for those seeking professional-looking manicures without visiting a nail salon, while still remaining healthier and less damaging to natural nails than acrylics. Plus, press on nails last longer!

To keep your press-ons looking their best, make sure that you use a high quality base coat with pigment retention properties and an extra strong ridge filler to prevent color shift. Furthermore, it is best to try to limit water exposure as much as possible – washing hands too frequently or overusing hand sanitizer can significantly shorten their life.

As round nail shapes are least likely to break, we advise choosing this style if possible. Finally, when entering water environments such as swimming pools or spas, wear protective gloves.

Short Length Press-On

Short press on nails are an ideal compromise between short and long lengths for petite hands with natural nails, providing just enough flair without going over the top. This style allows for some personality without overshadowing other features of your look.

Elle Gerstein, a manicurist who has worked on celebrities like Sydney Sweeney and Mariah Carey, estimates that with proper application you could see up to 2.5 weeks of wear out of these nails when applied properly. Prepping is key; push back cuticles and swipe with an alcohol prep pad prior to starting wear on these manicures according to Elle.

To remove nails safely and effortlessly, soak your nails in warm soapy water until they begin to loosen naturally without the use of acetone or nail polish remover strips like those from imPRESS. Gently peel them off; if any break off prematurely just clean and glue back on!

Round Nail Shape

With its rounded tip and versatile application across nail lengths, this shape makes an excellent choice for women seeking a manicure that is straightforward to maintain and less likely to break.

Nail artists love this look because it accentuates natural finger shapes while lengthening nails. However, keep in mind that it requires extensive filing to achieve this style and may put undue stress on natural nails.

For this effect, use a 180g or 200g nail file in a curved motion from the sidewalls towards the centers of free edges of each nail – filing evenly on both sides so your nail has an identical shape.

Long Length Nail Polish

Your manicure’s longevity ultimately lies with the condition of your nails and cuticles. Strong, healthy nails and cuticles are less prone to chipping and cracking, creating more resilient results. Keep them moisturized by applying moisturiser or cuticle oil daily, wearing gloves when washing dishes or cleaning, or applying hand lotion when cleaning floors or applying products such as hand cream.

Regular nail polish lasts roughly one to two weeks before chipping, while gel and acrylic nails typically stay put longer. A structured gel manicure is the most common service offered, which involves applying clear liquid formula directly to your natural nails before being dipped into pigmented powder and cured under LED or UV light for curing. While this process creates long-lasting manicures, gel fill-ins should be scheduled every two weeks to prevent damage to nails.