How Long Will Your Manicure Last?

Manicures can help give your hands an appealing appearance, but it can be frustrating when they chip or peel too soon. Luckily, there are several steps you can take to extend their lifespan.

First, inquire as to how a salon sterilizes its tools. Hospital-grade sanitizer or an autoclave (which uses high pressure and temperatures to sterilize one-time use tools) should be utilized for sterilization purposes.

It depends on your lifestyle

No matter whether you wear gel polish or regular lacquer, having an effective maintenance routine can make all the difference in keeping your nails in optimal condition. Hydration is key, and regular cuticle oil use can help avoid peeling and chipping issues caused by dehydration issues such as peeling. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to water or chemicals should be avoided as much as possible while gloves should always be worn when performing chores around the house.

As part of your attempt at stress reduction, avoid biting your nails. Not only is this an unpleasant habit that could ruin a manicure but it may even lead to infection. If this becomes difficult for you, try breathing slowly three times through (three in and three out), counting to three slowly out or using an unpleasant tasting top coat as a deterrent.

Taken all these factors into consideration, the average gel manicure typically lasts 14 days. However, to increase its lifespan you should plan regular appointments for removal after 14 days and apply fresh top coat every 2-3 days as well as use an easy nail polish pen or brush to touch up chips and dents between full services.

It depends on your nail type

Different nail types require different maintenance techniques. But there are some simple strategies to prolong the lifespan of any manicure, such as using a grippy base coat such as Orly Bonder which adds extra strength to any color while prolonging polish life. Gerstein suggests this product.

As well as using a grippy basecoat, it is also wise to regularly apply cuticle oil. This will keep both nails and cuticles moisturized to help avoid cracking and peeling, and glove when performing tasks such as dish washing, gardening or heading to the beach as this will protect their nails from potential damages caused by wear-and-tear.

Finally, avoid biting your nails or any part of your skin as this is a bad habit that could result in early chipping or smudging of your manicure. If this becomes unavoidable for any reason, try practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or focusing on breathing to break this bad habit or use chewing gum as a replacement to curb this destructive behavior.

It depends on the salon

Proper care and maintenance of a manicure can extend its life by two weeks with proper maintenance, but beware that over-manicuring can damage nails. Therefore, it’s wise to adhere to a regular manicure schedule by practicing good nail hygiene, applying cuticle oil, and wearing gloves while performing household tasks – these strategies will all extend its longevity.

Use a grippy base coat to avoid chipping. Although often overlooked, this step is key in prolonging the lifespan of nail polish. Elle Gerstein, celebrity nail stylist and imPRESS partner recommends Orly Bonder; an adhesive rubberized basecoat which adheres securely to nails to hold polish in place.

Attentiveness to detail can also play an integral part in successful manicures; shorter nails tend to be less susceptible to chipping or breaking. Thin coats of nail polish should also be applied since thicker layers take longer to dry and can increase chances of smudging and flaking, plus investing in top coat can extend its lasting power even further.

It depends on your maintenance

Maintaining certain maintenance habits will extend the life of your manicure, such as regularly washing hands and applying cuticle oil or cream daily to your nail beds will keep them hydrated, helping prevent brittleness and other common problems that threaten its integrity.

Tip # 2 is to limit how long you wear your nails as this could cause the polish to lift and be less durable. Also make sure that a top coat protects and prolongs its effectiveness!

Never hesitate to touch up any chips as soon as they appear – the sooner a chip is addressed, the less likely it is to spread and ruin your entire manicure. Carry a nail file and clear top coat in your purse for quick fixes; additionally, use thin coats of polish when applying thicker layers as they may take longer to dry and increase chances of chips – an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure!