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ENTITY reports on gel manicure

It’s a sad moment when a couple hours after leaving the nail salon, your newly painted claws are already chipped.

There are worse things in the world, but ruining a perfectly good manicure is just one of those small things that can definitely put a damper on your day. Don’t worry, though, a gel manicure might be your new go-to solution.

Once you get a gel manicure, your nail color shouldn’t chip for at least two weeks. For some, this may be too good to be true. And you know what? Sometimes it is. Depending on how often you get your nails done, you could be harming your nails more than helping them.

What’s the deal? Well, we’re here to answer your questions to help you decide whether or not a gel manicure is right for you.

1 Gel manicures vs. acrylic: how do you choose?

ENTITY reports on gel manicure

Picking gel or acrylic nails depends on your preference and your nails.

A gel manicure gets cured under a UV light, resulting in a hard and shiny surface. Acrylic nails, on the other hand, are fake nails. Acrylics last longer than gel manicures, but they also damage your nails more.

For acrylic nails, your nail technician will most likely file your nail bed down to make room for the acrylic, leaving your nails thin and weak. But if you have a nail-biting addiction and bite your nails down to nothing, acrylic nails might be your best option if you want a long, glamorous style. Gel manicures, on the other hand, are very difficult to take off because you have to scratch the surface with a nail file and then soak them in acetone. If done incorrectly, it can severely damage your nail bed.

Which is best?

If your nail is already short and thin, acrylic nails are potential solutions. But if you just want a manicure that’ll last longer than a regular nail job, a gel manicure is perfect. Of course, if you want to splurge on yourself, you can get both acrylic and gel.

2 What is the gel manicure removal process like?

The most popular and most effective method of removing gel nails is to buff the nail with a nail file to remove the shine. Then, soak a cotton ball in acetone and place it on top of your nail. Lastly, wrap each nail with a small piece of foil to keep the cotton balls on your nail. Then, leave the acetone-soaked cotton ball on your nail for at least 15 minutes until the gel has completely soaked off.

To avoid damaging your nail and cuticles, protect your cuticle by applying vaseline on it before you soak your nail. Also, make sure to hydrate your nails with cuticle oil and hand lotion after you’ve removed the gel.

3 How long do gel nails usually last?

ENTITY reports on gel manicure

Gel manicures are meant to last at least two weeks, but this can vary depending on the polish brand used and the individual’s lifestyle. But if you take care of your nails, your nail will most likely grow out before the gel manicure starts to peel off.

4 Do gel manicures ruin your nails?

With any manicure, getting your nails done every week can weaken your nail bed. Celebrity manicurist Jenna Hipp told Teen Vogue that when the gel polish starts to lift and peel, water can seep under the gel, causing bacteria and fungus to form under your nail. So that’s definitely something to look out for.

Also, if you remove the gel polish by peeling it off, pieces of your nail will most likely come off with the polish. This damages your nail bed, so give it time to heal before going in for another mani.

5 How much do gel nails usually cost?

ENTITY reports on gel manicure

Gel nails usually start at $20 and go up from there. It really just depends on which nail salon you go to and the kind of design you get. The fancier the nail place, the more expensive the manicure is. And likewise, the more intricate the design, the more expensive the manicure is.

Gel manicures can be the ideal solution for anyone who has trouble keeping their nails perfect and chip-free for longer than a day. But if you do choose to get a gel manicure, consider the risks and the proper way to take care of them. (All you nail polish peelers out there, we’re looking at you.)

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