Most of us don’t have time to redo our nails every day. While chipping polish is a reality of life, you shouldn’t have to stress about your nails. If you have a busy lifestyle or prefer to keep it simple, a low-maintenance manicure and pedicure will be your BFF. Getting your nails done is a form of self-care. At 212 Salon and Day Spa, gel nails are one of our go-to choices for wearable everyday nails that are easy to care for. We’re telling you everything you need to know about gel nails, along with tips and tricks for a low-maintenance manicure or pedicure.

 

All About Gel Manicures + Pedicures

While acrylic nails give you extra length and endless nail art possibilities, they require a little TLC. Traditional nail polish may be the easiest to apply, but we all know how easily they chip and wear away. That leaves us with one choice – gel manicures. If you’re in the market for low-maintenance nails, gels are the perfect option for you.

Gel nails involve a three-step process: base coat, polish, and top coat. These polishes go directly on your natural nails. In between each coat, your nail is put under UV light for a minute or so to cure. The curing process allows the layer to harden, meaning it won’t smudge the way that traditional polish does.

Once all three layers are cured and finished, you’ll be left with glossy nails. With gel nails, you can still add length to your nail nails. Gel nail extensions are becoming increasingly popular, acting as a hybrid between classic gels and acrylics.

You’ll usually get around 14 days of wear from your gel nails without having to worry about chipping. You may start to notice the polish starting to lift around the side of your nails towards the end of this two-week time frame. Gel polish is more durable than its traditional counterpart, making it low maintenance and easy to care for.

The debate between gel nails vs. acrylic nails is a common one within the beauty industry. While both styles have their benefits, the gel option is healthier for your natural nails. Gel nails are removed by soaking into an acetone solution, usually placed in a cotton ball, wrapped in aluminum foil. The removal process takes around ten minutes. Compared to acrylic nails, gels are more flexible, meaning they won’t damage your nail beds.

Gel nails are the perfect splurge before a vacation or special occasion where you don’t want to worry about having to re-apply your polish or take a spare bottle of polish with you. A gel manicure and pedicure are only a little more in price compared to the traditional manicure, with the investment giving you all the benefits of a low-maintenance style.

 

The Best Low-Maintenance Tips and Tricks

As tempting as it might be to experiment with nail art, the best low-maintenance nail colors are neutral shades. You can choose a minimalistic shade like ballerina pink or a beige nude for a simple gel polish look. If these colors end up chipping, it’ll be less noticeable. A French manicure is a perfect choice if you want an elegant look while still enjoying the benefits of a light nail polish. If you decide to go with a darker shade, it’s a good idea to stick to one polish color for all your nails.

When you’re having your polish applied, it’s a good idea to opt for a round or oval shape for your nails, keeping them on the shorter side. Regularly buffing your nails will help prevent any breakage of the tips. Your gel nails will have a base and top coat, improving the longevity and durability of your nails.

Although gel nails are the ultimate low-maintenance choice, there are still some things you’ll want to do to look after your nails. Cuticle oil is a must-have to look after your natural nails. It’s worth applying your cuticle oil every few days to help prevent chipping and keep your nails hydrated.

You’ll also want to keep a hand lotion nearby to use regularly. The acetone used to remove gel nails can cause the skin around your fingers to become dry. Hand lotion is a precautionary step to keep the skin moisturized, limiting any impact of the acetone remover. These same steps apply to a gel pedicure. Your feet go through just as much as your hands, so they deserve the same pick-me-up treatments.

The only part of a gel manicure or pedicure that has the potential to harm your natural nails is the removal process. You want to make sure you find a skilled nail technician who can correctly remove your gel nails. At 212 Salon and Day Spa, we’ll remove your gel polish in the safest way possible, so you can enjoy your manicure without worrying about the health of your nails. We’ll never use a drill to remove your gel polish, and we’ll make sure to give you advice on how to look after your nails between treatments.

 

Improving the Longevity of Your Gel Nails

If you’re extra careful with your gel nails, you could get four weeks of wear out of them. It’s a good idea to wear gloves while washing dishes and avoid doing anything that might break your nails. You want to avoid fidgeting with your nails while your gel polish is on, as this can lift the polish and damage your nail beds. The last thing you want to do is to pull the gel off yourself.

Gel nails are an essential investment for anyone who has a busy lifestyle and doesn’t have time to worry about a broken nail or chipped polish. Giving your nails a little TLC between appointments and choosing a neutral color will boost the longevity of your low-maintenance nails. If you’re interested in booking in for a gel manicure or pedicure, you can contact our team directly to secure an appointment.