How long does your gel nails last?

[londongirl12]

When you have gels done at the salon, how long do they last? And what do you do, if anything, to make them last longer?

I have had them last 2 1/2 weeks no problem, and I am sure they would last longer but I have an awful habit of picking them off. My nails also grow reasonably fast, so by that time the growth gap at the base of nail starts to look noticeable. But it does vary on how well they are done, I have had them begin to chip and peel within a few days before.

3 weeks and then the regrow that is just ugly and I have to get them off!

But that’s with the best person. I’ve had shit gel nails done that don’t last more than a week.

I think it depends on the skill of the person putting them on rather than what you do afterwards.

I've had mine on since about the 21st of December. Fortunately they're light in colour so the regrowth isn't glaring unless you look carefully. I've filed them down once, and one has broken and required cutting down with a nail file.

Generally I like to get mine done every 2-3 weeks, but things got a little dicey with covid (not in the UK) and it seemed more prudent not to go back. Hoping to go over the next few days now things are calmer.

In the salon I've been going to, if a nail broke within the first week, I'd go back and they'd fix it for free.

Mine last 7-12 days as my nails grow really quickly! I get terrible gaps after that. The lady who did my nails was amazed at how quickly they grew and how long they were.

I’ve given up on them now and just use gel nails varnish which last about 5 days, it’s easier and cheaper I couldn’t afford the £20 every time.

I religiously used nail oil on mine at night which really helped and the lady also fixed them within 7 days if they chipped or broke.

After having them a while (so getting used to being careful) I could get 3-4 weeks out of them, I usually go for quite pale nude colours so the gaps at the bottom aren't too terrible looking, and I keep them short.

How are you all managing then during lockdown? I've just pinged all mine off because the growth was awful but now I don't know what to do!

It definitely depends on who does them! The person who currently does mine is amazing, mine last 3 weeks and only really need doing because of the regrowth.
I've had them last less than a week with other people!

I get them done every 2-3, they are still ok at 4 but the regrow bothered me too much by then

I had a home kit one Christmas but they don’t last long, I’m going to have another go. Not bothered on previous lockdowns

@Dollygirl2008 not getting them done in lockdown.

Yea I realise that but I wondered what alternatives people are doing. I've resorted to using stick Ons but they're awful!

Normally about two and a half weeks and then the regrowth becomes too much and starts to catch on things.

@Dollygirl2008 oh sorry I'm with you, I just have very ugly nails atm 😂 but not going anywhere....looking forward to getting them done again, need to find a new mobile technician as I've moved.

I still have mine on from the 22 December - crazy regrowth but I've painted over them with normal nail varnish to try to hide it Haven't lost any nails though.

I do them at home and they last 2 weeks

The thing that makes the biggest difference to how long they last is the preparation - gently buff shine from nails, only wash hands in washing up liquid, dry thoroughly, wipe with cleanser (alcohol). Don't use any handcream or cuticle oil beforehand and don't touch anything during your manicure (scratch nose, head, pat dog etc)

2-3 wks but it’s because of the growth gap normally the actual nail is ok. Wish my nails would grow slower!

2 weeks easily, 3 if I’m careful (but by that time they are just that little bit too grown out at the bed).

2 weeks at a push

If you're looking for an alternative, I use Sinful colours nail polish. I'm very hard on my (natural) nails and have never been able to wear polish as it chips within a day - even gel. This stuff lasts the week and I redo on the weekend. I've now gone a bit mad and the polish kit is huge LOL but it's really fun doing different looks each week.

Heaps of YouTube videos to give inspiration.

It depends on the polish and what I have done

Glittery polish lasts a good 3 weeks
The foils last good 3 weeks also

The Matte finish overcoats didn't last long at all

Normal colours and finish last 2.5 weeks/ 3 weeks

I do mine myself at home and they can last 3 or 4 weeks but I tend to redo them every 2 weeks as I hate the regrowth. They never chip or break, I love them.