How long does it take to get a gel manicure

Who wouldn't want a manicure that lasts and last, stays shiny, and dries in seconds flat? It's no wonder gel manicures are all the rage. But what exactly is gel polish made out of, anyway? Is it safe? And how long do gel nails last?

We investigated and got expert answers to the most common questions that manicure enthusiasts are asking. Read on for the ultimate guide to the gel manicures and polish.

What exactly is a gel manicure?

Gel polish is made up of acrylic monomers and oligomers that bond together when placed under UV light. This process is called curing, and in a matter of seconds, the once-liquid gel turns into a hard, chemical-resistant coating. You can also use an LED light, but that will take two minutes to cure, whereas a UV light only takes five to 45 seconds.

Can gel polish dry without a UV light?

No. Gel polish is completely unlike regular nail polish and needs to the UV or LED light to form a hard layer.

How long do gel nails last?

On average, gel nails last two to three weeks.

What's the average cost of a gel manicure?

$25 to $45.

How do I make my gel nails last longer?

Making your gel manicure last is as easy as leaving your nails under the lamp a little longer. "If you under-cure the polish and you don't give it enough UV light, then the polish won't firm up enough," says Randy Schueller, a cosmetic chemist and a cofounder of thebeautybrains.com. "It is theoretically possible that if you spend a little more time under the light, you will get more bang for your buck in terms of durability." If you have the time and your nail technician is cool with it, pop your hand back in the lamp for an extra round and your manicure will stick around longer.

Are gel manicures safe?

"There are some studies that suggest too much UV light from manicures can lead to skin cancers, but other studies have dismissed that," says Schueller. A 2015 study published in JAMA Dermatology concluded that the risk of developing skin cancer from UV manicures is small but that consumers should use physical blocking sunscreens or UVA-protective gloves to limit the risk of carcinogenesis and photoaging.

How do I remove gel nail polish?

Thanks to its chemical resistance, gel polish can't be easily wiped away with acetone and must be filed and/or literally soaked in acetone for several minutes to loosen the hardened gel from the nail. It's a bit of a process, but it's so important to remove gel nail polish the right way rather than just picking it off.

Will gel polish hurt my nails?

The good news is that gel nail polish itself will not hurt your nails. Picking at gel polish, however, can harm your nails. If you pick at the polish and peel it up, you will inevitably peel away part of your natural nail, leaving it thinner and weaker.

Can I just add a gel topcoat over regular nail polish and get the same effect as a full gel manicure?

No. According to manicurists, this is scientifically unsound. Here's why: Regular nail polish isn't fully dry for 24 hours (it might seem like it is, but deep inside, the solvents in regular nail polish are still drying). So, if you request a top coat of clear gel polish over regular polish, all you're going to do is trap the wet polish, which may lead to a mess.

I get overconfident whenever I make it home from the nail salon with my manicure intact. But just as predictably, my ego takes a hit when the polish chips as soon as I do my first load of dishes. Gel polish is my only hope.

When gel manicures first hit the salon menu they became an instant phenomenon because they're quick and as durable as car paint. The promise of a shiny, chip-free paint job that'll last for two weeks is why I've started opting for gel whenever I treat myself to a salon manicure.

If You Love Gel and Acrylic Manicures, Shoppers Say You Need This $29 Nail Strengthening Kit

But, like most good things, these glossy manicures come with a catch. Regular exposure to the UV light that's used to set the polish isn't healthy for your nails or skin, and removing the gel when you're tired of it (or it has started chipping) is a hassle that can damage your nails if it's done incorrectly.

Whether you're a diehard gel fan or you're just tired of ruining your polish when you reach in your bag for your phone, see what a professional manicurist and a dermatologist have to say about the process of getting a gel manicure.

What Are the Benefits of Getting a Gel Manicure?

Anyone can get a gel manicure, whether you have natural nails (long or short) or want to get tips glued on first. Stacked up against a regular manicure, gels last longer, feel stronger and stay shiny.

Here's how the process works: Like your run-of-the-mill mani, a gel manicure starts with cutting the nails, lightly soaking the hands, trimming the cuticles, and a thorough hand-cleaning. The polish itself is where things get different: you'll start with a base coat layer that primes your nails for the gel, which is a special kind of polish that, instead of air-drying, sets under a UV light. After each coat is painted on, you place your hand under a UV light for 30 seconds. The technician will finish things off with a glossy topcoat that's also set with a UV light.

How Long Do Gel Manicures Really Last?

Generally, a gel manicure can hold up for two to three weeks. Just like with your regular polish, how you treat your hands post-manicure and throughout those two weeks will make a big difference in staying power. "If the gels are not chipping, leaving gel polish on for two to three weeks is fine," says Olive & June founder Sarah Gibson Tuttle. "But like with all lacquer, breaks between manicures are a great way to ensure your nails stay strong and healthy."

How Much Do Gel Manicures Cost?

The price of a gel manicure can vary depending on where you live and the caliber of the salon you're visiting. Typically you can expect a gel manicure to be priced $5 to $10 more than a regular polish manicure. Because it's a process in itself, salons may charge for removal. Some salons do it free with the price of your next manicure, but it can cost up to $20.

How Do You Remove a Gel Manicure?

Taking off gel polish requires time, patience, and no picking. Whether you're getting gel taken off at the salon or DIY-ing it at home, here's how to remove a gel manicure: first, cover each nail with an acetone-soaked cotton ball, wrap some aluminum foil around each finger to hold the cotton in place, then let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. The polish should slide off the nails without any filing or scraping. For any stubborn spots, a wooden stick can be used to ease it off gently.

Can Gel Manicures Damage Your Nails?

One of the biggest myths about gel manicures is that they're bad for your nails. In reality, how you remove gel polish can be damaging. "More often than not, it's the removal process that's weakening your nails," explains Tuttle. She notes that a lot of salons rush through the removal process. "The nail bed shouldn't be filed or buffed to get your gels off," Tuttle explains, as that's how cracks and rough texture can happen. "It's not always easy to spot right away because clients often follow gels with more gels or polish."

If you're removing gels yourself, the one thing you should never do is pick or peel the polish off. It's a surefire way to cause damage, and it can mess with future manicures. "Picking off your gels removes layers of your nail along with it. Plus, it makes it harder for future polish and gel to stay on," says Tuttle.

Tuttle recommends applying cuticle oil between appointments to keep the area hydrated and healthy. This will not only protect the skin around your nails but your actual nail beds, too.

Are UV Lights Really Dangerous?

The major criticism of gel manicures is that the UV lights you put your hands under to set the gel polish can cause premature aging and put you at a higher risk for skin cancer. It turns out there is truth to this. "The ultraviolet light emitted from these dryers is actually much stronger than what you would get from sun exposure," says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. "UVA light is responsible for both skin aging and the development of skin cancers. If you are going to get gel manicures, it is important to apply sunscreen to your hands for protection."

He suggests looking for a product that's labeled as "broad spectrum," which will protect you from this kind of light.

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