Your nails say a lot about your personality and style, which is one of the many things people notice when they look at you. There’s nothing as exciting as the feeling of a fresh manicure and healthy nails. You feel more confident and always ready to show them off.
For many people, getting their nails done is a way to relax and pamper themselves. Likewise, getting your nails done can also be beneficial to your health, and they help to exfoliate the skin, remove dead cells and stimulate blood circulation.
The truth is, everyone who has ever had a perfect manicure has experienced short-lived nails. So if you’re new to the world of manicures, you need to know how long they last before committing.
How Long Does A Manicure Last
How long a manicure lasts depends on factors, including pre-existing hand conditions and how you treat your nails at home. Generally, a manicure with regular nail polish will last for a week, and the nail polish’s durability depends on your lifestyle and the condition of your nails.
Moreover, people who wash their hands more often, like doctors, and nurses, may have a shorter lasting time. A manicure’s longevity also depends on your choice of manicure.
1. Basic Manicure
A basic or standard manicure is the traditional manicure everyone is familiar with, and it includes trimming, shaping, filing, buffing your nails, addressing your cuticles, and applying cuticle oil. A basic manicure is commonly known for chipping right away, especially when they are done at home, and they can last anywhere between five to seven days.
2. Acrylic Manicure
Acrylic nails are a great way to keep your nails looking perfect. They are exceptionally strong and can last for six to eight weeks, after which they will begin to grow naturally.
Depending on your nail growth, a fill is needed every two to three weeks. Not only does the filling improve the appearance of your acrylic manicure, but it also helps it last longer. You might want to check out our piece on Polygel vs Acrylic Nails.
3. Gel Manicure
Gel manicures can last anywhere from three to four weeks with proper nail care, such as cuticle oil and hand lotion. Unlike a basic manicure, gel nail polish comes with a dry formula that can be cured with UV or LED light to form a hard layer that locks onto your nails.
There are two types of gel manicures; soft gel and hard gel. Soft gel refers to the nail polish that works on the natural nail bed, while hard gel is best suited for ladies who want extensions. Irrespective of the gel manicure you decide on, you are expected to do a touch-up every two to three weeks.
4. Dip Powder Manicure
Dip powder manicures are the most popular type of manicure available. They can easily be done in minutes, and the results are durable and long-lasting. Dip powder manicures are stronger than gel manicures and can last up to four weeks.
You might want to check out: 30 Trendy Dip Nails Designs
How To Make Your Manicure Last Longer
There’s nothing as frustrating as getting your nails done only to find them chipped and peeling off in a few days. Your manicure won’t last forever, but there are a few hacks you can use to make them last longer.
1. Do Not Soak
When you soak your nails in water, they expand, and the soak can distort and widen the nails’ shape. When it’s time to paint the polish over the nail, it dries up, and this causes your polish to chip prematurely.
Having said that, you also need to avoid soaking your fingertips with warm baths or washing dishes after your manicure. The water will cause your nails to expand, lifting the pigment and making them brittle and dry over time.
2. Always Buff The Nails After Filing
Always buff the nails after clipping and filing; it helps seal the keratin layers that may have split during filing. Buffing can also increase blood circulation to the nail bed and give the nail polish a smoother surface to adhere to.
3. Always Apply Two Coats Of Basecoat To The Tips Of Your Nails
Since the nail tips are more prone to chipping, apply another layer of basecoat to the top half of your nails for extra resilience. Experts say a basecoat provides a clear protective layer between the pin and the pigment of the nail polish. It also adds flexibility to your nails, improving adhesion and preventing staining.
4. Do Not Shake The Nail Polish Bottle
Never shake the nail polish bottle. Instead, roll the bottle between your hands to mix the formula. Shaking can cause air bubbles in the formula resulting in a bad manicure.
5. Always Push Your Cuticles Back
When nail polish sticks to your cuticles, it can easily peel and ruin your manicure. Pushing your cuticle gently with a wooden stick or cuticle pusher can help create space on the nail plate. Also, ensure you clean any residue oil from the cuticle serum once you clean up your cuticles.