Nails · 3 min read
How to make your Gelish last three weeks
Chip-free colour is part technique, part aftercare. Six small habits that make a big difference.
A good Gelish manicure should stay glossy and chip-free for up to three weeks. Careful prep in the salon does most of the work. What you do at home decides whether you get one week or three.
Six habits for longer-lasting nails
- Wear gloves for washing up and cleaning. Hot water and detergent are gel's worst enemies.
- Use cuticle oil daily. Hydrated nails flex instead of cracking, and your cuticles stay neat.
- Don't use your nails as tools. Open cans and peel labels with something else.
- Avoid long soaks in hot baths and pools for the first 24 hours.
- Never pick or peel. Lifting gel takes layers of your natural nail with it.
- Book a proper soak-off removal rather than prising it off at home.
Gelish or BIAB?
If your natural nails are thin or keep breaking, ask about BIAB (builder gel). It adds a strengthening layer underneath the colour, helping your own nails grow longer without snapping.
When to rebook
Most clients rebook every two to three weeks. If you're growing your nails, regular infills keep the structure balanced and stop the weight sitting at the tip.
