Everything You Need to Know About Getting Manicures

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Manicures are a fun way to indulge in self-care and a little extra pampering. No matter if you take biweekly trips to your local nail spa or set aside some time after your classes to freshen up your nails yourself, a new paint job will have you ready to share a nailfie (nail selfie) with all of your followers on Insta and TikTok. Traditional nail polish can get the designs and textures you've been itching to recreate, but if you're swamped with hands-on projects or are stuck on dishwashing duty, you may notice that your manis may begin to chip within days of getting them done. That's so not fun, especially when you're paying your hard-earned coins for it.

Getting a gel manicure can deliver a chip-free set that lasts up to two weeks or more. You can snag your favorite gel polish hues and lamps to cure your set at your fave drug stores, and beauty e-tailers. Plus, gel manis are super simple to achieve, and you can even give yourself a new paint job from the comfort of your dorm if you're miles away from your beloved nail tech at home.

We tapped celebrity nail artists Mar Y Sol, Miss Pop, and Jaclyn Duguay-Gordon, a manicurist at Green Tangerine Salon and Spa, for their expert tips and tricks for getting the best gel manicure and how to make it last extra long.

Like any beauty treatment, it's important to understand exactly what you're getting into before getting your first gel manicure. From the preparation process to potential side effects, read ahead for everything you need to know about gel manicures.

What is a gel manicure?

A gel manicure is a service that uses a gel-based polish and requires a UV or LED light to cure the polish and lock it onto your nails, says Duguay-Gordon. "Gel polish is more durable than regular polish," she says. And while regular polish can chip as quickly as two to three days, a gel typically stays chip-free for weeks.

While gel manicures look just like your regular old mani, the added benefits are that they last longer, are super shiny, and give your nails a sturdier feel. Plus, the beauty of a gel manicure is that anyone can get one, whether your nails are super short or Kylie Jenner-long.

How long do gel manis last?

The biggest benefit of gel manis is how long they last. "Gel manicures could last up to two weeks with proper nail prep and at-home care, such as cuticle oil and hand lotion," says Duguay-Gordon. And if you're careful, they can last up to four weeks.

If you have a bunch of events coming up back to back like prom, internship interviews, and family vacays, gels can be the perfect solution.

How much do gel manis cost?

The cost of a gel mani depends on where you live, and what kind of look you want. Basic one-color gel manis start around $35 to $40, according to Duguay-Gordon. But if you want crazy celeb-level nail art, it could end up costing around $100 or more — and that's not including the 20% tip.

Are gel manicures worth it?

If you get traditional manis on the reg or have a big spring break trip coming up that you want chip-free color for, gel polish is def worth the splurge. They only cost around $10 to $15 more than a regular manicure. But if it's just for one night or you're on a budget, you might want to opt for press-on nails or a regular manicure.

What's the difference between gel and acrylic?

Gel and acrylic are completely different — acrylic nails are made with a powder dipped in solvent. "They're essentially used to lengthen the nail or provide a stronger top layer over the natural nail," says Miss Pop. Think: the crazy-long coffin nails Kylie Jenner is obsessed with.

Because acrylic nails are an extension, they tend to look more artificial, despite lasting between three to four weeks. Mar Y Sol, the self-proclaimed "nail nerd" behind manicures worn by Bella Hadid, Lil Nas X, and Dixie D'Amelio, recommends getting acrylics filled every two to three weeks to preserve the overall health of your natural nails.

Sometimes acrylic nails come in colors, but they're usually clear or natural-toned. Gels, on the other hand, come in nail polish shades and finishes. They are made hard by curing under a UV or LED lamp.

You can, however, use gel polish on top of acrylic nails (if you want both length and color) to help achieve fun decorations. When it comes to rocking acrylic, removal is one of the more difficult aspects. If you do not use the correct products, or if an acrylic nail extension breaks, you can severely damage your nail bed. It's best to visit a nail salon to have your acrylics removed or repaired.

What's the difference between gel and dip powder?

Dip powder has officially entered the chat. Available in a wide variety of shades and finishes, dip powder delivers up to three-week-long wear without being cured or sealed with a UV lamp, like gel.

The magic behind dip powder is hidden in its formula. "Dip powder is made of a finer acrylic powder," Mar Y Sol explains. Instead of brushing the polish on like traditional nail polish, each nail should be dipped into the powder after applying a layer of base coat. Once you achieve the desired pigment (which is usually two coats), apply a top coat or an activator, and then you're all set.

Applying dip powder can be a bit more time-consuming than gel polish because you have to dip each fingernail, shake off the excess, and make sure you don't run into any issues like air bubbles or an uneven finish.

Do gel manis damage your nails?

Not when they're done correctly. "Gel manicures are not bad for your nails when professionally done," Duguay-Gordon says. "It can be damaging though, without proper nail prep, application, and removal." A common misconception is that gel manis damage your nails when in reality, the removal process is usually the most harmful part.

Avoid picking the gel off yourself (we know it's tempting), and if you're getting your nails done at the salon, be sure your nail technician isn't filing, buffing them down, or using a drill to remove the polish. This can severely damage your nail beds.

Many people worry about getting gels because they fear their nails won't be able to "breathe," but Duguay-Gordon assures us that nails don't breathe, as they're dead to begin with. The whole idea is a myth, but it is kind of cute to imagine your little nails with micro-nostrils.

How do you safely remove a gel mani?

Your nail beds and cuticles are what's most important — they're made of living tissue, which is why you need to be careful during the application and removal process. DON'T rip them off. You can either have gels removed at a salon safely (it usually costs around $10-$20) or remove them yourself at home with acetone, tin foil, cotton balls, and a nail file.

If you go to the salon, make sure your technician is removing your gels carefully. "No one should be scraping your nail bed aggressively. The product should just crumble off," says Miss Pop.

If you want to save money and a trip to the salon, just be extra careful. Here's how Duguay-Gordon recommends removing your gels safely at home:

1. Get a bottle of 100 percent acetone and a glass bowl.

2. Break the seal off the top coat with a light grit file.

3. Soak the nails in acetone for about three minutes.

4. Gently scrape the jelly-like substance with a wood stick cuticle pusher.

5. Once all is removed, gently buff the nails.

6. Moisturize with cuticle oil and hand and nail cream.

Are the UV lights dangerous?

UV lights are the magic that makes gel manis last for the long haul. The lights cure the nails, helping the paint dry quickly and securely. Recently, there's been some concerns across social media about the long-term effects of UV light exposure due to gel manicures.

These concerns were raised with good reason, but double-board certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp clarifies whether UV light exposure is harmful or not. "Ultraviolet radiation can damage skin cells as well as proteins in the skin like collagen and elastin, Dr. Camp explains. According to the New York-based doctor, this exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer and accelerate the skin's aging process, forming premature dark spots and wrinkles in some cases. He recommends applying a "broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 minimum sunscreen to your hands and fingers 15 to 20 minutes" before each gel manicure sesh. If you'd like to take your preventative measures up a few notches, Dr. Camp also suggests "dark-colored, opaque gloves with the fingertips removed."

Luckily, there have been huge improvements in gel technology, and many brands have converted to LED curing. Dr. Camp warns that while LED lamps are "considered safer," LED lamps emit a "different wavelength" than UV lamps. No matter if you use UV or LED to cure your next set, Dr. Camp still recommends using sunscreen and gloves as protective measures.

Do at-home gel kits work?

Unless you're familiar with proper nail prep and application, Duguay-Gordon cautions against using at-home gel kits. "If not properly done, the gel polish may lift, causing some damage to the natural nail."

But if you're pretty confident in your nail skills, try them out if you want to save money on your weekly mani. At-home gel kits last a bit longer than a regular manicure — maybe 10 days — but are not salon quality. You have to follow the instructions to the last detail and have a pretty steady hand to get a perfect, salon-level gel nail.

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