How to make your gel or BIAB manicure last longer

A good gel or BIAB set should still look neat when it is time for your next appointment. If yours keeps lifting at the edges or chipping after a week, it is usually down to everyday habits rather than the product. The good news is that the fixes are simple.

Oil your cuticles every day

This is the one thing we would ask everyone to do. Dry nails and cuticles shrink and flex, and that is when gel starts to lift at the base. A drop of cuticle oil rubbed in each evening keeps the nail and the skin around it supple. Keep a bottle by the bed or in your bag so you actually use it.

Wear gloves for cleaning and washing up

Hot water, washing-up liquid and cleaning sprays are hard on any manicure. Soaking your hands for a long time softens the natural nail underneath, which loosens the bond. A pair of rubber gloves for the washing up and the bathroom makes a real difference.

Your nails are not tools

Opening cans, scraping off labels and prising lids open puts pressure right on the free edge, which is where chips start. Use the pad of your finger, a teaspoon or a pair of scissors instead. It feels fussy at first and soon becomes habit.

Do not pick or peel

If a corner does lift, it is tempting to pull at it. Please do not. Gel and BIAB grip the top layers of your natural nail, so peeling them off takes those layers too and leaves your nails thin and sore. Pop a plaster over it if it catches, and give us a call so we can tidy it up.

Moisturise your hands

Hand cream helps the skin around your nails as much as the skin on your hands. Rub it in after washing and especially in winter, when Bradford weather and central heating dry everything out.

Book your next visit before you need it

As your nails grow, the gel moves up with them and the balance of the nail shifts towards the tip, which makes breaks more likely. Booking your infill at around three weeks for gel and three to four weeks for BIAB keeps everything strong. It is easiest to book your next appointment online on the day of your visit, so you get the time you want.

Want to know more about which treatment suits you? Read our guide to BIAB, acrylic and gel.