With so many new nail trends on the market, it’s easy to choose a fingertip expression to highlight your personal style and add something special to your look, gel manicures being one of many such trends. Is this nail trend for you? Let’s weigh out the pros and cons, and see…
If applied correctly, gel nail polish won’t chip, crack or smudge on your nails.
If done properly and is well maintained, the protective, hard coating of gel nail polish can actually help nails grow.
Unlike a traditional manicure, gel nails don’t lose their shine. Even 2 or 3 weeks later, your nails will still look as glossy as when they were first done.
Gel-manicured nails can stand up to all your daily activities. Whether it’s washing your hands or working in the back garden, your nails will still look great.
A gel manicure can last up to 2 to 4 weeks, without any damage. The only time you would need a touch up on your nails is when your nails start to grow out, leaving a gap with no colour at the cuticle.
- If your gel manicure is applied incorrectly, it may lift or peel at the edges after a few days of wear. This is why it is important to choose only the best salon with the best manicurists.
- Even though there’s no drying time, getting a gel manicure takes longer than a traditional manicure. It requires extra filing, buffing and prepping, so expect to be salon bound for a good couple of hours.
- Removing a gel manicure requires more than just a bottle of nail polish remover and a few cotton pads. Gel nail polish is bonded very tightly with your nail, so chances are that you’ll need to visit a salon to remove the gel. This process includes soaking your nails in acetone and scraping off the gel. Repeated and tedious, this removal system may put you off from having a gel manicure done, especially if you like to change your nail colour quite often.
- Removing gel nails also requires excessive buffing and filing. This can take off layers of your nails, making them very brittle and dry. This process can in turn weaken the nail bed, increasing your risk of fungal and bacterial infection.
- Gel manicures are pricey. They can, however, save you money considering their staying power and you having to go for fewer manicures.
Well-groomed nails are one of the best accessories anyone can have, but when your manicure starts to get messy, it can ruin your entire appearance and attract all the wrong attention. If you’re looking for a long-lasting manicure, one that doesn’t chip, peel or smudge after a few days, a gel manicure may just be what you’re looking for, but are you willing to dish out to stand out?
Article by: Kelly Abrahams