Gel manicures can easily last three weeks or more with the right aftercare — most early chipping comes down to the first two hours, not the polish itself.
In the first 2 hours
- ›Avoid hot water and heavy chores — the gel is still fully curing under the surface even after it feels hard to the touch
- ›Apply cuticle oil daily starting the next morning, not immediately — oil applied too soon can interfere with the final cure
Ongoing care
- ›Wear gloves for dishwashing and cleaning — detergent is one of the fastest ways to lift gel at the edges
- ›Moisturize hands nightly — dry cuticles are the main cause of early lifting, more than the gel formula itself
- ›Never peel a lifted edge — book a [Gel Removal](/services/gel-removal) instead; peeling takes several layers of the natural nail with it and can thin the nail bed for months
What if my gel chips within the first week?
That's not normal wear — let us know at your next visit so we can adjust your prep routine on file (some nail beds need extra dehydration or a different base coat to hold gel properly). If you're deciding between gel and other nail formats for next time, see how [Gel Manicure, Soft Gel, and Ombré compare](/tips/gel-manicure-vs-soft-gel-vs-ombre-nails).