5 tips to make gel nails last longer
By Jess Watts | 25 October 2025 | Expert Advice, Feature
Check out our advice to make gel manicures and pedicures go the distance…
1. Listen to a nail professional
This is arguably the most important tip of all. Think of nail techs as personal trainers for long-lasting manis, pedis and nail health, as they know what they are talking about! If your personal trainer suggests you focus on building muscle, you do; so, if a nail tech tells you to apply cuticle oil daily, do it!
2. Apply cuticle oil
Speaking of the nail world’s hero product, cuticle oil is a game-changer when it comes to prolonging a gel manicure or pedicure. By hydrating the nail and surrounding skin, nails are less likely to become brittle, and chipping and breakage are prevented.
3. Wear protective gloves
While occasional contact with water or chemicals (i.e. when washing hands) should not affect the longevity of gel nails, prolonged exposure, such as when washing dishes or cleaning, can cause them to lift and peel. This happens when water gets trapped between the natural nail and gel product.
The best way to prevent damage is by wearing gloves to protect hands from constant contact with water and chemicals.
4. Remember – nails are jewels, not tools
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: nails are jewels, not tools! Opening cans, picking sticky labels off jars, prying keyrings open – all of these are not chores for your paws. Instead, use other implements to carry out these tasks, such as a Keysie.
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“Our initial idea was to create a product that stops people having to do the fiddly (and sometimes painful) task of opening a keyring with their fingernail,” the brand’s website notes. “After several months of R&D, we developed a product that not only allows you to open keyrings pain-free, but also helps with lots of other fiddly day-to-day tasks!”
You can purchase the useful tool from the Keysie website, in an array of designs and personalisation options.
5. Avoid picking
For individuals who have a habit of picking or biting their skin and nails, stopping this is easier said than done. However, there are a few techniques to help. Fidget toys can act as distraction tools to keep hands busy. Keeping nails shorter can also reduce picking temptation, and having a stunning manicure is a great way to make you think twice before picking.
Though all of this advice can help prolong gel nails, the importance of the first tip cannot be understated. A nail professional is the best source of info, tips and tricks, so don’t hesitate to ask questions and closely follow their advice.
