How Long Should Gel Nail Polish Last After A Manicure?

Getting a fresh set of nails is one of the best feelings for beauty lovers. There's nothing quite like sitting down in the chair, choosing your color, and getting pamper for a bit. Of course, on the flip side, there is the not-so-great feeling of having your nails chip after a regular manicure and know you need to go get them redone. But, how long does gel polish last, you ask? Well, not as long as you might hope, according to Seventeen.

Just like any other beauty trend, there are a few things to learn before you jump head first into getting your nails done. First of all, you need to know your polish options. Gel polish is longer lasting than your traditional polish, but not as high maintenance as getting a set of acrylics. It's basically the best of both worlds. Like all good things, a gel polish doesn't last forever though. 

If you're new to the world of nails, or, you know, it's just been a while since you've gotten them done, here's everything you need to know about how long gel polish lasts — oh, and a few simple ways to make it last even longer, too. 

If you've been thinking about getting a gel manicure, it's time to get down the basics. While a gel manicure is easier to maintain than regular manicures, they're also about $10 to $15 more pricey (via Seventeen). Instead of going to get your nails filled after they grow out, all you have to do is go in and get a new color. Basically, it saves you time and money. It doesn't actually save you from having to go to the salon though.

"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, a manicurist at Green Tangerine Salon and Spa. Don't let that get you down though. The publication adds that a gel manicure can even last up to four weeks if you take care of the nails properly.

It turns out that taking care of your nails isn't all that complicated, either. 

You'll be happy to hear that extending the life of your gel manicure isn't all that hard. In fact, it won't cost you any extra money at all. If you can change a few of your daily habits, then your nails are already on their way to looking better.

There are super simple ways to make the most of your mani. According to Bustle, avoiding hot water and wearing gloves when you're cleaning are two easy ways to protect your nails. On top of that, the publication also suggests making sure your cuticles are pushed back when you get your gel polish applied and using nail oil at night. Honestly, that's well worth it if you've already invested in the price of the manicure. 

At the end of the day, it's at least worth looking into getting a gel manicure. If you're willing to do what you can to keep them looking great longer, then it's a no-brainer to head to the salon.