Every manicure session will leave your fingernails looking their best, and it’s only natural to want to keep them for as long as possible. If you’re wondering how long your manicure will last, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. This duration will depend on a few things, such as the type of manicured nails you have. Fortunately, there are also some tips and tricks you can use to keep your manicured nails looking better for longer!
How Long Does a Manicure Last?
While there are several different manicure styles you can choose from, how long your manicure lasts will greatly depend on the kind of nail polish or treatment that’s applied:
- Regular Nail Polish: Manicures with regular nail polish will last only about seven days before they need to be removed or redone. This is because this type of nail polish is not as durable as those used in gel or acrylic formulations, which leads to quicker chipping, peeling, and fading. This nail polish is also applied in much thinner layers, making it less resilient against damage and everyday wear and tear.
- Gel Nail Polish: Gel nail polish can last for about two to three weeks with proper care. Compared to regular nail polish, gel polish has a much stronger formulation. This nail polish is also cured underneath a UV lamp, which encourages the polish to form a stronger bond with your natural nails. This will leave you with much more durable and damage-resistant nails.
- Acrylics: If you’re looking to get the most out of your manicure, then it may be best to opt for acrylic nails, which can last up to six to eight weeks without any visible signs of damage. Acrylic nails tend to survive the longest because they’re made from a combination of both a liquid and powder polymer to create an incredibly durable paste, which is then applied to and shaped to your nails.
However, you may need to have them filled or touched up every two to three weeks, depending on how quickly your nails grow.
How to Make a Manicure Last Longer
- Choose Shorter Nails: If you want to make your manicure last as long as possible, then it’s best to opt for shorter nails. While longer nails may look great, they’re also much more prone to damage, such as splitting and breaking. When your nail doesn’t extend beyond your finger, it’s less likely to get scratched or chipped due to everyday tasks.
- Take Nail Prep Seriously: When it comes to extending the lifespan of your manicure, the preparation done beforehand matters just as much as the maintenance you do after you leave the salon. Aside from making sure that your nails are smooth out with the help of a nail buffer, it’s also important to remove any traces of oil or other products from your fingernails before applying the nail polish. You may also need to apply your nail polish in layers, which may help against chipping and other damage.
- Keep Your Nails Moisturized: When your nails are dehydrated, they’re more likely to split and break, which can ruin the look of your manicure. To avoid this, make sure that you apply a good cuticle oil around each nail every night before massaging it in.
- Don’t Forget a Topcoat: You can think of a topcoat as a seal that adds a layer of protection against chips and breakage. Make sure that you put on a fresh topcoat regularly, depending on the amount of daily wear and tear it experiences.
- Protect Your Nails: If you’re truly dedicated to keeping your nails for as long as possible, then make sure that you protect them against any strenuous daily activities that involve your hands. You can do this by wearing gloves, which will reduce the amount of damage and friction that your nails will experience.
The Takeaway
It’s natural to want to get as much out of your manicure as possible, and the good news is that this is possible, especially when you make some smart choices regarding the type of nails that you’ll be getting, as well as take a few extra measures to make sure that they’re well-maintained.
Of course, the best way to keep your nails looking amazing is to schedule regular manicure sessions. With Luce, you can do this in the comfort of your home with our at-home manicure service. You can enjoy a nice moment of self-care and keep your nails looking great without having to go out of your way to drive to your nearest salon.
