Gel manicures have become increasingly popular across Newport Hills in recent years due to their long-lasting and flawless finish. However, to maintain the appearance and health of your natural nails, proper aftercare is crucial.

All manicures require some aftercare to look their best, but specific aftercare can vary whether you get a regular polish manicure, gel manicure, or acrylic nails. If you just received a gel manicure at a nail salon in Newport Beach, here is your complete guide to manicure aftercare.

Keep Your Natural Nails Healthy

The first step in maintaining a gel manicure is to make sure your natural nails are as healthy as possible. This means keeping them clean and free of any damage or conditions. Regularly trim your nails and file them into a shape that is comfortable for you. Keep an eye out for any signs of nail fungus or infection, and if you notice anything out of the ordinary, consult with a nail technician or doctor.

It’s also important to have a break between gel manicures to let your natural nails breathe. It’s recommended that you have a break of at least two weeks between each gel manicure to avoid any potential damage or weakening of your nails. If you’re concerned about the appearance of your nails during this break, opt for a traditional manicure with regular nail polish instead.

Moisturize With Cuticle Oil

One of the most commonly overlooked steps in gel manicure aftercare is cuticle oil. Cuticle oil not only moisturizes your cuticles and surrounding skin, but it also helps to seal in the color and protect your nails from chipping.

It’s important to moisturize your nails regularly, especially after washing your hands or exposing your nails to water, as these activities can dry out your cuticles. Simply massage a few drops of cuticle oil onto each nail and surrounding skin, and gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher. This will not only keep your nails healthy but also enhance the overall appearance of your gel manicure.

Avoid Picking

It can be tempting to pick or peel off chipped or peeling gel polish, but this can cause significant damage to your natural nails. Picking can also lead to a lifting of the gel polish, and bacteria and dirt can get trapped underneath, leading to infection or fungus.

If you notice any chips or peeling, schedule a visit to your nail technician to have it professionally fixed. Resist the urge to pick, and instead apply an extra layer of top coat over the affected area to patch it up temporarily until you can visit a nail salon in Newport Beach.

Don’t Cut or File Your Gel Manicure

While traditional nail polish can be easily cut or filed off, gel polish should always be removed by a professional. Cutting or filing your nails with gel polish can damage and weaken them, making them more prone to damage or chipping.

Additionally, cutting or filing off the gel polish can damage your natural nail bed, leading to discomfort and potential infection. Always book an appointment at a reputable nail salon in Newport Beach to have your gel manicure removed properly.

Avoids Hands-On Work

As much as possible, try to avoid any activities that involve hands-on work, such as gardening, cleaning, or cooking, right after getting a gel manicure. While gel polish is known for its durability, it is not indestructible.

Exposing your nails to harsh chemicals or scrubbing them too vigorously can cause your gel manicure to chip or peel. Exposing your nails to heat, whether from direct sunlight or hot water, can also cause the gel polish to break down and lose its color. If you must work with your hands or expose them to heat, it’s best to wear protective gloves to keep your nails and gel manicure intact.

If you’re searching for a premier nail salon in Newport Beach that will give you a flawless and long-lasting finish, Newport Nails is the No. 1 choice. We offer gel manicure and gel pedicure services as well as a range of nail salons and spa treatments that ensure you enjoy a luxurious day of pampering, no matter what form of self-care you’re searching for. We’ll help you sit back, relax, and achieve your nail bar dreams, so contact us online or visit us at Newport Hills or one of our other convenient locations today and let us know how we can service you.