So, you’ve just gotten home with a LOVELY new Gin N Gels mani (woohoo!) – of course you’re going to want to make them last! But like all things in life, it’s a two way street and your new mani has to be cared for and treated delicately.
Let’s get one thing straight, when I say ‘make your mani last’, I absolutely do not recommend going more than 3/4 weeks without coming back for an appointment. Regular appointments are essential for maintaining your nails’ health (plus I love seeing you all!). Plus, the longer you leave your mani, the more they grow out, and the more they grow out, the more likely you are to get a painful break (ouch).
Keep on reading for some top tips on helping your mani stay chip free and beautiful:
Oil Those Cuticles
Cuticle oil shouldn’t just be your new best friend, it should be so much more.
You should wake up thinking about oiling your cuticles and go to bed thinking about oiling your cuticles and have happy dreams about your beautifully nourished nails.
All jokes aside, if you remember anything about this blog, PLEASE be this. Your nails are made from the same stuff as your hair, and you wouldn’t let your hair dry out am I right?!
Picking Is Banned
I know sometimes it’s tempting to pick at your nails, but I beg you, please don’t pick!
Picking your nails can cause damage to your natural nails and unfortunately it can be a downward spiral from there. You get your nails done > you pick your gels off > you damage your nails a little bit each time > you get your nails done > your gel struggles to hold because your nails are damaged > you pick your gels off > you damage your nails a little bit more… you get the drift!
Hot Water Is A No Go
I don’t mean that you have to spend the rest of your life having cold showers (no thank you), but especially for the first 48 hours, it’s important you stay away from places like saunas, steam rooms, swimming pools etc.
If you’re having a bath – keep your hands out the water – ezpz!
Which brings me onto the next point…
Gloves Are Your Friends
Those lovely marigolds you have hidden at the back of the cupboard under the sink? Crack those out ASAP.
And I’m not just talking for when you’re washing the dishes. If you’re doing anything that involves getting your hands dirty – protect your nails with gloves!
Doing a spot of gardening? Wear your gloves.
Doing household chores? Wear your gloves.
Doing any form of manual labour? Wear your gloves.
Trust me, your nails will thank you!
It’s also important to keep in mind that there are also other factors in play when it comes to how long your mani will last. For example, some medications can affect your nails, and therefore will affect how your mani lasts.
Other substances such as sunscreen, mosquito repellent, fake tan etc can also make your gel mani lift – so remember if in doubt – thoroughly wash your hands and slather them in cuticle oil after!
