Gel nail polish delivers that beautiful, long-lasting manicure we all know and love, but it’s important to care for your nails properly to keep them healthy along the way. While gel polish itself doesn’t damage your nails, it’s essential to use proper application and removal techniques, practice good nail care, and choose the right products to maintain their strength and health.
To help you keep your nails in great shape, here are our top tips for making the most of your gel manicures while caring for your natural nails.
Use all Gelous products to ensure compatibility
For the best gel manicure results and to keep your nails in top condition, always use the complete Gelous system: Base Coat, Builder Gel, Colour Coat, Top Coat, and the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp. Our lamp is designed to operate within a specific wavelength range, and the gel polish is formulated to cure perfectly within this range. This ensures a smooth, safe and long-lasting finish.
Using the full Gelous system is a simple way to help ensure proper curing. Skipping steps or mixing products from different brands may affect the curing process, which could lead to issues like irritations and allergies. For the best outcome and to keep your nails looking polished and perfect, stick with using the Gelous products as recommended.
Strengthen with Builder Gel for added nail protection
If your nails are prone to bending or breaking, Builder Gel could be a game-changing addition to your routine. Applied after Base Coat, Builder Gel adds strength and thickness to your manicure, creating a hard, protective layer that decreases flexibility and supports nail growth. It’s like giving your nails a shield that enhances their strength and resilience. Explore its benefits in one of five shades, or check out our application tutorial to learn how to apply it.
Leave behind a layer of Builder Gel during removal
When it’s time to remove your gel manicure, instead of soaking off to the natural nail every time, leave a layer of Builder Gel behind. This serves as a protective barrier that helps maintain the strength of your nails. Once removed to the Builder Gel layer, simply restart your application process from there—Prep, Base, Builder, Colour and Top Coat.
Use the Gelous E-File Pen safely
The Gelous E-File Pen is an incredible tool for removing gel polish, but it’s essential to use it correctly. Always use it at the appropriate speed and direction, and limit its use to manicures that include Builder Gel. Never use it directly on your natural nails to prevent unnecessary damage or thinning—we want to keep those nails happy and healthy.
For detailed instructions on how to use the E-File safely, watch our comprehensive video tutorial on YouTube.
Be gentle during removal
Patience is key when removing gel nail polish. Use the Gelous Removal Tool or Orangewood Cuticle Sticks to gently lift and remove the polish. If the polish isn’t lifting off easily, it’s a sign that it needs more soaking time—rushing the process or being forceful can damage your nails, so take your time to protect their integrity. When using the Gelous E-File Pen, you should apply light pressure and gently move it down the surface.
Check out our Gel Nail Polish Removal tutorials on YouTube to see the removal process in action.
Remove Gel Polish away from the cuticles
When removing gel polish, work carefully away from the cuticles to avoid harming the delicate skin around them. By moving in the direction of nail growth, this technique not only protects your cuticles but also maintains the overall health and appearance of your nails.
Don’t pick or peel your Gel Nail Polish
It may be tempting, but picking at and peeling off your gel polish won’t do your nails any favours. By doing this, you will pull away layers of your natural nails leaving them thin, weak and prone to breakage. Follow the proper removal process as outlined in the Gelous Removal Guide to protect your nails from unnecessary damage and keep them in tip-top condition.
Clean Gel Nail Polish from your skin before curing
To keep your manicure looking its best and to protect your nails, avoid getting gel polish on your skin or cuticles during application. If any polish does touch these areas, simply clean it off before curing using an Orangewood Cuticle Stick or a Nail Art Brush dipped in Nail Polish Remover. This easy step helps prevent lifting, reduces the risk of irritation or allergies, and ensures a clean, professional-looking finish. Aim for a steady hand to keep the polish on your nails for a flawless, and safe result.
File and buff your nails with care
When preparing your nails, always use the fine 180 grit side of your Gelous Nail File to shape and buff your nails. Use a gentle yet effective touch to avoid overbuffing, and replace your Nail File every few months to maintain effectiveness and hygiene.
Don’t use your nails as tools
It's easy to use your nails for everyday tasks like opening cans or peeling labels, but these actions can put unnecessary stress on your manicure. By treating your nails with care, you’ll keep your polish looking fresh and your nails in top condition. If you notice a little snag, simply file it down to smooth things out and prevent it from catching.
Avoid washing dishes and cleaning without gloves
Household chores and long soaks can take a toll on your gel manicures. Wearing gloves while cleaning or washing dishes protects your nails from harsh chemicals that can weaken the polish. Additionally, avoiding prolonged water exposure helps prevent your nails from expanding and contracting, which can cause lifting. A pair of gloves acts as a simple shield, keeping your nails fresh and polished for longer.
Use Gelous Cuticle Oil and hand cream daily
Regular use of Gelous Cuticle Oil and hydrating hand cream keeps your nails and cuticles nourished, helping to promote healthy nail growth. Our Cuticle Oil, enriched with Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E, and Vitamin B, helps heal and prevent dry, damaged cuticles while also protecting nails between gel manicures. A daily dose of Cuticle Oil and hand cream will improve the longevity of your manicures and keep your hands at their best.
Use Anti-UV Gloves or sunscreen during application
While Gel Nail Lamps emit minimal UV rays, it’s still wise to protect your skin. We recommend applying sunscreen 15-30 minutes before your gel polish application or wearing the Gelous Anti-UV Gloves. This precaution helps shield your hands from UV rays and serves as a reminder of the importance of daily UV protection.
Use Gelous Nail Polish Remover
Opt for the Gelous Gel Nail Polish Remover over 100% acetone, which can be overly drying and harsh on your nails. Our remover is enriched with nourishing ingredients like safflower, green tea, eucalyptus and peach, providing an effective, yet gentler removal process.
Take a break if you notice damage
If you notice signs of nail damage or just feel like your nails could use a little rest, consider taking a nail holiday between gel manicures. This is a good chance to nourish your natural nails with Cuticle Oil and hand cream, assess their condition and give them time to recover. It’s also a great time to revisit our application and removal tutorials to ensure you’re following the best practices to avoid damage in the future. It’s all about using the right techniques and tuning into what your nails need to keep them in the best shape for your next gel manis.
