Best Practices for Gel Manicure Villanova, Aftercare at Frazer Nail Salon
Gel manicures remain a favorite for anyone who wants that glossy, chip-resistant finish that can keep up with the demands of daily life. At Frazer Nail Salon in Villanova, our gel manicures are professionally applied and designed to last two to three weeks with proper care. But long-lasting beauty doesn’t happen by chance it’s the result of expert application and thoughtful aftercare. While the skill of our technicians and the quality of the gel polish play a major role, taking care of your nails once you leave the salon is just as crucial. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the essential aftercare steps to make sure your gel manicure stays flawless and your natural nails stay healthy.
This article is dedicated to helping you avoid common mistakes, care for your nails at home, and enhance the results of your manicure. If you’ve recently had a gel manicure, these simple but effective tips can help extend its life and protect your nail health.
1. What is Gel Manicure?
To put it simply, a gel manicure involves applying layers of gel-based polish that are then cured under a UV or LED lamp to create a strong, glossy finish. A typical gel manicure includes a base coat, your chosen gel color, and a durable topcoat all sealed with light technology.
Compared to regular nail polish that can chip within days, gel polish can last up to three weeks. It’s more of an investment, but the payoff is a longer-lasting, more polished look. At Frazer Nail Salon in Villanova, we only use top brands like CND Shellac, OPI GelColor, and Gelish ensuring long wear, no smudges, and a lasting shine.
However, to fully enjoy these benefits, it’s important to follow a good aftercare routine that protects your nails and polish.
2. Why Aftercare is Vital for Gel Manicures in Nail Salon in Villanova Spa
Taking care of your nails after your appointment is more than just good hygiene it directly impacts the longevity and appearance of your manicure. Here’s why aftercare matters:
- Prolongs Wear: While gel manicures are made to last, neglecting aftercare can lead to early chipping, cracking, or lifting. Proper steps help your manicure stay beautiful longer.
- Protects Natural Nails: Improper application or removal of gel polish can weaken your natural nails. But with good aftercare, you support their strength and growth.
- Keeps the Shine: That flawless, glossy finish gel manicures are known for can fade without hydration and protection.
- Avoids Damage: Skipping aftercare or removing gel polish incorrectly can harm both the gel and your natural nail, sometimes requiring repairs.
These best practices are recommended by the expert team at Frazer Nail Salon to help you make the most of your gel manicure..
3. Best Practices for Gel Manicure Aftercare in Nail Salons
A. Water and Strong Chemicals Exposure Should Be Avoided
At
Frazer Nail Salon in Radnor, we want your gel manicure to look flawless and last as long as possible. While gel nails are known for their durability, proper aftercare is key especially in the first few hours after your appointment.
Why it matters: Although gel polish is cured under UV or LED light during your manicure, it still needs several hours to fully set and harden. During this time, it's essential to avoid exposing your nails to heat, water, or harsh chemicals. Activities like washing dishes, using cleaning products, or taking hot showers too soon can cause the gel polish to lift or weaken prematurely.
What to do:
Avoid soaking your nails for at least 12 hours after your appointment. This includes bathing, swimming, and dishwashing. After that, you can return to your regular activities.
Be careful with cleaning products like bleach and acetone. Even casual contact can weaken the gel. Wearing gloves while doing household chores is a great way to protect your manicure.
B. Cuticles with Nails Need to Be Nourished So Apply the Oil Regularly
Gel nail treatments can sometimes cause friction on the nail bed and cuticles, which may lead to dryness or skin irritation over time. That’s why keeping your nails and cuticles well-hydrated is essential not just for comfort, but for promoting healthy nail growth and maintaining the overall appearance of your manicure.
Why it matters: Lack of moisture can contribute to issues such as gel polish lifting or nails becoming brittle. Regularly hydrating your cuticles helps strengthen the nail structure, reduces premature peeling or shedding, and supports the durability of your manicure. Proper hydration also makes the removal process gentler and less damaging to your natural nails
What to do:
Apply cuticle oil to your nail beds and cuticles once or twice a day. This promotes flexibility and prevents cracking.
Also, use hand lotion after washing your hands to keep everything moisturized. A hydrated nail is a strong, long-lasting nail.
C. Have Reasonable Care for Your Nails
While gel nails are known for their long-lasting and durable finish, they still require mindful care to maintain their beauty and to protect the natural nails underneath. One of the most common reasons for premature chipping or damage is treating your nails too roughly in daily activities.
Why it matters: Gel polish is more durable than traditional nail polish, but excessive pressure or improper use of your nails can still cause damage. Using your nails to open packages, scratch surfaces, or pry objects puts strain on both the gel and your natural nail. This can result in cracks, chips, or even lifting of the gel polish reducing the lifespan of your manicure and potentially weakening your natural nails.
What to do:
Avoid using your nails to pry things open or scratch surfaces. Use your fingertips or proper tools instead.
Even when texting or typing, try not to tap too hard on your nails. A little mindfulness goes a long way.
D. Shield Your Nails While Doing Some Workouts
While gel manicures are designed to be long-lasting and durable, certain daily activities can still put stress on your nails. Actions like peeling or picking at the gel polish or exposing your hands to rough conditions can lead to premature lifting, cracking, or damage to the manicure.
Why it matters: Activities such as exercising, playing sports, or gardening can apply pressure to your nails or expose them to dirt and moisture. Over time, this can weaken the bond of the gel polish, causing it to lift or peel. Long exposure to water or friction from repetitive movements can also compromise the appearance and longevity of your manicure.
To maintain healthy nails and a lasting finish, it’s important to protect your hands during such activities whether that means wearing gloves, being mindful of pressure on your fingertips, or avoiding habits like picking at the polish..
What to do:
Wear gloves for activities that involve exposure to chemicals or dirt.
If you’re lifting weights or playing sports, consider wearing fingerless gloves or wraps to reduce direct pressure on your nails.
E. Refrain from Picking Off, Peeling, or Biting Your Gel Nails
Peeling or picking at your gel polish may be tempting, especially if there’s a small chip but it’s one of the worst things you can do.
Why it matters: Picking at your gel polish can severely damage the nail bed, causing pain, peeling, or even infection.
What to do:
If your manicure chips or starts lifting, visit Frazer Nail Salon for a professional fix.
Don’t try to remove the gel at home by peeling or scraping it can do more harm than good.
F. Prevent Your Nails from Being Exposed to the Sun
Gel nails are known for their strength and durability, especially when it comes to resisting chips and everyday wear. However, extended exposure to direct sunlight can gradually break down the polish, causing it to fade, lose its shine, or become more prone to peeling.
Why it matters: Just like your skin needs protection from harmful UV rays, so do your gel-polished nails. Prolonged sun exposure can weaken the integrity of the gel, causing it to degrade over time. This leads to a dull appearance, loss of vibrant color, and reduced longevity of your manicure.
To keep your nails looking fresh and glossy for longer, it’s a good idea to limit direct sun exposure or wear gloves during outdoor activities. At Frazer Nail Salon in Radnor, we use high-quality gel products to ensure a long-lasting finish but proper aftercare makes all the difference in preserving that salon-perfect look.
What to do:
If you’re spending time outside, apply sunscreen to your hands and nails especially around the cuticles.
Wearing UV-protective gloves during outdoor activities is also a great way to preserve your manicure.
G. Does a Gel Manicure Grow Out or Is It Removed?
Gel polish is meant to stay put for a few weeks, but once your nails grow out, the gap between the cuticle and polish becomes more visible and less polished-looking.
What happens: As your natural nail grows, the polish shifts upward, making the manicure appear unkempt. Waiting too long can cause lifting or breakage.
What to do:
Book a follow-up appointment at Frazer Nail Salon within 2–3 weeks for a touch-up or full reapplication.
You can either fill in the same color or choose a fresh new look.
H. Appropriate Steps in Removals of Gel Nails
While applying gel polish requires skill and precision, the removal process is equally important and should be done carefully. Improper removal is a common reason why many struggle with weak, brittle nails and slow nail growth after wearing gel polish.
Why it matters: Many people try to peel or forcibly remove gel polish, which can strip away layers of the natural nail, causing thinning, damage, and increased vulnerability. This rough treatment weakens the nail bed and can lead to long-term issues. Additionally, underlying health conditions or even the natural shape of your fingers and nails may affect how your nails respond to gel polish and removal.
At Frazer Nail Salon in Radnor, we emphasize safe, professional removal techniques to protect your natural nails and promote healthy growth. If you have concerns about your nails or health, consulting a specialist can also help ensure your nails stay strong and beautiful
What to do:
The safest way is to return to Frazer Nail Salon for professional removal.
If doing it at home, soak cotton balls in acetone, place them over your nails, wrap in foil, and wait 10–15 minutes. Then gently push off the softened gel with a cuticle stick.
Conclusion
A gel manicure can be a powerful way to elevate your look if it’s cared for properly. At Frazer Nail Salon in Villanova, we ensure that each gel manicure is applied with precision and top-quality products. But aftercare is what keeps your nails looking salon-fresh long after you leave your appointment.
By following these easy tips like using cuticle oil, avoiding harsh chemicals, and protecting your nails from UV exposure you’ll extend the life of your manicure and keep your natural nails healthy underneath.
Enjoy all the beauty benefits that come with gel nails, and remember: for maintenance, touch-ups, or safe removal, the team at Frazer Nail Salon is here to help..
