Gel polish lasts three to four weeks on the hands and four to six on the feet. It does not fall off before that: what ends it is nail growth, which leaves a bare strip next to the cuticle. Whether it lasts the full four weeks depends on how it is applied and how it is looked after, and we cover both here.
How long gel polish lasts on the hands
On the hands, gel polish holds for three or four weeks without chipping or losing its shine. From the third week the regrowth shows, and it is the regrowth, not the polish, that calls for the next appointment.
Nails grow about three millimetres a month. With a Russian manicure, which works the cuticle dry and lets us apply colour right up to the skin, that strip takes longer to show: that is why at the salon we talk about three to four weeks rather than two.
How long it lasts on the feet
On the feet gel polish lasts longer, four to six weeks, because toenails grow more slowly and do not suffer water, knocks or cleaning products. Many clients renew it with each pedicure, every month or month and a half.
What decides how long it lasts
Three things decide the lifespan: nail preparation, the product and home care. Application matters more than the brand of polish.
| Factor | Done well | Done badly |
|---|---|---|
| Cuticle preparation | Colour reaches the skin and regrowth takes time to show | A gap from day one, and the polish lifts from there |
| Sealing the free edge | Water cannot get in at the tip | It chips at the tip within a week |
| Thin, fully cured coats | Flexible, no bubbles or cracks | Thick coats that crack and peel |
| Hydration at home | The nail stays flexible | A dry nail that snaps and takes the polish with it |
| Using nails as tools | Nothing | Lifting at the tips within days |
Why it sometimes lifts early
If gel polish comes away before two weeks, it is almost always one of these causes, and all of them can be fixed.
- Very thin or damaged nails, usually from peeling off the previous polish. A couple of cycles with a strengthening base are needed.
- Hands in hot water for hours (cooking, cleaning, swimming). Water swells the nail and the polish cannot follow.
- Oily creams right before the appointment. They leave a film that stops the product bonding. Come with clean hands.
- Medication or hormonal changes that alter the nail. It happens, and it is nobody's fault: we adjust the base and move on.
- Nails as tools: opening cans, scratching off labels. The tip gives way.
Ten habits to make gel polish last the full four weeks
- Cuticle oil every night. It is what extends the manicure most: a hydrated nail does not snap.
- Gloves for washing up and cleaning products.
- Hand cream after washing, but keep it off the nail base right before your appointment.
- Do not use your nails as tools. Use a fingertip or a coin.
- Dry your hands well after the shower; water between nail and polish is the first cause of lifting.
- Never file the polished surface.
- If an edge lifts, do not pull. Book a repair: peeling takes layers of nail with it.
- Avoid direct heat in the first few hours: oven, hairdryer, very hot water.
- Come back on time. At three or four weeks, even if it still looks perfect: a nail that is too long acts as a lever.
- Always remove it at the salon or with acetone and patience. Here is how to remove gel polish without damaging the nail.
How often to renew it
Every three to four weeks on hands and every four to six on feet. At nails and the city, removing the previous polish is included in the price of a gel manicure, so the renewal appointment costs the same as the first: the express gel manicure is €34.90 and the nails and the city gel manicure is €39.90.
You can book your appointment through Treatwell or write to us and we will tell you what suits you.
Frequently asked questions
How long does gel polish last?
Three to four weeks on the hands and four to six on the feet. What ends it is nail growth, not the polish wearing out.
Why does my gel polish lift within a week?
Almost always because of thin nails after peeling off the previous polish, long hours with hands in hot water, oily cream right before the appointment or using nails as tools. Tell us at your appointment and we adjust the base.
Does gel polish damage the nail?
Applied and removed properly, no. What damages it is peeling it off or filing the nail plate. That is why removal is included in our price: nobody is tempted to pick it off at home.
Can I keep gel polish on for more than four weeks?
You can, but it is not a good idea: a long nail acts as a lever, the regrowth gap traps moisture and removal afterwards is harder. Renewing on time is what keeps the nail healthy.
How much does renewing gel polish cost?
The same as the first time, because removing the previous polish is included: €34.90 for the express gel manicure and €39.90 for the nails and the city gel manicure.