Q&A for How to Make Gel Nails Last Longer

Gel nails peel because something in the application process went wrong. In order to apply correctly, you need the nail to be as dry as possible. Before painting your nails, rub them with a cotton ball dipped in alcohol to remove any moisture. Then, apply a base coat and let it dry completely before applying the gel.

Buff the surface of your nails with a nail file to remove the shine, then soak a cotton ball in an acetone solution and place it directly on top of your nail. Follow by wrapping each finger with a small piece of foil, and after 10 to 15 minutes, the gel manicure should slide right off with the cotton ball.

Check out the techniques in this article . If those tricks don't work, see a doctor about it.

You might not be wrapping/capping/sealing the free edge. To cap the free edge, with every layer, paint the the part of the nail you file (easiest for me to do it by just touching the brush to it sideways) and paint a little below that, the palms side of the nail. Now, the top of the nail and the edge that you'd file (the free edge) are both completely covered in polish, and there's a touch on the underside. Let dry and repeat with all different polishes, finish by sealing everything with a top coat.

Any store-bought nail glue can work, avoid cheaper products for better removal and nicer nails. I do not recommend, however, giving yourself a manicure. Not getting your nails professionally done can damage your nails significantly.