Does washing the dishes destroy a gel manicure?

Wondering how to extend the life of your nails? Lucy Slight consults an expert. For gel manicure enthusiasts, the benefits of a longer-lasting polish far outweigh the extra cost. While a basic gel manicure might start near $70 (compared with $40 for regular polish), you’ll enjoy flawless, chip-free nails for up to three weeks, versus only a few days with traditional lacquer.

Gel nail polish works through a process that involves applying a specially formulated gel to the nails and then curing it under an ultraviolet (UV) or LED light. The gel polish is applied in thin layers, just like regular nail polish. Each layer typically includes a base coat, one or more colour coats, and a top coat.

After each layer of gel polish is applied, the nails are placed under a UV or LED lamp for curing. This process hardens the gel and makes it more durable. The UV or LED light triggers a chemical reaction in the gel polish, called polymerisation, which transforms the liquid gel into a solid, long-lasting layer.

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