How Long Do PolyGel Nails Last?

LuxeLuminous is reader supported. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission.

These days, there are so many ways in which to rock a gorgeous manicure that will last for weeks, and sometimes even beyond a month. And the best part is that you don’t even need to visit a nail technician, because you can easily give yourself a salon-quality manicure at home with PolyGel.

If you’ve never used PolyGel before, then you’re in for a treat! Because this easy-to-apply technique will help you to create beautiful nails that will be the envy of your friends and Instagram followers.

So, how long do PolyGel nails last? Typically PolyGel nails last for 3-4 weeks, which is really great compared to home manicures like Press-Ons!


Contents

How Long Do PolyGel Nails Last?

PolyGel Nail Extension Beetles

PolyGel manicures have become very popular, especially since the pandemic. They are easy to apply, and are a much better way to have gorgeous nails without the potential of damage that can happen by having your manicure applied with either gel or acrylic.

Also, because PolyGel is so easy to manage, you can do it yourself at home without much fuss, which means you won’t have to spend money or time visiting a nail salon to get your manicure done. Oh, and you can remove the PolyGel on your own, as well!

In general, using PolyGel to create your manicures means that they will last for between three and four weeks. So, you’ll be able to flash your fingertips with confidence, and they’ll look amazing for around a month. Even if you’re rough with your nails for any reason, you should get at least 21 days from the application.

In general, using PolyGel to create your manicures means that they will last for between three and four weeks. So, you’ll be able to flash your fingertips with confidence, and they’ll look amazing for around a month.

This means that PolyGel will last much longer than your average gel nail polish, which normally lasts for a couple of weeks and can cause more damage to your nails.

On the other hand, acrylic nails will potentially last for up to two months. However, during that time you’ll need to visit the nail salon to fill in any gaps, which adds to the cost of an acrylic manicure.

Plus, the acrylic process is much more damaging to your nails, as well as prone to breakage. This all gives using PolyGel the overall advantage over these other two popular techniques in the long-lasting manicure stakes.

So, now you may be wondering if there is a way to make your PolyGel manicure last longer than three to four weeks. If this is the case, then read on…


How To Make PolyGel Nails Last Longer

PolyGel Nail Kit Beetles

Like every type of manicure, there is a proper way to apply it to make sure that you get the best out of the technique. This is particularly true if you buy a No products found., which includes instructions that should be followed.

Most PolyGel nail kits come with nail forms or nail tips, although many technicians recommend using nail tips, because they add more durability and quality to your overall manicure.

And then there is the actual procedure that you should follow, which will go a long way to making sure that your PolyGel manicure will last for at least one month.

Always follow your particular instructions, but the general procedure is as follows:

1. Clean Slate

You must make sure that your natural nails are completely clean and free of not just dust, dirt, old nail polish, or base coat, but also of any excess oils.

2. Skin Game

Next, you will need to ensure that your cuticles have been pushed back carefully. If necessary, you can use a cuticle oil to soften them to help you do this.

We have some DIY cuticle oil recipes if you like the DIY route. But if you want an off-the-shelf recommendation, we suggest Yokita Cuticle Oil , which is a brush-on formula that includes vitamin E, milk and honey to help nourish dry skin, as well as strengthen your natural nail bed.

Yokita Premium Brush On Cuticle Oil Milk and Honey Natural Healing Infused, Soothes and Moisturizes Cuticles with Vitamin E 0.5 oz (Vanilla)
  • Yokita Cuticle oil is made of with the...
  • Yokita Cuticle oil is made with Vitamin...
  • Our Cuticle oil is silky smooth and does...
  • Our cuticle oils are made in small...
  • Made in USA

3. File It Down

Now it’s time to file down your nails in the shape that you want them, as well as buff the surface, so that you get rid of any shine.

Finally, make sure that you use some rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball to remove any nail dust or excess oil from your nails and cuticles leftover from the oil.

4. Prime Suspect

Before you apply the PolyGel itself, you must add some primer to your nails, which will help to make your manicure last longer. We suggest using Mia Secret’s XTRABOND , which is an acid and toluene-free primer that won’t burn, and provides better adhesion for your PolyGel.

Mia Secret XTRABOND No-Burn Acid-free Primer 1/2 oz. for Acrylic and UV Gels
  • Provides better adhesion for nail...
  • Xtrabond is a no burn and acid-free...
  • Comes in a portable 0.5 fl oz size.
  • Great for personal and professional use
  • Mia secret leaves you with long-lasting,...

5. Main Game

The final thing you should do before applying the PolyGel is to give your nails a base coat to keep them extra safe, and provide a sticky surface for the gel to adhere to. After you do this, your nails are now ready for the main player, your chosen PolyGel formula.

Place a small drop of PolyGel on your nails, and then use the brush to coat the entire surface to create the shape. If you’re going to use nail forms or nail tips, then apply the PolyGel to them before applying to your nails.

See also: Can You Paint Over PolyGel Nails?

6. Getting Heated

The last step is to cure your creation under a UV or LED lamp to set it. Depending on the kit that you’re using, most suggest that you cure between 30 and 60 seconds.

The best thing that most nail enthusiasts love about PolyGel is that it is so flexible! So after curing your nails, you’ll be able to refine their shape and length. If you decide that you want to apply another coat, just apply another drop as above, and repeat the curing process again.

The best thing that most nail enthusiasts love about PolyGel is that it is so flexible! So after curing your nails, you’ll be able to refine their shape and length.If you decide that you want to apply another coat, just apply another drop as above, and repeat the curing process again.

7. Finish Line

Finally, you should apply a top coat to seal in your PolyGel manicure. It’s up to you whether you want a full-on glossy look or if you prefer a more matte appearance.

After you’ve done this, you’ll need to cure each nail one more time to keep your manicure strong, and to make sure that your PolyGel manicure doesn’t fall off.

We also recommend that you give your hands some tender loving care after the procedure by finishing off with either a hand cream or the cuticle oil again, making sure that they feel well moisturized after having been under the lamp during the curing process.


Longer Lasting

So, how long do PolyGel nails last? Well, as long as you follow the instructions that we’ve recommended here, you should get at least three weeks — or even up to a full month — of an amazing manicure that you created yourself at home.

The popularity of this manicure technique keeps rising, and people are getting more and more creative with it. It’s time for you to give PolyGel a try!

Written by Kayla Young

Kayla is the founder of LuxeLuminous. She has worked professionally in the tanning industry for years. She has been interested in esthetics since childhood, and has tried every hair, skin, and makeup product ever produced (more or less).