A good manicure can lift your whole look — but chips, lifting and dryness can cut it short. With a little care, you can keep your nails looking salon-fresh for much longer. Here's how.
Protect your hands
Your nails take a beating from everyday tasks. A few simple habits help:
- Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning. Harsh chemicals and hot water are the fastest way to dull and lift a manicure.
- Avoid using your nails as tools — opening cans or peeling labels is how tips break and gel lifts.
- Be gentle with freshly done nails for the first few hours while everything fully sets.
Keep them moisturised
Dry cuticles and nails look untidy and are more prone to breaking. Massage a little cuticle oil into the base of each nail daily, and use hand cream regularly. This one habit makes the biggest visible difference.
Gel, acrylic or regular polish?
- Regular polish is quick and affordable but chips soonest.
- Gel lasts longer — often two to three weeks — with a glossy finish.
- Acrylics add length and strength and last the longest, but need proper removal and fills.
Whatever you choose, never peel or force off gel or acrylics — it damages your natural nail. Rather book a proper removal.
Know when to rebook
Most sets look their best for two to three weeks. As your nails grow, you'll see a gap at the base — that's the sign it's time for a fill or a fresh set. Booking before it gets too grown out keeps your hands looking their best all the time.
Find a nail technician near you, see their work, and book your next set on Save My Seet.