Gel Manicures: The Benefits, Cost, and How Long They Last

Gel manicures have taken the nail space by storm, ascending the ranks to surpass more storied mani techniques like acrylic. With almost no dry-down time, extreme durability, and high-shine gloss that simply won't budge, it's easy to see why gels have become manicure darlings. But the UV curing method used to achieve those enduring results has elicited a fair share of safety concerns. Should the controversy deter us from our preferred salon service?

Ahead, nail experts and a dermatologist share everything you need to know about gel manicures, including the benefits, cost, and safety considerations.

What Is a Gel Manicure?

A gel manicure follows most of the same steps as your traditional manicure—your nails are cut, filed, shaped, and cuticles are cut (if you so choose), but that's where the similarities end.

Gel nail polish is painted on similarly to classic lacquer. However, it is cured with a UV or LED light to help lock it in place for long-lasting wear. Each coat of gel polish will need to be cured for about 30 to 60 seconds at a time. And instead of waiting for your nails to dry, you're ready to leave the salon as soon as the last topcoat cures. As a bonus, “Gel manicures are more resistant to chips and wear and tear,” says Olive & June founder Sarah Gibson Tuttle. “They also stay glossy for the duration of the manicure.”

How Long Do Gel Manicures Last?

Thanks to the curing process, gel manicures typically last anywhere from 10 days and up to three weeks. LeChat Nails educator and professional nail artist Anastasia Totty, says, "Gel manicures are designed to last around three weeks. Because of natural nail growth and wear and tear, anything beyond that usually does not look great. There are ways to improve wear with strengthening base gels."

And while gel polish alone is known for lasting longer than traditional lacquer, how it’s painted on plays a big role. When applying gel polish (or any polish for that matter), you want to make sure that your nail beds are as dry as possible. That doesn’t mean brittle—instead, there shouldn’t be any water, lotion, or oils on your nail plates, as the presence of such could prevent your gel polish from latching on. 

As with any mani, chips and broken nails are still a possibility with gels; they’re just not as likely. If you do chip or break a gel, it helps to have a nail file on hand at all times. “File it to a shape you love and leave it be if you can,” Gibson Tuttle recommends. “If it’s obvious and you can’t return to the salon immediately, we recommend finding a similar polish to cover up any gaps in the color.”

The Cost

In general, expect gel polish to cost about $10 to $15 more than your regular manicure, depending on where you live. The cost of a gel manicure varies widely between cities, states, and nail techs. In major cities like LA and New York City, a gel manicure can cost anywhere from $30 to $50+. Keep in mind that you'll also have to pay for gel removal (anywhere from $5-$15 depending on location) if you decide you don't want to take it off at home.

Gel Nails vs. Shellac Nails

While many consumers use these terms interchangeably, there is a difference: gel manicures use true gel polish, while shellac manicure use a hybrid formula of gel and classic polish. Personal preference is the main differentiator in popularity as both options provide a semi-permanent manicure at a similar price point—albeit with more gel nail color options generally available.

Professional vs At-Home Gel Manicure

If you've seen the latest lineups of gel nail polish offerings from brands like Deborah Lippmann or Sally Hansen, you may be wondering what the deal is. Often packaged as duos of lacquer and top coat, these pairings claim to offer similar chip-resistant, long-lasting results to gel manicures minus the UV curing process. Unlike classic gel manicures, the polishes don't necessarily need to be applied by a salon pro. In addition to the decreased risk of nail damage, these polishes also come at a much lower price point. At-home gel nail kits are definitely an option, but it's important to keep in mind that the results will be comparable to a professional manicure, not identical. The steady hand and long-lasting results of an in-salon gel manicure can't be beaten.

Are Gel Manicures Safe?

UV lights and their possibly carcinogenic side effects are the primary safety concern when it comes to gel manicures. The thought is that the small UV lamps used to cure gel manicures could have similar skin cancer implications as tanning beds, a link that was explored in a 2023 study. Based on the study, “there is not enough evidence to specifically state how often to get gel manicures [to remain safe]," says dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD. However, she adds that it's always better to be safe than sorry. Besides minimizing the frequency of gel manicures, she recommends to "use UV protection, including wearing sunscreen or UV protecting gloves" during your treatment.

Fortunately, due to the concerns, Totty says many salons have switched over to LED lamps to replace the possibly harmful UV lamps. "Over the last couple of years, gel manicures have become the most popular service in any salon. There has been ample research regarding damage to skin and nails; the traditional UV lamps used for curing these products have different bulbs than traditional ‘tanning beds,’ and most nail brands are switching to LED lamps simply because they cure the product in 30 seconds compared to two to three minutes using a UV lamp."

Can Gel Manicures Damage Your Nails?

Aside from the potential UV damage (the full effects of which are still being studied), gel manicures can also damage your natural nails. Gel polish can be fairly drying, leaving your natural nails more brittle underneath the polish. However, experts agree that the worst of the damage comes from improper removal.

“The biggest disadvantage to gel manicures is improper removal,” Gibson Tuttle shares. “You can avoid this by properly (and patiently) removing the polish yourself at home or seeking manicurists who take their time in removal to protect your nails.”

To keep your natural nails strong, our experts recommend taking breaks between gel manicures (alternate between gel and regular polish manicures, or leave nails bare of polish for at least 1-2 weeks between gel manicures). Between gel appointments, you should also take additional steps to strengthen your nails, such as applying cuticle oil.

How to Safely Remove a Gel Manicure

It's always best to visit a professional for gel nail removal (which usually costs about $10-$15). But when that's not possible, it can be done at home with a little time and patience. First of all, gel nail polish should never be peeled or picked off the nails, which can rip off the protective top layer of your nail. Instead, to remove gel polish at home, you'll want to follow these specific instructions to avoid damage to your natural nails.

“First, file the gels to break the topcoat seal,” says Gibson-Tuttle. “Then, place cotton balls soaked in pure acetone on your nails and wrap your fingertips in tin foil.” Let them sit for 10-15 minutes before attempting to remove the polish. Once the timer goes off, use a wooden nail stick to gently lift the remaining polish. The gels should remove easily with minimal pressure and pushing; if they're not lifting off of your natural nails with minimal effort, repeat the acetone soak for another 10-15 minutes.

Aftercare

Even with the most gentle, professional removal, gel manicures can be damaging—often leaving nails feeling dry, brittle, and particularly fragile in their wake. As mentioned earlier, taking routine breaks from gel and allowing the natural nail to "breathe" is highly recommended to maintain the health of the nail. According to all three experts, a cuticle oil or serum is your BFF post-gel mani. “Your nails will be on the brittle side due to the removal solution, so it is important to rehydrate your nail,” says Evelyn Lim, chief educator at Paintbox. Don't skimp on the moisturizing hand lotion, and be sure to really massage it into the fingertips to stimulate circulation in the area. We also recommend "slugging" your nails with an occlusive like Vaseline to keep them nourished.

The most important thing to remember is that your nails are no longer shielded by the gel coating, making them much softer and prone to breakage. If a fresh gel manicure makes you feel like you've got wolverine-like strength at your fingertips, transitioning back to natural nails offers an important lesson in treating your natural nails like an extension of your body—not an indestructible tool for piercing seals and breaking through just about anything.

The Takeaway

If you're looking for a set-it-and-forget-it solution to constant nail polish upkeep, a gel manicure could be the answer to your prayers. A single salon appointment can offer a glossy, chip-resistant manicure that should last anywhere from 10 to 20 days. For the safest approach, experts suggest opting for LED lights instead of a UV lamp for the curing process. You should also be wearing sunscreen for an added level of protection. To maintain the health of your nail beds, always see a professional for removal, apply cuticle oil, and never, ever try to pick or peel off the gel yourself. If you find your nails react poorly to gel nail polish, consider a long-lasting alternative.