Beautiful Gel Nails Start With Good Care
After 40 years behind the nail table, I still love the moment a finished set catches the light. A glossy color, a little reflective sparkle, a shape that feels just right for the person wearing it—that is the fun part.
Good gel manicure care begins before the color goes on and continues after you leave the nail table. Here are a few reminders I share from my side of the table.
A Great Set Starts With Careful Preparation
Every gel product has a purpose, and the steps matter. I prepare the nail for the system I’m using, apply each layer with care, and cure it according to the product and lamp instructions.
More product doesn’t automatically mean a better manicure. Keeping gel off the surrounding skin, applying controlled layers, and curing them fully are all part of a thoughtful service. If you do your own nails, follow the directions for your specific products. One gel system’s instructions may not fit another.
Gel Manicure Care Between Appointments
Please treat your nails as nails, not tools. Reach for a proper tool when opening a package or prying at a stubborn lid.
If you notice a lifted edge or a broken nail, arrange a repair instead of pulling at it. I know how tempting it is to pick at one tiny corner, but peeling gel can damage the natural nail underneath. Pay attention to your skin, too. If a product causes persistent discomfort or a reaction, don’t ignore it for the sake of keeping the color on.
Removal Is Part of the Manicure
When it’s time for a fresh set, please don’t peel or scrape the old product away. Gel systems have different removal methods, so it helps to know which product is on your nails. If you’re unsure, ask your nail professional before trying to remove it yourself.
The American Academy of Dermatology’s gel manicure care tips also cover avoiding picking, caring for your nails between manicures, and protecting the skin on your hands during lamp exposure. www.aad.org
Enjoy the Color and Respect the Process
I want you to have fun choosing your nails. Maybe you love a quiet nude, or maybe you’re drawn to a dramatic shade like Cleopatra from my Tiara Flash Reflective Gel Polish Collection. Either way, the finished look is only one part of the experience.
Preparation, application, curing, care, and removal all deserve attention. That’s one lesson four decades behind the nail table have taught me: the sparkle gets your attention, but the care behind the manicure matters just as much.
With love from behind the nail table,
LINDA
Love the Mauvelous cat eye nails in the opening photo? Watch them shimmer in this Instagram video.
