Getting gel nails can feel overwhelming with so many questions swirling in your mind. As nail experts serving clients across Ottawa and Gatineau, we hear the same concerns every day. Let’s clear up the confusion and give you straight answers to help you make the best choice for your nails.
How Long Do Gel Nails Last?
Most gel nails last between 2-3 weeks with proper care. However, your lifestyle plays a big role in how long they’ll stay perfect. If you work with your hands a lot or don’t follow aftercare tips, you might see chips or lifting sooner.
Our Ottawa and Gatineau clients who follow our care instructions typically get the full 3 weeks from their gel manicures. The key is booking your touch-up appointment before they start looking worn.
Want to make your gel nails last longer? Keep your cuticles moisturized and wear gloves when cleaning. These simple steps help our clients across the Ottawa-Gatineau region enjoy beautiful nails for weeks.
Can I Do Dishes With Gel Nails?
Yes, you can do dishes with gel nails! However, hot water and harsh detergents can weaken the gel over time. We recommend our Gatineau and Ottawa clients wear rubber gloves when washing dishes or cleaning.
The gel coating is quite durable, but prolonged exposure to water and chemicals can cause lifting around the edges. This is especially true if your nails weren’t properly prepped before application.
Pro tip from our nail technicians: Apply cuticle oil after doing dishes. This keeps your nail area healthy and helps prevent the gel from separating from your natural nail.
Why Are My Gel Nails Chipping After a Few Days?
Chipping gel nails within days usually means something went wrong during application or prep. Here are the most common reasons we see in our Ottawa and Gatineau practice:
Poor nail preparation is the biggest culprit. If oils or moisture remain on the nail before gel application, the polish won’t stick properly. Your nail tech should clean and dry your nails thoroughly.
Thin gel layers can also cause early chipping. Some salons rush the process, but proper gel application requires multiple thin coats, not one thick layer.
Activities right after the application matter too. Avoid hot showers, saunas, or swimming for 24 hours after getting gel nails. The curing process continues even after you leave the salon.
If your gel nails consistently chip within a week, it might be time to try a different salon or discuss your lifestyle with your nail technician.
Can Gel Nails Damage My Natural Nails?
When applied and removed correctly, gel nails shouldn’t damage your natural nails. The problems come from improper application or aggressive removal techniques.
Many of our first-time clients in Ottawa and Gatineau worry about nail damage. The truth is, most damage happens when people peel or pick off their gel polish instead of getting proper removal.
Signs of nail damage include:
- Thin, weak nails
- White spots or discoloration
- Painful or sore nail beds
- Nails that break easily
To protect your natural nails, always book professional removal appointments. Don’t try to save money by peeling them off yourself – the temporary savings aren’t worth permanent nail damage.
Give your nails a break between gel applications occasionally. A week without polish lets your natural nails breathe and recover.
How Do I Remove Gel Nails Safely at Home?
While we always recommend professional removal, sometimes you need to remove gel nails at home. Here’s the safest method our Ottawa and Gatineau nail experts suggest:
You’ll need:
- Pure acetone (not nail polish remover)
- Cotton balls or pads
- Aluminum foil
- Nail file
- Cuticle oil
Step-by-step process:
- File off the top coat gently
- Soak cotton in acetone
- Place cotton on each nail
- Wrap fingertips in foil
- Wait 15-20 minutes
- Gently push off the softened gel
- Moisturize your nails and cuticles
Never force or peel the gel off. If it doesn’t come off easily after soaking, repeat the process. Forcing removal can damage your nail bed permanently.
Can I Paint Over Gel Nails With Regular Polish?
Yes, you can apply regular nail polish over cured gel nails. Many of our clients in the Ottawa-Gatineau area do this to change colors between salon visits.
However, regular polish won’t last as long over gel as it would on natural nails. The smooth gel surface doesn’t give regular polish much to grip onto.
Tips for painting over gel:
- Use a base coat designed for gel surfaces
- Apply thin layers
- Use a good-quality top coat
- Don’t expect it to last more than a few days
Remember that removing regular polish from gel nails is easy with standard nail polish remover. Just avoid acetone-based removers, as these can affect your gel manicure underneath.
Why Do Gel Nails Sometimes Feel Thick?
Thick-feeling gel nails usually result from poor application technique. Each gel layer should be thin and properly cured under UV or LED light.
Some nail technicians apply gel too thickly to save time, but this creates several problems:
- Thick, unnatural feeling
- Poor adhesion
- Uneven surface
- Longer curing times
Quality salons serving Ottawa and Gatineau clients know that multiple thin coats create better results than few thick ones. The finished nails should feel smooth and natural.
If your gel nails consistently feel thick or bulky, discuss this with your nail technician. They might need to adjust their application technique or use different products.
Can I Get Gel Nails If I Have Short Natural Nails?
Absolutely! Gel polish works beautifully on short natural nails. In fact, many clients in Ottawa and Gatineau prefer gel on shorter nails for a natural, polished look.
Short nails with gel polish offer several advantages:
- Less likely to break or chip
- Easier to maintain
- More practical for daily activities
- Still gives you beautiful color and shine
Don’t let short nails stop you from enjoying gel manicures. Even nails bitten down to the quick can be transformed with proper gel application.
Your nail technician can also add length using gel extensions if you want longer nails but don’t have the natural length yet.
Professional Gel Nail Care in Ottawa and Gatineau
Getting perfect gel nails starts with choosing the right salon and nail technician. Look for professionals who take time with nail preparation, use quality products, and follow proper curing procedures.
At Vals Beauty Hub, we specialize in creating beautiful, long-lasting gel nails for clients throughout Ottawa and Gatineau. Our experienced nail technicians understand that every client has different needs and lifestyle requirements.
Whether you’re getting your first gel manicure or you’re a regular client looking for the perfect salon, we’re here to answer all your questions and provide exceptional nail services in Ottawa and Gatineau.
Ready to Try Gel Nails?
Now that you have answers to the most common gel nail questions, you can make an informed decision about whether gel nails are right for you. Remember, the key to beautiful, long-lasting gel nails is proper application, good aftercare, and working with experienced professionals.
For more nail care tips and information, check out our complete guide to nail care or learn about bio-gel nails as another option.
Have more questions about gel nails or other nail services? Visit our FAQ page or contact us directly. We’re always happy to help clients in Ottawa and Gatineau achieve their perfect nail goals.
Ready to book your gel nail appointment? We offer convenient services throughout Ottawa and Gatineau, including mobile appointments that bring our expertise directly to you.