A well-applied gel manicure should last two to three weeks. If yours is lifting after a few days, these habits usually make the difference.
Wear gloves
Hot water and cleaning products are gel's biggest enemies. Wear gloves for washing up and cleaning, every time.
Oil daily
Cuticle oil keeps the nail and surrounding skin flexible, so the gel is less likely to lift at the edges. A quick swipe before bed is enough.
Don't use nails as tools
Opening cans, peeling labels and scraping stickers put stress on the free edge. Use the pads of your fingers instead.
Never peel it off
Peeling gel takes layers of nail with it. Book a removal at Maison Initiale, it takes ten minutes and keeps your natural nails healthy.
Mei Lin
20 Jun 2026 · 3 min read
