I decided to try doing my own gel manicure again recently and so far I’m impressed with how well it’s holding up.
This is only the second time I’ve attempted gel at home.
The first time did not go well. It was right before Valentine’s Day, and I wanted to attempt gel since I was going on a trip to Napa, and wanted my manicure to last. Despite my best effort to apply thin layers, they ended up being way too thick. The manicure immediately felt bulky and uneven and I ended up removing everything immediately and just using regular nail polish.
Since then, I’ve been experimenting with some of the longer-wear nail polish systems that sit somewhere between regular polish and gel, including Dazzle Dry and Manucurist Green Flash. Both definitely last longer on me than traditional nail polish, but for some of my longer work and vacation trips, I still find myself wanting something with even more staying power.
I had an upcoming 7-night work trip to Las Vegas followed immediately by a long Memorial Day weekend in Scottsdale. Between constantly using my hands for work and then going straight into pool time, which I’ve found is one of the fastest ways to ruin a manicure, I knew I would either end up repainting my nails multiple times during the trip or try gel again.
This time around, I focused intently on applying the thinnest possible layers and taking my time with the process, which made a huge difference in both the appearance and feel of the manicure.
I’ve never been someone who has wanted to keep up with gel manicures because I’ve always worried a little about nail damage and the maintenance involved. For years I’ve used regular nail polish and just repainting my nails every few days, and wearing silver polish during trips because it hides chips so well.
But lately I’ve started understanding the appeal of gel more, especially for longer stretches of travel where I don’t want to think about my nails once I leave home.
At this point, the manicure has already made it through several days of travel, long work days and constant hand washing surprisingly well. I’m still very much learning, but so far this attempt has gone significantly better than the first one.
I’m still figuring out where gel fits into my routine long term, but for travel especially, I can definitely see why so many people swear by it.
Pictured: DND DC Gel Polish Set in Milky Blue