Gel & BIAB Aftercare: 5 Habits That Make Your Nails Last Longer

I always say — what you do with your nails after you leave the appointment matters just as much as what I do during it. Here are the five small habits that make the biggest difference. Do even two or three of these and your nails will last noticeably longer.

1. Cuticle oil, twice a day

If you only do one thing, do this. A drop of cuticle oil on each nail, massaged into the cuticle and the edges where the gel meets the skin, keeps the nail flexible and massively reduces lifting. Morning and bedtime is ideal. It takes about 30 seconds. I sell a nice one and I'm happy to recommend brands you can grab online too.

2. Wear gloves for wet work

Washing up, cleaning, gardening — any time your hands are going in water for more than a few minutes. Prolonged water exposure is the single fastest way to lift gel. Rubber gloves with a cotton liner are kindest to your skin. It feels faffy for the first week and then it's just habit.

3. Don't use your nails as tools

Picking off stickers, opening tins, scratching dried bits off surfaces — every single one of these puts sideways pressure on the gel and chips away at the seal. Use a teaspoon, use your fingertip, use literally anything else. Your nails will thank you.

4. Don't pick at lifts

If you notice the edge lifting, please don't peel it off. Peeling pulls off a layer of your natural nail underneath, which damages the nail plate and means your next set won't last as well either. If it's lifting badly, book me in for a quick fix or DM me on Instagram — I'd much rather sort it properly than have you damage the natural nail.

5. Book your next appointment before you leave

The single best way to keep your nails looking great is to not let them go too long between sets. A BIAB infill at 3 weeks is quick, neat, and cheaper than a full redo. Leave it six weeks and we're often looking at starting over. I usually book clients back in before they leave — same day/time slot each month if it works for them.

When to come back sooner

If a nail breaks or a corner lifts badly, don't wait three weeks — send me a DM and we'll sort it out. Quick repairs are usually quick (and cheap) to fix if caught early.

Also in the journal: BIAB vs gel polish — which is right for you? · How long does BIAB last on natural nails?