Care

How long does gel nail polish last?

March 20, 2025 4 min to read

You want a flawless manicure but don’t have the time or desire to redo it in the coming days… The go-to solution in this case is often a gel polish. But how long can you keep gel polish on, and is there a risk in wearing it for too long? Here’s our take on the subject, along with our best-kept secrets for a clean & long-lasting manicure.

Traditional Gel Polish vs. Green Flash™—The Choice is Yours!

Traditional Gel Polish: Long-Lasting, but Not Without Risks

Classic gel polish promises wear for 2 to 3 weeks, which may sound appealing, but in reality, its chemical composition and removal process leave much to be desired. Most traditional gel polish formulas contain HEMA and Di-HEMA-TMHDC. These mysterious acronyms refer to methacrylate monomers that, when cured under a UV lamp, bond together to form a solid, glossy, and durable layer—that signature gel-like shine we all adore!

However, these tiny, reactive molecules have a tendency to penetrate the skin, causing allergic and inflammatory reactions while also irritating the respiratory system. In the long run, frequent use—especially without allowing breaks between applications—can be problematic. Not to mention the removal process, which often involves acetone or filing, both of which can leave nails fragile for an extended period. Since 2021, products containing HEMA and Di-HEMA-TMHDC have been banned for at-home use. Only professionals can handle them in salons under strict conditions.

Applying a coat of red polish to another hand

Traditional gel polishes last, but they can cause allergies and inflammation.

Green Flash™: A Clean, Long-Lasting Alternative

With Green Flash™ gel polish by Manucurist, you get a risk-free alternative that complies with regulations. In Green Flash™, the sensitising monomers are replaced by copolymers—larger, less reactive, and non-volatile molecules. As a result, they don’t penetrate the skin and don’t trigger allergic reactions.

Thanks to this innovation and a formula that’s up to 84% plant-based, Green Flash™ keeps your nails healthy while delivering long-lasting shine, intense colour, and up to 12 days of perfect wear. Removal is just as seamless: Green Flash™ comes off in just one minute, peeling off easily with the help of a gentle, acetone-free remover and removal clips. 0% risk, 100% perfect nails!

Green Flash™ is the first non-toxic gel polish with up to 12 days of flawless wear.

Our Secrets for Long-Lasting Green Flash™ Gel Polish

How well your polish lasts also depends on how well you care for your natural nails and follow the right application routine. Here are our best at-home tips to extend the life of your Green Flash™ manicure.

Nail Preparation

A perfect manicure starts with a crucial nail prep step. The more regularly you care for your nails, the better your polish will last. Here are the key steps to follow before applying your polish:

1. Start by filing your nails with a natural nail file to create a harmonious shape.
2. Soften your cuticles by applying a few drops of Effective Cuticle Remover. This makes it easier to gently push them back for a clean and neat nail contour.
3. Lightly buff the nail surface using the prepping buffer to open up the nail plate and enhance adhesion for the Green Flash™ Vitamin Base Coat. Avoid back-and-forth motions, which can weaken the nails, and instead, buff gently in the direction of growth.
4. Finish by degreasing the nail with a cotton pad soaked in gentle nail polish remover.

Prepare your nails like a pro with Manucurist’s nail prep set.

The Green Flash™ Routine Step by Step

For a salon-worthy manicure at home, follow the 4 thin-layer rule. Each coat cures under an LED lamp for a pre-set drying time that we recommend following to ensure a flawless application. Here’s your Green Flash™ step-by-step routine:

1. One coat of Green Flash™ Vitamin Base Coat: The first protective base coat for gel polish that strengthens nails and extends the wear of your Green Flash™ manicure for 10 to 12 days.
2. Two coats of Green Flash™ colour: Each layer should be applied thinly using three brush strokes (centre, then sides) and cured under the LED lamp for the necessary time. Don’t forget to cap the nail by gently running the brush along the free edge without adding extra polish.
3. One coat of Green Flash™ Top Coat: This seals in the colour and adds an extra boost of shine for a stunning finish. It also protects the polish from external factors and prolongs its longevity.

For more details on applying gel polish, check out our dedicated article here.

Trio of Vitamin Base Coat, colour, and Green Flash™ Top Coat

Vitamin Base Coat, colour, and Top Coat—the winning trio for a clean and long-lasting Green Flash™ manicure.

Nail Care After Application

The secret to a beautiful manicure is simple: hydrate and nourish your nails and cuticles regularly, both before and after applying polish. This strengthens your nails and helps prevent brittleness and splitting.

Here are our recommended treatments:

Apply a few drops of Complete Serum daily by massaging it into each nail, followed by a nourishing oil like Green Oil.
For on-the-go strengthening, the Nourishing Nail Pen is ideal. Its pen-style applicator makes it both fun and precise to use.
To refresh your polish colour and revive shine, apply a coat of Colour Refresher about 4–5 days after application. It’s a must-have for keeping your holiday manicure vibrant despite sun, sand, and seawater! ;-)

Complete Serum, Perfecting Concentrate, and Colour Refresher

Complete Serum, Perfecting Concentrate & Colour Refresher—our secret weapons for long-lasting Green Flash™ manicures.

With Green Flash™, gel polish has nothing but benefits: long-lasting wear, vibrant colour, and healthy, protected nails. What more could you ask for? 💅❤️