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Anyone who’s switched from regular to gel polish can attest to how much of a game-changer it is.

One of the biggest pros of gel is that it’s pretty fuss-free.

gel nail manicure

Getting it done and removed takes longer than the usual nail appointment, but it’s worth it.

The pros list goes on and on: long-lasting manicures, minimal drying time, and easy maintenance.

In more serious cases, this could include infections and tumors (viaTeen Vogue).

unhealthy nails

“No one should be scraping your nail bed aggressively.

The product should just crumble off,” celebrity nail artist Miss Pop toldSeventeen.

“Acetone is extremely dehydrating.

bad gel nail removal

Not moisturizing enough

Moisturizing is key to your skincare, and your nails are no exception.

It’s something worth incorporating into your skincare routine if you haven’t already.

“Moisturizing our nails on a daily basis can definitely help strengthen nails.

moisturizing hands

Not only does it help your nails look better, but it can also help prevent chipping and breakage.

It’s advisable to have hand cream with you wherever you go.

Luckily, manyhand cream optionson the market do the job and are cost-effective too.

woman applying cuticle oil

Get the most out of your hand cream by trying out a trick from dermatologist Dr. Melanie Palm.

It’s a small addition to your nightly skincare routine that’ll go a long way.

If you must push them back, only do so gently after a shower or bath.”

manicure

Cuticle oils in particular are great for overall nail health as they hydrate and repair the nail simultaneously.

A user claimed that it gave “noticeable results with one software.”

Proper nail preparation is the key to getting the most out of your gel nails.

applying nail polish

Aside from making your manicure last longer, it helps with removal later on.

The bottom line is that gel nails aren’t supposed to be hard to remove.

Excessive force is unnecessary when it’s done correctly.

hand under the UV lamp

The effects of these ingredients differ and can range from mild to severe.

Though it looks and feels completely harmless, picking at the polish is damaging to your nails.

Picking at the nails strips it and weakens it in the long run.

overgrown damaged gel nails

You’re taking a layer off with the Shellac.”

When put in those terms, anyone would think twice before picking at their nails.

After all, the most desirable nails are healthy ones.

colored nails

This could be a breeding ground for bacteria or fungi (viaSelf).