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Gel vs regular manicure: what's the difference?

Both give you beautiful nails, but they wear very differently. Here's the honest comparison.

What is a gel manicure?

Gel polish is cured under a lamp, creating a hard, glossy, chip-resistant finish that stays shiny for 2–3 weeks. It's the go-to for long-lasting, low-maintenance nails.

What is a regular manicure?

Regular polish air-dries and gives a lovely finish, but it's softer and typically lasts only a few days before chipping. Easy to change at home, though.

Durability & finish

Gel wins on longevity and gloss — it resists chips and keeps its shine. Regular polish is more prone to smudging and chipping early on.

Removal

Regular polish wipes off with remover. Gel needs a proper soak-off removal — never peel it, as that damages your natural nail.

Which should you choose?

Want it to last and stay glossy through daily life? Gel. Want something quick and easy to switch often? Regular. Most clients who try gel don't look back.

For an event next week, either works. For nails that stay flawless through a busy 2–3 weeks, gel is the clear winner. See our nail menu.

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