This Is How Long Each Type of Manicure Should Last, from Gel to Dip to Acrylic

You know you’ve got an assortment of color options to choose from when getting a manicure, but there’s another choice you need to make: the type of manicure. From traditional nail polish to more durable options like gel, dip, and acrylic, every type of manicure comes with its own perks, drawbacks, and longevity. So how long does each type of manicure last, and which one is the winner when it comes to endurance? We consulted a veteran nail expert for the full rundown.

Traditional Polish: 1 Week

This is the lacquer where it all started. Traditional nail polish creates a thin and plastic-y film over the nail. With a high quality polish, proper preparation, and top coat, it can last up to a week before chipping.

“Maintaining proper nail health and keeping nails coated and conditioned will maximize a regular polish manicure,” says Julie Kandalec, a celebrity manicurist and CND educator. She adds that these are easy to perform at home or on-the-go, which is a nice perk. For that reason, it’s an inexpensive and accessible option. 

Gel Manicure: 2 Weeks  

Gel polish is a color coating that hardens under an LED light, says Kandalec. She says this type of manicure lasts for two-plus weeks of wear, and it delivers a “glorious shine that will not dull over time.”

Gel manicures are typically more lightweight compared to dip and acrylic, which has a more natural feel that people prefer. It’s also relatively easy to apply yourself, so long as you have an LED system at home. Some of the drawbacks of gel manis is that they can start to peel around the edges with a lot of wear and tear, but this usually only happens toward the end of the manicure’s life. 

Dip Manicure: 2 to 4 Weeks

Dip powder is actually an acrylic base turned into powder form. “When doing a dip powder colored manicure, the powder is what contains the color or pigment. It’s applied by dipping the nail into the powder and then adhering with a glue-like base coat to activate after each layer,” Kandalec explains. 

A dip manicure can last anywhere from two to four weeks depending on the application, aftercare, and how fast your nails grow. Usually, you either “fill” the dip manicure at the base or remove and start from scratch once your nails have grown out. A drawback, says Kandalec, is that this material is slightly harder and thicker, so it may feel less natural even though this does allow it to last longer. However, this is a perk for those with naturally thin or weak nails.

Acrylic Nails: 2 to 4 Weeks 

This type of manicure involves a two-step monomer and polymer liquid and powder system that elongates and adds shape for nails needing enhancement. Kandalec says that this is also a great option for those who have thin, weak, flat, or “ski-jump” nails—and it can also help curb nail biting.

“This professional-only service is protective, long-lasting, and transformative,” Kandalec says. “Nails made from acrylic last anywhere from two to four weeks, depending on the health of the nail before application, the prep, and also length. Having a nail that’s very long may not last as long because the balance could be off, making them ‘tip forward’ and break.”

Japanese Gel Manicure: 3 Weeks 

Japanese gel manicures utilize a different type of gel than what we typically get at the nail salon here in the U.S. “Japanese gel is usually in a pot or jar, instead of the more commonly seen bottles,” says Kandalec. “Your artist will dip a brush into the pot and apply it in thin layers on your nail versus a brush inside a bottle. A proper Japanese gel manicure should last three weeks.”  This formula is usually well pigmented and the layers are thin for a lightweight but durable result.