For extra softness and conditioning, apply the cuticle oil right before bed and follow up with moisturizing hand lotion.

Continue to reapply a top coat every few days to minimize your manicure or pedicure from chipping.

Stay away from tasks that expose your nails to water for at least an hour before gel application, such as washing the dishes or taking a shower. This is because your nails retain water for a while.

Don’t rush your prepping and priming process or you’ll undermine the purpose.

Use a wooden cuticle pusher instead of a metal one, because wooden ones are soft and won’t harm the nail bed. You can also use a cuticle remover to soften your cuticles before pushing or removing. However, make sure it is oil-free.

Use the side of your nail buffer with the coarsest texture. Usually, this side will be colored black. Make sure you use a buffer on your nail bed and not a file. A file is very rough, and should only be used for the edge of the nail. You can find a nail buffer at most beauty supply stores. Sometimes they are shaped like a rectangular block, while others may be shaped like a Popsicle stick.

You can dehydrate your nail bed even more by applying pure acetone with a cotton pad. Make sure to avoid the cuticles when applying acetone; you don’t want to dry them out too much. [9] X Research source

It’s important to avoid getting the base coat on the cuticle or nail bed. If it does, the polish may lift, and the manicure will not last long.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine whether the gel polish cures or dries best with LED or UV light. It varies depending on the type of gel polish you purchase.

Apply at least 2 thin layers of polish, but no more than 3.

You don’t need to rush, but you also don’t want to take your time. Don’t pause between nails, spend a lot of time dipping your brush, or stop to examine your work after each nail.

If you accidentally get the gel polish on your skin or cuticle during application, quickly remove it with a wooden cuticle stick or cotton swab before curing it.

When capping the edge, make sure the coat is as thin as possible to avoid peeling.

Keep in mind that UV bulbs need to be changed on a regular basis. If not, the light will dim, resulting in dull gel colors and faster chipping. LED bulbs do not need to be changed. UV lamps should be at least 36 watts, while LED lamps need to be 18 watts for most gel polish brands to fully cure. [16] X Research source