It’s hard to remember the days before gel manicures. The cured method has become a staple in salons for creating glossy, chip-resistant nails that last weeks beyond traditional polish. Given its many benefits, you might find yourself considering a gel pedicure. Like the manicure service, it results in long-lasting color, a high-shine finish and chip-proof nails. The final look is immaculate, but it doesn’t come cheap, leaving just one question: Are gel pedicures really worth it? Ahead, we spoke with two nail experts to learn everything about gel pedicures, including how long they should last and the safest way to remove them.
Featured experts
- Amy Ling Lin is the founder of sundays Nail Salon
- Elle Gerstein is a celebrity nail artist
What is a gel pedicure?
A traditional pedicure service usually includes a foot bath, buffing and trimming before your toes are polished, and a gel pedicure isn’t too different. “The foot treatment for both is the same, but when it comes to the nail treatment, the two differ,” says Amy Ling Lin, founder of sundays nail salon. Instead of regular nail polish, gel pedicures use gel polish that will be cured. After each coat of polish is applied, the nails are placed under an LED lamp or UV light to cure. The curing process hardens the polish, making it chip-resistant and locking in shine.
Another big difference between regular and gel pedicures is the drying time. Thanks to the curing process, your toenails will dry a lot faster with a gel pedicure. However, Lin notes that your service may still take a while to complete. “Gel pedicures take longer to apply than regular polish because of the extra steps required, but since you must cure your gel rather than air drying, it dries faster than regular polish, making it ideal for those looking to add a design to their nails,” she says.
How long do gel pedicures last?
There’s nothing worse than smudging your freshly painted toenails. That’s an issue you won’t have to worry about with gel pedicures. Gel pedicures are made to stay put and can last for several weeks. “The length of your pedicure mostly depends on how fast your nails grow,” says celebrity nail artist Elle Gerstein. Usually, gel pedicures last a good four weeks and can go for even longer, though both experts note that maintenance in between is ideal for the health of your toenails.
What are the benefits of gel pedicures?
Aside from the long wear, both experts agree that gel pedicures are ideal for special occasions and vacations. “If you’re planning to be on the beach, a gel pedicure is a better option since the sand can’t dull the polish,” says Gerstein. For those who like to opt for the occasional toenail design, Lin says that gel pedicures are the way to go. “They allow skilled nail artists to get creative and add details that will be perfectly preserved,” she says.
How much do gel pedicures cost?
Like any nail service, the prices for a gel pedicure vary from one salon to another. According to Lin, a few factors contribute to the cost. “The price of a gel pedicure often depends on your location, what’s included and your technician’s skill level, but you can expect the treatment to fall in the $40 to $80 range,” she says.
How to remove gel pedicures
It’s always best to have an expert remove your gel pedicure. However, if you can’t make it to the salon you can do it yourself. You will need acetone, cotton balls, foil and a wooden stick. “First, soak your cotton ball in acetone and use the foil to wrap the cotton around your nail for 10 minutes,” says Lin.
Since the curing process hardens the polish to the nail, the acetone needs to permeate the layers. “You need to scratch the surface. Be patient with the soaking process, then gently remove the polish with the wooden stick,” says Gerstein. Both experts advise against forcing the process as it can damage the nail. “If you have to force it, just resoak the nail with a new cotton ball,” says Gerstein.
Are gel pedicures worth it?
While there are many benefits, gel pedicures may not be for everyone. “If you workout a lot or wear closed-toe shoes often, it’s not ideal to keep the toenails covered,” notes Gerstein. She explains that nails are porous and covering them can trap moisture underneath the nail plate, causing fungal infections.
The bottom line: a gel pedicure is an alternative to consider if you need a long-lasting pedicure. They’re long-wearing and chip-resistant, but they can be pricey. If you’re not interested in spending the extra money, it’s probably best to save the service for vacations and special occasions.
