A gelish manicure can last up to three weeks if you take care of them properly. (Technically you can go chip-free for a month, but nail experts say that since the polish continues to cure in the sun, the longer they stay on your nails the harder it will be to take it off.)

But how do you keep your nails looking as fresh and pretty as the day you got it at the nail salon? Here are some tips on how to take care of your gelish manicure.

Use a cuticle oil

Cuticle oils will hydrate your cuticles and even strengthen your nails. (And since gelish manicures can weaken your nails, you need this more than ever.) We recommend:

Sephora Nourishing Cuticle Care

Sephora, $12.

Singapore beauty reviews say that this affordable cuticle oil really gives bang for the buck. “I bought this just to try as it was so cheap. I’m so glad I did. My nails were dry and rough and one application of this and they look like I’ve had a manicure!” says Jayden.

Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

$18, Sephora

Contains sweet almond oil and cocoa seed butter to soften rough skin. The Vitamin E and sunflower oil heal brittle and damaged nails. The only downside? The tin can be hard to open, and you can end up chipping your gelish manicure. Just make sure you don’t close it too tightly!

Keep your nails dry

Wet nails expand, then shrink back when they’re dry. That weakens the polish and causes it to chip. To make your gelish manicure last longer, wear gloves when you do housework.

For the same reason, don’t wet your hands right before you get your manicure.

Don’t bathe in very hot water

Steamy showers are relaxing, but hot water can make the polish lift up — causing chips and cracks.

Apply a clear top coat every few days

The top coat serves the double purpose of adding extra shine and protecting the colour underneath. We recommend:

NCLA Gelous Top Coat

$29, Sephora

This high-shine, very durable top coat makes any nail polish look like gel. It’s the perfect choice for making your gel manicure last longer!

Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

$7, Lazada Singapore

One of the best top coats ever — just ask any nail polish addict! It dries quickly and creates this gorgeous shine.

Hide chips with glitter polish

One of the best manicure hacks! If your gelish manicure chips (which is rare, but hey it can happen) you can hide it with glitter polish! Then it looks like nail art, instead of a ruined mani.

Get a gelish manicure in Singapore!

Check out our Singapore nail salon directory to compare salons, get contact details, and find the best gelish manicure price! Check out beauty salon section for reviews and manicure ideas.