How Long Does PolyGel Last? [Compared To Other Mani Options]

Whether it’s in preparation for a special occasion or it’s just your scheduled manicure, more and more people are choosing PolyGel. But how long does PolyGel generally last; is it high wearing and how resistant is it compared to other manicures? Here is what you need to know.

So, how long does polygel last? PolyGel nails typically last between three and four weeks, with an average time being about 21 days. As with any manicure, taking care of your nails is essential in keeping them in good shape for this long. If you’re not careful with your nails, you can expect them to last days rather than weeks.

Many see PolyGel as a great, middle-ground option, providing the best of both acrylic nails and gels.

It’s certainly a newcomer to the scene.

But, like many things, there are positives and negatives.

And if you’re looking for something different from other options, then you’ll find that PolyGel is a good option for you.

So, let us now delve a bit deeper.

We’ll be looking at exactly what they are; how strong PolyGel truly is, comparing it to other popular manicure options and last but not least, how to mak a PolyGel mani last longer!

So, sit back, relax, and be sure to keep on reading!

It could change your next order, after all.

What Are PolyGels, And How Are They Different?

PolyGels are a sort of combination between acrylics and gels. They take the good from both and try to leave the bad.

PolyGels aren’t quite a gel, nor are they quite acrylic. 

Instead, they can give you the durability and lasting of an acrylic, with the flexibility of a gel. 

They can be applied over the natural nail, or as a nail enhancement depending on preference.

A UV light will be required for application, but less curing time is necessary.

They’re also easier to apply than acrylics, once you have the technique down, and don’t have the awful smell that most people associate with the traditional falsies.

There are many style options available, from white to varying shades of pink. 

You can use normal nail polish on PolyGel too which is an added bonus!

Many choose them because they have a more natural look, and they are also lighter in wear too.

This primarily comes from the option to have them as an extension of the nails, rather than an entire false one glued on over the original.

And in terms of removal, they just need a bit of buffing rather than being soaked off. 

Factors That Influence How Long Polygel Lasts

Quality of the PolyGel, the health of your own nails, and how hard you are on your nails are all factors in how long your manicure might last.

Just like with acrylics, there are good and bad options when it comes to a PolyGel manicure. 

To make your nails a success, you need to start out with the right equipment. 

If you buy a low-quality nail kit, you can expect low-quality nails that don’t last long in return. 

So, if you’re going to be buying a DIY kit, make sure you’re getting a top-notch one. 

Read reviews, and try to avoid the mass-produced options for something closer to what a salon would use. 

If budget is tight, then check out this option on Amazon. It’s a provides a nice balance between price and effectiveness.

Better yet, would be to hit up your local salon!

But make sure they haven’t skimped on the kit, either.

Because they’re a nail enhancement, the health of your nails can directly alter how the PolyGel lasts. 

Before setting up your appointment or buying your kit, make sure that your nails are in the best condition possible. 

Try to keep them strong, clean, free of fungus (ew!), and healthy. 

If you’ve made a salon appointment, your nails will be filed and buffed before the application begins. 

At home? You’ll need to take care of this on your own.

Lastly, of course, is the care you take with your nails. 

While PolyGel can be harder-wearing, to some degree, you don’t want to be rough. Take the time to be gentle on them, and you’ll be rewarded in spades! 

Wear gloves when doing anything that might damage them, and keep them moisturized. 

This is my favorite all-natural cuticle oil on Amazon that helps me to do so.

Chemicals can be especially hard on your nails, so try to avoid anything harsh or, once again, wear gloves.

PolyGel is more flexible but still avoid any activity that puts a lot of strain on them.

Does PolyGel Break Easily?

If applied correctly, polygel does not break easily. They’re more flexible than acrylics. However, if misapplied, which is easy to do, they can come off very easily.

Technically speaking, PolyGel nails are pretty durable. 

Because of what they’re made of, they’re more flexible than acrylics are so that they can take more everyday stress. 

They don’t last quite as long, but they’re better than gels. 

However, that doesn’t mean that they can’t come off. If something goes wrong, even if the mistake is tiny, you’ll see devastating results.

What sort of tiny mistakes are we talking about here? 

For one, putting the gel on a little too thickly. 

PolyGel is meant to be put on in a rather thin layer.

If you’re doing it yourself, or if the person at your salon makes this mistake, you can take a three-week manicure and cut it down to three days. 

And it’s easy to do! 

Not already a pro at doing your nails, or haven’t ever experienced anything beyond a drugstore kit? 

You should probably leave this one to the experts. Even then, shop around for someone with experience. 

Otherwise, you’ll regret it!

You can also have problems if your nails weren’t prepared properly before the application started. 

Your nails will need to be buffed until there is no shine, and they should be very dry. 

If that wasn’t done, your PolyGels will be weak and brittle, more likely to break. 

Yet another reason to leave this one to the professionals!

Don’t take the chance if you’re not already well-versed in different types of manicures.

As with any other manicure, though, you should be sure that you’re careful with your PolyGels. 

Even the best nails can break if you’re too rough on them or don’t apply the nails properly in the first place.

Does PolyGel Last Longer Than Other Manicures?

PolyGel typically lasts longer than gel nails, but not as long as Acrylics (if regularly refilled and rebalanced). This is assuming all were applied correctly, and well, and there are no underlying issues. 

It’s not the best, but it’s not the worst, either! 

PolyGel is solidly middle-of-the-road when it comes to how long they last.

At three of four weeks, it beats gel nails handily. 

Gels normally only last two or three weeks, making them the inferior choice here. 

They are lighter than acrylics, more like polish than a fake nail. 

So, if you like gels but want something that can hang on a little longer, then you should consider a PolyGel manicure. 

It is truly the best of both worlds, providing durability, lightness, and ease-of-application. 

However, it doesn’t come in first place. 

Acrylics are still top of the field when it comes to time between manicures. 

These bad boys take gel’s time and then double it, lasting on average six to eight weeks. 

For something so heavy-duty, it’s not very surprising that they out-last gels and PolyGels. But there are other drawbacks, of course.

If you don’t take care of them, though, this time period may not be accurate. 

Have a lifestyle that’s rough on your nails? 

They might be off in as little as a few days. 

So, if you do choose to get a PolyGel manicure, be prepared to spend time taking care of them. 

Otherwise, they’ll be gone before you know it.

How To Make PolyGel Last Longer

Start off right by making sure your natural nails are cuticle-free, buffed, and properly prepped. Then, apply your PolyGel correctly. Once the application is over, take care of your nails. Don’t be hard on them, and try to avoid anything that could damage them. Occasionally, moisturizing with a cuticle oil might help.

Ensuring that your PolyGels last starts before you’ve even begun applying them. 

In fact, it could start before you even go to the salon.

Since many people have a problem with PolyGels not adhering near their cuticles, you might choose to get rid of them in whatever way you normally do. 

This can keep your new nails from popping off.

At the appointment itself (or during the application, if you’re DIY-ing here), your nails will be buffed until they lose all shine. 

This is important since it helps to secure the nail. 

A slippery surface is hard to stick to! 

They’ll also be dried out for similar reasons. 

Skipping this step or not doing it correctly can make PolyGel nails pop off, so it shouldn’t be done carelessly.

You could be cutting weeks off of your nails’ lifespan if you do.

The application itself is probably the most tricky part. 

It’s very easy to make a mistake, and a single mistake could ruin the entire thing. 

If the PolyGel is applied too thickly, then it will probably break. The same is true if it’s applied too thinly. 

Or if it’s not applied to take stress in the right area. 

This is why it’s best to head to a salon for something like this, particularly if you’re new to doing your own nails.

Aftercare is also vital, as with many other nail options.

Don’t wash your dishes without gloves, particularly if using a harsh cleaner, such as bleach. 

In fact, limit the exposure to hot water that might hurt your nails. 

That doesn’t mean you should just let them dry out, though: The application of cuticle oil, on occasion, is good for them.

To extend the life of your PolyGel, you can always get an infill or a refill. 

It’s a great way to patch any problem areas without having to redo the entire thing. 

However, keep in mind that it will be just delaying the inevitable. Once it’s more than a few small places, it’s time for a new set.

Finally

PolyGel is a popular option – for a reason.

We love our gels, we love out acrylics; so why not have something that gives us a bit of something in between?

The result is a long-wearing and versatile manicure; you can expect up to three to four weeks with them!

But if you are looking for something more longer-wearing – and to give you that added length, acrylics are going to be the option for you.

My affordable guide can help you learn how to do them if you were interested.

Here are some of my other guides you may be interested in:

• How Long Does Shellac Last?
• How Long Do Gel Nails Last?
• How Long Do Dip Nails Last?