A gel manicure should last 2–3 weeks without chipping. If yours lifts early, it's almost always down to prep and home care.
Proper prep — pushing back cuticles, lightly buffing, dehydrating the nail and capping the free edge with gel — is what stops lifting. This is exactly how we apply every gel manicure.
Even cured gel keeps settling, so avoid long hot showers, washing up and oils for the first couple of hours.
Book a fresh set or removal around the 2–3 week mark before growth causes lifting. For weak nails, ask about a gel overlay for extra strength.
Usually under-prep or peeling it off. Proper cuticle prep, capping the free edge and daily cuticle oil dramatically improve wear.
With good prep and care, 2–3 weeks chip-free is normal.