What is a gel polish manicure?
It's a polish applied in several thin layers and cured under a lamp. Unlike regular polish, you leave the salon with completely dry nails and the colour stays glossy, chip-free, for weeks. Before the colour we take care of your natural nail: filing, shaping and cuticles.
Benefits compared with regular polish
- It lasts much longer: 2 to 3 weeks looking flawless, compared with just a few days for regular polish.
- Dry instantly: no waiting with your hands still and no risk of smudging when you grab your bag.
- Freshly-done shine until the very end: it doesn't dull or scratch with daily life.
- It protects the nail: the colour layer acts as a shield and helps thin nails split less.
- Saves you time: one appointment every two or three weeks and no touch-ups at home.
If you like changing colour every few days or painting your nails yourself, the classic manicure with regular polish is still a perfect choice.
How long does gel polish last?
A well-done gel manicure stays perfect for 2 to 3 weeks. After that it doesn't really spoil: your nail grows and the uncoloured area near the cuticle starts to show. That's why we recommend renewing it every 2–3 weeks.
Three things matter most: how fast your nails grow, whether they're thin or bend easily, and how hard your hands work (water, cleaning products, typing, sport…). On toes it lasts even longer: the gel polish pedicure stays perfect for 3 to 5 weeks.
Regular, reinforced or levelled: which one to choose?
Regular gel polish
The gel polish manicure (€18, about 45 minutes) is ideal if your nails are strong and don't break.
Reinforced gel polish
If your nails bend, peel or break easily, the reinforced gel polish manicure (€22, about 60 minutes) adds an extra layer that strengthens them while they grow, with the same colour durability.
Manicure with levelling
The manicure with levelling (€25, about 75 minutes) evens out the nail surface before the colour. It's the best option if your nails have ridges or waves: the finish is perfectly smooth, more elegant and more resistant.
Your appointment, step by step
- We remove your previous polish if you're wearing any (best to book the removal too).
- Filing and shaping: round, square, almond… whichever you prefer.
- Cuticle care for a clean finish.
- Base, colour and top coat, curing each layer under the lamp.
- A drop of cuticle oil and you're ready to go.
7 tips to make it last longer
- Wear gloves for washing up and cleaning. Hot water and chemicals are polish's worst enemies.
- Cuticle oil every day. One drop at night keeps the nail flexible and the polish edge sealed.
- Don't use your nails as tools: no opening cans, scratching off labels or prying things apart.
- Watch out for chlorine and salt water: after the pool or a swim at Las Canteras, rinse your hands with fresh water and moisturise.
- Hand cream often. The sun and wind of Gran Canaria dry out skin and cuticles.
- Never peel it off. Pulling it off takes layers of your natural nail with it, leaving it weak and thin.
- If a nail lifts, don't glue it: pop into the salon and we'll fix it.
And to remove it?
The gel polish removal costs €5 and takes about 15 minutes. We remove it carefully, without scraping the nail. If you're wearing gel polish from another salon, book it together with your new manicure. And if you want to give your nails a break, moisturise them daily with oil.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a gel polish manicure last?
Between 2 and 3 weeks, depending on nail growth and how you use your hands. On toes it lasts 3 to 5 weeks.
How much is a gel polish manicure at Natural Glow?
€18. Reinforced, €22; with levelling, €25. Removal costs €5.
Does gel polish damage your nails?
Not if it's applied properly and removed at the salon. What damages the nail is peeling it off at home.
What if my nails are fragile?
Choose the reinforced gel polish: it adds a protective layer while they grow. And use cuticle oil every day.