· 3 min read · By the Haven team
Gel vs normal nail polish: what is the difference?
Both look great when you leave. The difference is how they dry and how long they last. Normal polish air-dries and lasts about a week. Gel is cured under a lamp and can last 2 to 3 weeks.
Side by side
The main differences:
- Drying: air-dries over time (normal) vs cured under a UV or LED lamp and dry straight away (gel)
- Lasts: about a week (normal) vs 2 to 3 weeks without chipping, with care (gel)
- Removal: polish remover at home (normal) vs best removed properly in the salon (gel)
- Price at Haven: pedicure with normal polish £30 vs gel manicure or gel pedicure £40
Choose normal polish if
Normal polish suits you when:
- You like to change colour often.
- You are happy to touch up at home.
Choose gel if
Gel suits you when:
- You want nails that look fresh for 2 to 3 weeks.
- You do not want to wait for nails to dry before you leave.
Make gel last longer
Three easy habits:
- Use cuticle oil every day.
- Avoid using your nails as tools.
- Wear gloves for cleaning and washing up.