✦ Nail glossary
Gel Polish, Explained
Quick definition
UV/LED-cured color that wears 2–3 weeks chip-free with a glass-level shine.
Gel polish cures through photoinitiators that harden each layer in 30–60 seconds. The chemistry locks out daily wear damage that chips regular lacquer in days.
Correct removal matters more than application: peeling gel off rips the top layers of the nail plate — always soak and gently push.
See it in action
Related terms
FAQs
What does "Gel Polish" mean in nails?
UV/LED-cured color that wears 2–3 weeks chip-free with a glass-level shine.
Is gel polish hard to do at home?
Most versions are beginner-friendly with the right prep — start with our step-by-step guides linked above.
How long does gel polish last?
Expect 2–3 weeks from gel systems, 5–7 days from regular polish, and 1–2 weeks from quality press-ons.