A gel manicure is a service Gel nails that uses a gel-based polish and requires a UV or LED light to cure the polish and lock it onto your nails, says Duguay-Gordon. "Gel polish is more durable than regular polish," she says. And while regular polish can chip as quick as two to three days, gel stays chip-free for weeks.
While gel manicures look just like your regular old mani, the added benefits are that they last longer and feel sturdier. Plus, the beauty of a gel manicure is that anyone can get one, whether your nails are super short or Kylie Jenner-long.
If you get normal manis on the reg or have a big spring break trip coming up that you want chip-free color for, gel is def worth the splurge.. But if it's just for one night or you're on a budget, you might want to opt for press-on nails or a regular manicure.