Gel Manicures: The Benefits, Cost, and How Long They Last

Gel manicures have taken the nail space by storm, ascending the ranks to surpass more storied mani techniques like acrylic. With almost no dry-down time, extreme durability, and high-shine gloss that simply won't budge, it's easy to see why gels have become manicure darlings. But the UV curing method used to achieve those enduring results has elicited a fair share of safety concerns. Should the controversy deter us from our preferred salon service? Ahead, nail experts and a dermatologist share everything you need to know about gel manicures, including the benefits, cost, and safety considerations.Meet the ExpertsSarah Gibson Tuttle is the CEO and founder of Olive & June.Evelyn Lim is the chief educator at Paintbox.Anastasia Totty is an educator and professional gel nail artist at LeChat Nails.Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. What Is a Gel Manicure? A gel manicure follows most of the same steps as your traditional manicure—your nails are cu...