Fashion

Can You Shower With Gel Nails?

by Sienna Fantozzi

Dec. 31, 2015

When you get a beauty procedure done, there are so many "can" and "cannot" dos that maintenance can be slightly confusing. Gel manicures are particularly problematic, because the purpose of gel nails is to last longer than a regular manicure, so you definitely don't want to do anything to ruin them. You've probably figured out that water can definitely be harsh on regular polish, but can you shower with gel nails or are you going to ruin them?

Deep breath — you do not have to swear off hygiene. You can definitely shower, take a bath, or go swimming with your gel nails on. However, you should probably wait at least five hours after you had them applied to make sure they are able to fully dry. After that, you are good to go!

Gel nails have to be soaked off in acetone to remove them, so getting them wet is not going to cause them to come off. In addition, gel polish is stronger than regular polish, so they won't chip as easily when they are wet.

If you're worried about maintaining your gel manicure, you don't have to stress about showering, but you should do these seven things to help it last as long as possible.

1. Choose A Light Polish

Just Polish Gel Polish In Seashell Pink, $8, Amazon

Lighter polishes won't show chips or cracks as much as a dark one would.

2. Use A Base Coat

Probelle Base Coat, $9, Amazon

A base coat gives your polish something to adhere to, which can help it last longer.

3. Get Them Filled

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News/Getty Images

When you start to notice growth, get them filled. This will help the manicure last longer, and you will save money but not having to get the gels removed and replaced as often.