Pedicures are a summer must, but when you’re sitting in that cozy salon chair making your menu selection it’s completely normal to wonder if gel pedicures are worth it. This little upgrade usually costs anywhere from $10 to $20 more, and many argue that it’s the secret to a long-lasting pedicure that endures sandal season and pools like a champ. For the bottom line, we consulted a manicurist to help you make the right call.
What Is a Gel Pedicure?
A gel pedicure uses gel-based polish that’s cured under a UV or LED light to lock the color and glossy top coat in place, explains Lily Nguyen, celebrity manicurist and founder of Labo Beauté Salon.
Typically, your feet are cleaned and calluses are removed, and then your toenails are shaped, filed, and buffed. From here, either a traditional polish is applied or a gel polish is used. Nguyen says, “Compared to a regular pedicure that air-dries, gel offers a longer-lasting, high-shine finish that’s instantly smudge-proof.”
How Long Does a Gel Pedicure Last?
A gel pedicure can last four weeks or longer without chipping while a regular pedicure typically lasts for just one to two weeks. For many people, those extra weeks of perfectly polished wear time makes the extra $10 to $20 of a gel pedicure worth the spend.
“The biggest benefit of gel pedicures is longevity. If you’re heading to the beach, traveling, or just want to forget about your toes for a while, gel keeps your polish looking fresh,” Nguyen says. “It’s also ideal if you wear sandals often or are planning a special event. The durability and shine are unmatched.”
As a benefit, you’ll be ready to put on your shoes and walk out of the salon door the second your gel pedicure is cured—which takes about 60 seconds after application. This is in contrast to a regular pedicure, which can take 15 to 30 minutes to completely cure. You also should only leave the salon wearing flip flops since a closed-toed shoe can smudge the polish.
Gel Pedicure Drawbacks
The primary drawbacks of a gel pedicure is the additional cost and the removal process, which takes extra time and usually requires professional assistance with the right tools. Also, improper removal can potentially be drying to the nails, and “repeated gel use without breaks may lead to thinning or brittleness,” Nguyen says. She adds, “Some people also have sensitivity to UV exposure or ingredients in gel polishes.”
When to Splurge on a Gel Pedicure
If you’re looking for long-lasting results with minimal upkeep—especially for travel or events—Nguyen says that a gel pedicure is absolutely worth it. But for everyday self-care, or if you like changing your polish often, a classic pedi might be a better go-to.
We recommend gel pedicures for:
- Anyone who wants their pedicure to last four weeks or longer
- Those who spend a lot of time in pools (chlorine can eat away at regular polish)
- Those who spend a lot of time at the beach (sand and debris can also chip away at polish)
- Habitual sandal-wearers since the toes are exposed to the outdoors
- People going on extended vacations without time to do a pedicure while away
