"Gel polish provides flexibility which may feel more natural and is great on healthy natural nails. Weak or damaged nails that need more strength may prefer the hardness of dip powder," says Di Lullo.

Whether you consider yourself an intricate nail art devotee or a minimalist gel mani lover at heart, the urge to pick and peel at grown-out polish is universal. The ease of cleaning up an unkempt ...

1. You’re getting gel manicures back-to-back. Since removing and applying gel nail polish can cause a lot of wear and tear on your nails, you should space out your manicures.

Week 1: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish The first coat went on well and only left a few minor streaks. I waited for the paint to dry, which to my surprise, took less than a minute.