Nail Care Between Manicure and Pedicure Sessions: A Practical Guide

You leave your manicure with neat, glossy nails — then daily life begins: dishes, constant hand sanitiser, typing on your phone. A few days later the skin around your nails feels dry or the polish starts chipping at the tips. The good news is that a few simple habits keep the result looking fresh for much longer.

This guide answers the key questions: how should you care for your nails every day, how do you protect gel polish, and how long should you wait between sessions?

A simple daily routine for healthy nails

The golden rule is moisture: nails and the skin around them dry out quickly in a dry climate and with frequent hand washing, and dryness is the main cause of splitting and peeling.

• Massage cuticle oil into the skin around your nails once or twice a day — bedtime is best.
• Use hand cream after washing whenever you can, and keep a small tube in your bag.
• Wear gloves for dishes and cleaning products.
• Never use your nails as tools to open cans or scrape labels.
• Drink water regularly — hydration shows in skin and nails.

Cuticles: do not cut them yourself

The cuticle is a protective seal for the nail bed, so cutting it at home is not recommended. If you see dry or excess skin, gently push it back after a shower with a wooden stick, moisturise with oil, and leave detailed cleaning to your specialist.

If you love a very clean look around the nail that lasts, a Russian manicure uses precise cuticle work with specialist tools — a job for trained hands, not a DIY experiment.

How to make gel polish last longer

Gel polish usually lasts two to three weeks, and can go longer if you avoid what weakens its bond in the first days.

• Avoid very hot water and saunas for the first 24 hours.
• Never peel gel off yourself if an edge lifts — it takes layers of your natural nail with it.
• Oil the skin around the nail daily to protect the polish edges from drying and cracking.
• Wear gloves with cleaning products; harsh chemicals dull the shine.

When it is time for a change, book a gel polish removal rather than peeling — proper removal protects your natural nail and preps it for the next colour.

Regular polish, gel or extensions? Choose by lifestyle

The best polish for you is the one that fits your real day, not just the most popular one. Each type has its strengths and its own aftercare, and knowing the difference saves time and protects your nails.

• Regular polish: great if you change colour often and easy to remove at home with a gentle remover, but less durable — expect to refresh it about weekly.
• Gel polish: cured under a lamp and glossy for weeks; ideal for busy schedules, travel and events, but it needs professional removal.
• French: a soft classic look that works for both office and occasions, available in regular or gel.
• Extensions: add length and an even shape to short or weak nails, with regular maintenance and specialist removal.

If your hands are often in water and cleaning products, gel is usually the practical choice. If you love frequent changes, regular polish gives you more freedom. Either way, daily oil and moisture are what keep the nail healthy underneath.

Pedicure: caring for your feet between sessions

Feet carry your weight all day, and hot weather and open sandals dry the heels even more, so they need their own routine between pedicures.

• Apply a rich foot cream at night and wear light cotton socks to boost hydration.
• Use a pumice stone gently on the heels once a week — no hard scrubbing.
• Cut toenails straight across to reduce the chance of ingrown nails.
• Dry well between your toes after showering.

How often do you need a manicure and pedicure?

A manicure every two to three weeks and a pedicure every three to four weeks suits most women. Fingernails grow faster and work harder, so they need attention more often.

• Regular polish: refresh roughly weekly.
• Gel polish: every two to three weeks, with proper removal.
• Before an event: book a day or two ahead so the polish is at its best.

To save time, many women book a classic mani-pedi together in one appointment.

Signs worth paying attention to

Most nail changes are minor and improve with moisture and a break from polish, but some signs deserve attention:

• Redness, swelling or pain around the nail.
• A clear change in nail colour, or the nail lifting from the skin.
• Severe, persistent brittleness despite good care.

Do your nails need a break?

If your nails have become thin or peel, give them one to two weeks off gel, with daily oil and a short, neat shape. That short pause restores strength and gets them ready for the next session.

Manicure and pedicure at home with LAMORA

With LAMORA a nail specialist comes to your home with sterilised tools and a full range of products — from an express manicure to gel, French polish and extensions. Choose the service and time in the app and enjoy your session without leaving home.

That is especially handy for mothers and busy women: no trip to arrange, no queue, and you can book for yourself and your daughter or a friend at the same time.

Frequently asked questions