Gel lasts about 2–3 weeks on hands and 4–6 weeks on feet. At the beach, sun, salt water, chlorine in the pool, sand and hot showers shorten that. If the gel lifts because of our work, we fix it within 7 days.
What shortens it
Salt and sand work like a mild abrasive: after a swim, salt crystals stay on the nail and a towel rubs the edge. One small chip near the cuticle lets water under the gel.
Chlorine dries the skin around the nail and creates hangnails that catch on the gel. Hot water and steam make the nail expand more than the gel, which puts stress on the edge.
| Situation | Hands | Feet |
|---|---|---|
| City, normal life | 2–3 weeks | 4–6 weeks |
| Beach every day | about 2 weeks | 4–5 weeks |
| Chlorine pool | 2 weeks | 4 weeks |
Six habits
- Rinse with fresh water after the sea and the pool.
- Use cuticle oil morning and evening.
- Wear gloves for washing up.
- Do not use nails as tools.
- Do not peel a lifted edge.
- Book removal at a salon, not at home.
Plan backwards from your flight: book 1–2 days before you leave, not on the day. The gel needs a few hours to settle and luggage is hard on fresh edges.
If you swim every day, expect the edge to start lifting towards the end of a two-week trip. That is normal wear, not a defect.
After the trip, give the nail a few days off if you remove the gel, and use oil to bring the skin back.
FAQ
Is gel worth it for a beach holiday?
Yes. Regular polish lasts 3–5 days at the beach; gel gives you about two weeks.
Should I remove gel before flying?
No. Gel handles the flight fine; just do not lift the edges with luggage.
How soon before the trip should I book?
1–2 days before you fly, so the gel has time to settle.
What if a nail chips?
Do not peel it; book a removal or a repair at the salon.
Our salon
LENA Nails & Beauty, three salons in Da Nang. Gel manicure 230,000₫ (~$9); removal 50,000₫ (~$2).
Book 1–2 days before your flight; we will advise on aftercare.
Prices from the 01.11.2026 menu. Photos are our own work.
Book before your trip
Message us with your flight date and we will find a slot 1–2 days before.
Sources and checks
- 2–3 weeks hands / 4–6 weeks feet: salon policy, confirmed 02.11.2026.
- 7-day guarantee: salon policy of 24.10.2026.