If you’ve ever wondered whether longwear polishes are ruining your nails, you’re not alone. Many of our clients at Prête Studio in Calgary ask this exact question—especially those who are committed to keeping their hands polished, professional, and pretty at all times while maintaining healthy nails. The short answer? **Longwear polishes don’t damage your nails—**but improper application or removal can.

Let’s break down the different types of manicures, what they’re best for, and how to maintain healthy nails no matter which option you choose.

 

Understanding Your Manicure Options

 

1. Soft Gel Polish (such as the brand, Shellac)

 

This is a very popular options for longwear manicures and especially for pedicures. Soft gel polish is cured under a UV light and gives you up to two weeks (or more!) of chip-free colour. It’s flexible and ideal for:

• Natural nails that are already fairly strong

• Short to medium lengths

• Low-maintenance clients who want beautiful nails without frequent touch-ups

 

PROS:
Long-lasting and shiny
More natural look and feel than hard gels because it has some flexibility to it
Can help prevent nail splitting or breakage

 

CONS:
Requires UV light to cure
Best removed professionally to avoid damage

 

Pro Tip: You can combine soft gel with a hard gel base for extra strength and durability—great if you're trying to grow out your natural nails longer.

 

2. Hard Gel Nails

Hard gels are, as the name suggests, much more durable than soft gels. They can also be built up to extend the length of the nail using paper forms—no plastic tips needed!

Hard gels are great for:

• Fixing a broken nail without glue-ons

• Clients who want a natural look but with a lot more staying power

• Those prone to breakage or peeling

 

PROS:
Extremely strong and durable and can be infilled without full removal of existing gel
Can create length or reinforce short nails
Comes in natural-looking, lightly tinted finishes that can be worn solo or paired with whatever shade of soft gel or art design you desire on top

 

CONS:
Must be removed by a professional using an electric file
More time-consuming to apply 

 

What About Acrylic Nails?

You might be wondering—what’s the difference between acrylics and gels? And why don’t we offer acrylic nails at Prête Studio?

Let’s break it down:

Acrylic Nails

Acrylics create a hard, protective layer over your natural nails. They’ve been around for decades and are often used to create dramatic length and shape.

 

PROS:
Extremely strong and durable
Ideal for sculpting long, bold nail shapes
Can be infilled repeatedly without full removal

 

CONS:
Thicker and heavier on the nails
Strong chemical smell during application
Can look less natural if not expertly shaped
Dust and fumes can affect air quality for nail artists and clients

 

Why We Prefer Gels at Prête Studio

At Prête, we specialize in soft and hard gel manicures because they allow us to create:

• A lighter, more natural-feeling nail

• A thinner profile that still holds up beautifully to everyday wear

• A healthier salon environment without the harsh chemical odour or airborne dust associated with acrylics

Our goal is always to enhance your natural beauty—not cover it up. Gel systems give us the flexibility to strengthen and shape nails in a way that looks elegant, not bulky, while also prioritizing the health of both our clients and our artists.

3. Traditional Polish

 

This is your classic nail lacquer that air-dries (no light needed). It’s perfect for clients who like to change colors often or want a short-term manicure.

 

PROS:
Easy to remove at home with regular polish remover
No UV light needed
Slightly lower cost and faster service

 

CONS:
Longer drying time (hello smudges!)
Typically lasts only a few days
Less chip-resistant

4. Sport or Maintenance Manicure

 

This is a polish-free manicure that focuses solely on nail health—shaping the nails, pushing back and trimming the cuticles, and moisturizing the skin.

Ideal for:

• Clients who prefer a clean, natural look

• Those taking a break from polish

• Men or anyone who doesn’t want colour

 

PROS:
Boosts nail and cuticle health
No removal required
Low maintenance

 

CONS:
Doesn’t provide added strength or protection
No colour, if you love that polished finish

So… Does Longwear Polish Damage My Nails?

 

Not if it’s applied and removed properly.

The biggest source of damage we see comes from clients removing gel polish at home—often by peeling or chipping it off. Doing that strips away the top layers of your natural nail, leaving them thin and weak.

Here’s how to avoid that damage:

• Never peel or pick at polish. Even if it’s lifting, resist the urge!

• Proper removal involves either soaking in acetone (after buffing the top layer to break the seal) or having a professional remove it using a gentle electric file.

• Take breaks between manicures if needed, but don’t be alarmed if your nails feel thinner afterward. That’s just because you’ve gotten used to the added strength of the polish layers.

A Note on Length: Longer Isn’t Always Better

 

If you love long nails, that’s fabulous—but remember, very long extensions can put pressure on the natural nail bed, especially if you’re doing a lot with your hands. Regular maintenance is key to avoid lifting or breakage, make sure you're not letting too many weeks go by between nail appointments.

The Bottom Line: Choose What Fits Your Lifestyle

 

Whether you love a low-key sport manicure or you’re all-in on glossy, long-lasting gel, the key is understanding your options and treating your nails with care. At Prête Studio, we’re here to help you choose the best manicure for your lifestyle, and to keep your natural nails healthy and happy underneath it all.

 

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Curious which manicure is right for you?

Come in for a customized consultation or book your next nail appointment here. We’ll help you find the perfect match for your lifestyle, your aesthetic, and your natural nail health.