4 Things to Never Do Right After a Manicure
A fresh manicure is a powerful thing. It boosts confidence, complements your outfit, and makes you feel instantly more put together. But even the most perfectly painted nails can chip, smudge, or lose their luster if you're not careful after application.
Whether you’ve treated yourself to a salon session or DIYed your nails using Devasmi’s Premium Gel Nail Polish Combo Pack, the steps you take immediately afterward can make or break your results.
Let’s dive into the top 4 post-manicure mistakes you must avoid—and what to do instead to make your manicure last longer.
1. Touching Hot Water Too Soon
Why it's harmful:
Hot water can soften and weaken your fresh polish, especially within the first few hours. It causes the layers underneath to shift, leading to dents or smudges even if the surface seems dry.
What to do instead:
Wait at least 6 hours before soaking your hands in hot water. That includes dishwashing, hot showers, or long baths. If needed, wear gloves when doing chores.
💡 Bonus tip: After applying Devasmi’s gel polish in shades like Aqua Marine or Rich Ruby, the gel topcoat may be dry to the touch, but the curing process continues for hours. Be patient for a longer-lasting manicure.
2. Applying Lotion or Oil Immediately
Why it’s harmful:
Creams, oils, or cuticle balms can cause the polish to lift prematurely if applied too soon. Oils can also break down the adhesion of the top coat, especially around the cuticles.
What to do instead:
Wait at least 1–2 hours before moisturizing your hands post-manicure. If you’re using Devasmi’s Premium Gel Nail Polish in rich shades like Mustard Yellow or Amethyst, give it enough time to fully set before applying skincare.
Once your nails are hardened, moisturizing is great to prevent cracking—but timing is everything.
3. Digging into Your Handbag or Wallet
Why it’s harmful:
This one’s a common but often overlooked mistake. Rifling through a cluttered bag or tight wallet can cause micro-scratches, dents, or even smudges if your polish hasn't cured completely.
What to do instead:
Before painting your nails, take out anything you'll need for the next hour—phone, keys, card. This allows your nails to rest undisturbed as they dry and set.
Consider doing your nails in a calm setting where you won’t have to move around much immediately after. Set your Mustard Yellow or Amethyst gel manicure and relax for best results.
4. Skipping the Final Top Coat Seal
Why it’s harmful:
Many assume that a gel polish is complete after the final layer of color. But without a clear top coat, even premium formulas won’t have the full protection needed to resist wear and tear.
What to do instead:
Always apply a high-gloss or matte gel top coat after your last polish layer and cure it thoroughly under a UV or LED lamp.
Using a gel polish like Devasmi’s combo pack, apply the top coat evenly to seal in vibrant colors like Rich Ruby and Aqua Marine, ensuring long-lasting brilliance.
Protect Your Manicure, Maximize Its Impact
A little extra care goes a long way when it comes to maintaining the look and longevity of your manicure. Avoiding these simple post-manicure mistakes can save you from chips, smudges, and premature fading.
If you're investing time in doing your nails, make sure your efforts don’t go to waste. Choose high-quality, richly pigmented polishes like those in the Devasmi Premium Gel Nail Polish Combo Pack, and treat your nails like the canvas they are.
FAQs
Q1: How long should I wait before washing my hands after a gel manicure?
Wait at least 1 hour before rinsing and 6 hours before soaking in hot water.
Q2: Can I use a regular top coat on gel polish?
No, always use a gel-compatible top coat and cure it under UV/LED for best results.
Q3: How long will Devasmi gel polish last?
With proper prep and aftercare, you can expect up to 10–14 days of chip-free wear.
Q4: Are the gel polishes beginner-friendly?
Yes. The combo pack is easy to use at home with the right tools and curing lamp.