A no-chip manicure should comfortably hold two to three weeks. When it lifts early, the cause is almost always preparation or aftercare rather than the polish itself.
Preparation does most of the work
Gel bonds to a clean, dry nail plate. Any residue of oil or lotion left on the surface gives it something to slide against, and that is where lifting starts. We buff lightly, dehydrate the nail and cap the free edge on every set, which is the single biggest factor in how long the finish holds.
The first day matters
Gel is cured hard under the lamp, so it is ready immediately. What it is not ready for is heat. Hot water swells the nail plate slightly, and repeated swelling in the first day can break the seal at the edge. Washing up in warm rather than hot water for the first 24 hours makes a measurable difference.
Oil the cuticle, not the polish
Daily cuticle oil keeps the surrounding skin flexible so the nail is less likely to catch and lever the edge of the gel. It also keeps the manicure looking fresh well into week three.
Do not pick it off
Peeling gel takes layers of the natural nail with it. Book a proper removal, which soaks the product off without damaging the plate underneath. Removal takes about half an hour and costs far less than repairing a thinned nail.
If your gel is consistently lifting within a week, the shape or the prep is worth reviewing in person. Bring it in and we will look at it.