A Complete Guide to Gel Polish Pedis

Nothing beats a long-lasting pedicure! When choosing a long-lasting polish with pigmented color and intense shine, gel polish is a great choice, but not just any gel polish. See our recommendations for applying and removing it hassle free.

Nothing beats a gel polish pedicure if you don't want to worry about your polish lasting through summer. However, not all gel polishes respect the nail's keratin layer, which is the main barrier against external aggressors. Removing gel polish can also be traumatic for your nails, as traditional formulas have to be removed in a salon using a drill.

If you want to wear gel polish on your feet, we can only recommend Green Flash™ polish, the green and clean alternative to traditional gel polish. Its formula is up to 84% plant based and offers intense color and a mirror shine for up to 10 days, as well as a removal process that does not damage your nails.  

This is done with an acetone-free nail polish remover, at home in under 2 minutes, using peel-off technology. To find out more about our innovative Green Flash™ range, check out our dedicated web page. 

Start by cutting your nails straight across. Then use our Emery Board for Natural Nails to round the corners slightly, creating a balanced shape. Next, use our Nail Priming Emery Board to lightly buff the surface of your nails, which will help the  gel polish to adhere.  

Before you apply your polish, you need to carefully prep your nails to ensure a flawless finish. Use our Cuticle Remover to make it easier to remove the cuticles and dead skin around the nail by softening them. Then gently push back the cuticles using our Stainless Steel Cuticle Pusher, without necessarily cutting them, for a neat nail contour. 

A protective base coat is vital to prepare your nails for the color to come. Apply a thin layer of Green Flash™ Base Coat, then dry it under the lamp: for 1 minute if you have a Pro Lamp and for 2 minutes if you're using a Slim Lamp. 

For a flawless finish, apply several thin coats of polish rather than a single thick coat. Start with one thin coat in the middle of the nail, beginning at the base, before repeating this step at the sides. This technique helps to prevent bubbles and streaks, as well as ensuring long-lasting, even color. Dry under the lamp (for 1 minute with the Pro Lamp, 2 minutes with the Slim Lamp), then repeat for the second coat of color. 

Complete your pedicure with a high-shine top coat. Green Flash™ Top Coat is the finishing touch that will seal your polish and add shine. It will also protect your polish from chipping and increase its staying power. Apply a thin coat and then dry once more under the lamp: for 2 minutes with the Pro Lamp, 3 minutes with the Slim Lamp. 

At the end of your pedicure, apply a drop of  Green Oil to each nail to nourish the surrounding skin, boost the staying power of your polish and prevent your nails from breaking.  It will also help prevent the polish from sticking to your socks if you have to wear closed shoes. 

Finish by massaging a small amount of Botanical Cream into your feet to deeply nourish them. Do this again in the days after your pedicure to take good care of your nails and feet.

Gel polish it totally suitable for toenails. However, we recommend you use a green and clean gel polish to protect your nails and your health. Green Flash™ gel polish is the perfect alternative to traditional gel polish. It is up to 84% plant based and can be removed like regular nail polish, without damaging your nails. To see our Green Flash™ kits, click here. 

It is not recommended to permanently wear nail polish on your toes. We suggest you take a break between manicures to look after your nails; for example, by using a treatment base coat. 

Even if it is tempting to keep polish on your toes for a long time, we recommend you don't leave it longer than 3 weeks to allow the nail to breathe.