15 Gel Nail Alternatives That Go Easy on Nails (And Last Forever) (2024)

• Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist of MDCS Dermatology.
• Dana Stern, MD,is one of the only board-certified dermatologists in the country who specializes in nail health, treatment, and diagnosis.
• Sarah Gibson Tuttleis the founder and CEO ofOlive & June, a cult-favorite nail salon based in California.

Dip Powder

If you don't want to take painting into your own hands, it's time to turn your attention to dip powder nails. Similar to gels, dip powder manicures last up to two weeks (some even longer).

“Powder dips have been around for a long time and are a glue and acrylic powder type of enhancement,” says Stern. While they create an Insta-worthy look every time, it's worth noting that they come with a few downsides.

“Some may consider these to be better than gels because they don’t require UV light, however, dips are not without risk,” Stern explains. “These two-part systems use cyanoacrylate (monomer) which tends to be a liquid or gel that is applied with a brush. These monomers are well-known allergens and so acrylate allergies can and do occur. The nail is then dipped in an acrylic powder which is less likely to cause an allergy but still possible."

Stern also warns against the "double-dip" phenomenon, whereby some salons will use the same dipping pot from client to client (meaning any bacteria on the first person's finger can be transferred to or into yours). “Due to a lot of bad press on this topic, salons seem to be aware of this and are now either pouring the powder onto the nail, painting the powder on, or dipping the nail into individual disposable containers of powder.”

Lastly, they’re just as tough to remove as classic gels, which can often be quite damaging. “For best results with removal, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions,” Stern says, noting that a 10 to 15-minute soak should help. “When soaking in acetone, try to protect the nail folds and cuticle by applying a greasy emollient, and always care for your natural nails between services.”

Olive & June Clean Polish

Olive & June is one of the longest-lasting clean polish brands on the market. In other words, their colors are a must for anyone searching for a nail look that won't chip before leaving the salon.

"This polish offers a salon-quality polish that is long-lasting, vegan and cruelty-free, and provides a gel-like finish that comes off with nail polish remover," says Dr. Camp.

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish

This chip-resistant nail polish is available in every shade of the rainbow, so there's a swoon-worthy shade for everyone. To create the ultimate gel-like manicure, start with two coats of Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish ($7) followed by a layer of the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat ($8).

When you're ready to take your color off, you'll be glad to know that it doesn't require any buffing or extra soaking. Simply wipe it off with an acetone-soaked cotton ball and you're good to go.

Gel Nail Extensions

Similar to acrylics, gel nail extensions are essentially fake nails that are applied to your nail beds, then painted using nail polish. Unlike acrylics, using an extension made of gel is actually better for the integrity of your nails, limiting exposure to the harsh chemicals associated with traditional acrylics (although gel nails still use damaging UV light and adhesives). Gel nail extensions are also much easier to remove than acrylic nails and gel manicures (they soak off), so there's no need to subject your nails to harsh acetone and filing. Pro-tip, these are great at kicking your nail-biting habit in the bud. Kiara Sky's Gelly Tips offers starter kits with five different nail shapes to choose from, perfect for the gel extension novice.

Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish

If you frequent the nail salon, you've likely seen Essie's unique swivel polish bottles. They're renowned for their ability to create long-lasting manicures with just two products. Simply layer on two coats of the color of your choice (there are dozens to choose from), top it off with a single layer of the platinum-grade finish topcoat, et voilà.

"The polishes in this line do not require the application of a base coat or the use of a UV lamp," says Dr. Camp. "They are chip and fade-resistant and can be removed with regular acetone or non-acetone remover without having to soak, scrub, or chip away at the polish."

Each bottle of Gel Couture Nail Polish costs $12, but when you opt for it in the salon, they'll typically try to charge you an extra $2 per manicure.

Nails Inc. Gel Effect Nail Polish

Skip the prospect of damaging UV rays and time spent soaking by starting your nail look with this ultra-shiny gel-effect polish. The cruelty-free gel nail alternative is made with nourishing flower extract to help condition and strengthen the nails, which helps them last for up to two weeks.

"This polish allows you to create a glossy, shiny gel effect finish without the use of a UV lamp or soaks for removal," explains Dr. Camp. "It is reported to contain a nourishing flower extract to condition and strengthen the nails."

While we can't help but swoon over this pastel blue nail polish, there are dozens of other Gel Effect Nail Polish colors to choose from, ranging from hot pink and cobalt to yellow and peach. Whichever color you settle on, you're looking at $15 a bottle.

Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy Longwear Nail Enamel

This gorgeous gel nail alternative is available in 46 shades, all of which will make your nails look professionally painted. The Colorstay Gel Envy Longwear Nail Enamel ($8) features a glossy, gel-like finish that's easy to paint on thanks to the polish's angled brush. After painting on the color of your choice, follow up with a layer of the Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy Longwear Nail Enamel Diamond Top Coat ($5) for best results.

Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro

When searching for a gel nail alternative you might be searching solely for color that lasts, but with this 2-step Gel Lab Pro ($45) formula, you'll be able to transform all your favorite regular polishes into long-lasting manicures.

"With green tea to nourish, biotin to stimulate growth, and Aucoumea klaineana extract to fortify nails, this polish offers high shine and extended wear without having to use UV lamps to set it or tools to remove it," says Dr. Camp.

Start by painting a layer of the base coat onto your nails. Next, follow up with the color of your choice. Top it off with a layer of the topcoat and wait for your nails to dry.

Press-On Nails

Press-on nails may not seem long-lasting, but hear us out. These glue-free, stick-on nails have been applauded by just about every beauty editor in the book thanks to their budge-proof design. Once they're pressed on, you can look forward to a week's worth of wear, if not more. And since they're not painted like traditional gel manicures, you won't have to worry about any chips in the process.

Vinylux

Vinylux nails are a trademarked product by CND. They consist of two products: an all-in-one base and color coat and a top coat, both of which must be used together for ultimate wearability. According to the company, the Vinylux Long Wear Polish System lasts an average of 5 days without chipping — which means gels and some other alternatives will be more long-lasting.

Polygel

Polygel is a hybrid formula, so it offers the best of both worlds — acrylic powder and clear gel powder. While the formula was originally created for nail technicians, there are now a slew of at-home kits available. We like the Gelish kit. While polygels offer longer wear, some might not love the maintenance factor (polygels are maintained by filling in with more product to the area of growth, rather than just removing the product and starting fresh).

Shellac

Shellac is comprised of an acrylic base that's undergone a chemical reaction after being cured with a UV lamp (in other words, it's something of a gel-and-regular-polish hybrid. Shellac offers a high-gloss finish, and it protects your nails (and maintains your manicure) for up to two weeks. Of course, like many gel alternatives, it can damage your nail if not removed properly — that means fully soaking the product off, and not filing or scraping it in an effort to remove.

Acrylics

Acrylic manicures are a classic for good reason: they offer extra length, and durability, thanks to being adhered with gel glue. Plus, if you remove them properly (i.e. by soaking and with a professional) they won't cause damage to your natural nail.

Nail Wraps and Stickers

A nail wrap or sticker will give you the same long-lasting effect as gel—minus all the removal hassle. Nail wraps and stickers are applied on top of the nail and secured down without any UV light curing. To remove them, simply use your usual acetone polish remover until the wrap is gone.

Basic Manicures

Nothing beats a basic mani. While regular polish can take longer to dry and may chip sooner than your gel manicure, there is essentially zero damage happening to your nail throughout the process. Basic manicures are cheaper and there are still plenty of ways to make them last, like applying a fresh layer of top coat every other day.

1. United States Food and Drug Administration. Nail care products. Updated August 24, 2020.