How Often Should You Actually Get a Manicure?

The honest answer depends on your nail type and the service you choose. For a regular polish manicure, two to three weeks is the sweet spot for most people — by then tip wear and growth are noticeable. Gel manicures last three to four weeks before lifting begins at the cuticle line, though people with faster-growing nails may want a fill or removal at three weeks. Acrylic sets generally need a fill every two to three weeks as the growth gap becomes visible. Beyond aesthetics, there's a health argument for regular appointments: cuticle care and light nail-plate buffing help prevent hangnails and minor infections. That said, your nails need breathing room. Going back-to-back with gel or acrylic without any bare-nail periods can dehydrate the nail plate. A good rule: every three or four gel cycles, let your nails go bare for at least a week, apply a strengthening base coat, and let them recover.