Gel manicures have come a long way, and there are several types to choose from these days. Hard gel, soft gel, and builder gel have historically been the most popular picks at the salon. However, Japanese gel is quickly rising to the top as one of the most in-demand methods. As the name suggests, this type of manicure uses innovative and high-quality gel polishes made in Japan. But what exactly makes them so different than other gels?

Ahead, we tapped four of the savviest nail experts to explain Japanese gel manicures in-depth and why they’re being touted as a better-for-you option.

What Is Japanese Gel?

Japanese gel is a highly pigmented gel polish developed in Japan, available in soft and semi-hard options. It is typically housed in a pot, but you can find some in a bottle. “Japanese gel is known for its durability, high-quality ingredients, and flexibility,” Rivas explains.

As far as application and removal go, you can expect the same approach as any other gel manicure. After prepping your nails, your nail technician will apply a base gel followed by your Japanese gel polish of choice. They will then cure your polish with a UV light to ensure it is sealed and hardened before finishing with a top coat. For removal, you can file or soak off your Japanese gel polish.

Japanese Gel vs Traditional Gel Manicures

According to Natori, Japanese gel tends to be thicker than more familiar gel. “Japanese gel has a higher viscosity, allowing it to adhere more closely to the nail,” she explains. “This results in longer-lasting nails with a shine that can endure from three weeks to over a month.” Due to its thicker texture, Zhou adds that Japanese gel can level itself and is highly flexible. “This gel can bend with the nails when nails are soft,” she explains.

The Benefits of Japanese Gel

While prolonged use of some gel polishes may make your nails incredibly brittle and dehydrated, Japanese gel promotes long-term nail health because these formulas are packed with high-quality ingredients. “Japanese gels are also known to generally have less harmful ingredients, some even containing nourishing ingredients for the natural nails,” Rivas says. 

Beyond its nail care benefits, Japanese gel provides a more vibrant color payoff. “Japanese gels are made of pure gel and cosmetic-grade pigments, making them more pigmented, smoother, and longer-lasting on natural nails,” Rivas explains.

Matsumura adds, “The variety of colors and the ability to create custom shades allow for detailed, intricate artwork. The gel also enhances the natural appearance of nails, making them look longer and healthier.”

The Cost

“Japanese gel manicures are typically more expensive than a regular manicure due to the high-quality products being used and the skills the nail technician has invested in themselves to learn,” according to Rivas. At Yukie Natori New York Salon & Spa and Mellow Bar, for example, a one-color Japanese gel manicure starts at $70. The cost increases depending on whether you want extensions, nail art, or unique finishes (like chrome).

How Long Does It Last?

Japanese gel manicures can last anywhere from three to four weeks. Rivas adds that this period will also promote nail durability, allowing clients to grow their natural nails to their desired length underneath the gel. However, our experts note that if you’re new to Japanese gel and have weak nails, it may take a few appointments to build up your nail strength. “If we have a new client with weaker nails, we usually expect them to come back every two weeks,” Zhou says. “We recommend two to three appointments to see the difference.”

The Final Takeaway

Natori says Japanese gel is a fan-favorite in the nail community because it’s more durable than standard gels, offering a result that retains shine and resists chipping. Beyond its durability, this type of gel is also praised for its pigmentation, as these pure gel polishes are more vibrant and smoother. With consistent Japanese gel manicures, you’ll reap long-term benefits as well. As our experts point out, Japanese gel polishes’ high-quality, non-drying ingredients allow them to be gentler on your natural nails (i.e., no brittleness post-gel removal).

Bottom line: With so many perks, this manicure is undoubtedly worth trying.