Madam Glam soak-off gel polish lasts at least 21 days when applied correctly with the recommended system (Madam Glam base coat, top coat, and UV/LED lamp — all designed to work together). Many clients and pro nail techs report 4+ weeks of wear in real-world conditions.

Wear time depends on:

• Nail prep — plate fully dehydrated, free of oils, skin, and debris
• Application — thin layers, free edge properly capped
• Curing — full time on each layer under a 48W+ LED lamp
• Lifestyle — frequent contact with alcohol-based products, hot water, or skipping gloves for dishwashing/cleaning/gardening will shorten wear
• Maintenance — regularly moisturize nails and cuticles

No — when applied and removed correctly. Madam Glam is 21-toxin-free (no formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, camphor, formaldehyde resin, xylene, parabens, fragrance, animal-derived ingredients) and the gel formula adheres without aggressive priming. Damage to natural nails almost always comes from incorrect removal (peeling, prying, over-filing, or aggressive removal of the gel polish), not from the polish itself. See question 8 below for safe removal.

Yes — Madam Glam soak-off gel polish requires curing under a UV or LED lamp. Regular nail polish (non-gel) air-dries and does not need a lamp. Madam Glam gel is compatible with both UV and LED lamps. We recommend a 48W or higher LED lamp for optimal cure speed and longevity.

Standard cure times for Madam Glam soak-off gels under a 48W LED lamp:

• Base coat: 30 seconds
• Color coat: 60 seconds (per layer; apply 2 thin layers for even curing)
• Top coat: 60 seconds

Under a 36W UV lamp, double the cure time (2 minutes per layer). Always cure each layer fully before applying the next — under-curing is the #1 cause of premature chipping and skin reactions.

Note:

1. Darker colors typically require longer curing times than lighter or more transparent shades.
2. The Madam Glam Pro Elio LED Lamp is designed to cure gel in approximately 30 seconds.
3. Make sure your lamp is plugged directly into a wall outlet, as using extension cords may reduce its power output.

Yes — Madam Glam is formulated to cure with most major UV and LED lamps on the market. If you're using a lamp under 36W, expect longer cure times. If your wear time is under 2 weeks, your lamp is likely the issue (under-powered or expired bulbs).

Yes. The entire Madam Glam gel polish line is HEMA-free, 21-toxin-free, vegan-certified (Vegan.org), and cruelty-free (PETA + Leaping Bunny) — which removes the vast majority of the irritants and acrylate allergens found in cheaper gel polishes. HEMA is the most common cause of acrylate allergies in nail products, and we've eliminated it across all our shades, not just a sub-line.

If you are experiencing persistent skin reactions despite using HEMA-free gel polish, the cause is often related to improper curing. Uncured or under-cured monomers are typically responsible for skin sensitization, rather than the gel polish itself. It is important to ensure that your lamp provides sufficient power (we recommend at least a 48W LED lamp) and that each layer is cured for the full recommended time.

Nail allergies can develop for several reasons, including repeated skin contact with uncured or under-cured product, overexposure, improper application, or using incompatible lamps — all of which can increase the risk of sensitization.

It is also important to note that "HEMA-free" does not necessarily mean allergy-free. This is why understanding product formulations, proper nail preparation, correct curing, and safe application techniques is essential.

Yes — every Madam Glam gel polish is 100% HEMA-free, across the full line of 650+ shades. HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) is a common acrylate ingredient used in most gel polishes for adhesion, but it's also the most common acrylate allergen and is increasingly being banned for non-professional use in markets like the EU. We removed it brand-wide so every customer — sensitive or not — gets a safer formula.

The safe removal process:

1. File the top coat lightly with a 180-grit file to break the seal — don't file into the color or base coat.
2. Soak cotton balls in pure acetone (100% acetone works fastest; anything below 70% acetone won't break the gel down).
3. Place the soaked cotton on each nail, wrap with foil or use silicone removal caps.
4. Wait 10–15 minutes, then gently push the softened gel off with a cuticle pusher or orange stick.
5. Hydrate immediately — apply cuticle oil and a hand cream after removal to restore moisture.

Do not peel, pry, or pick the polish off. This pulls the top layer of your natural nail with it and is the #1 cause of "gel-damaged" nails.

No — peeling removes the top layers of your natural nail along with the polish, leading to thin, weak, peeling nails. If your gel polish is lifting or peeling on its own before 2 weeks, the issue is application (skipped base coat, oils on the nail, under-cured) — not the formula. Always remove with acetone soak, never by peeling.

Yes. Madam Glam is:

• Certified Vegan by Vegan.org — over 350 gel shades verified, no animal-derived ingredients
• Cruelty-Free certified by PETA
• Cruelty-Free certified by Leaping Bunny
• Gluten-free
• 21-toxin-free

We have never tested on animals and never source from suppliers who do.

Madam Glam's 21-toxin-free, fully HEMA-free, vegan formula removes the ingredients most commonly flagged in pregnancy guidance (formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, camphor, fragrance, parabens, HEMA). That said, every pregnancy is different — we recommend you check with your healthcare provider before using any cosmetic product during pregnancy, and always apply in a well-ventilated space.

Yes. Licensed nail technicians, salon owners, and beauty professionals can apply for our Madam Glam Pro program at pro.madamglam.com, which includes wholesale pricing, early access to new shades, and bulk-order benefits.