Isla Bennett
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those seeking a long-lasting, chip-free manicure. However, there are concerns about their impact on nail health. The process of applying and removing gel nail polish can be damaging to nails, and the UV or LED light used to cure the polish is known to emit UV radiation, which has been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. While some sources claim that gel manicures are harmful to nails, others suggest that with proper application, care, and removal techniques, the risks can be mitigated.
Are gel manicures good for your nails?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Durability | Gel manicures are long-lasting and chip-free |
| Aesthetics | They have a glossy, lustrous shine |
| Safety concerns | The UV exposure from curing lamps increases the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging |
| Nail health | Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, dryness, peeling, cracking, and white spots |
| Removal | Gel polish is difficult and time-consuming to remove, and improper removal can damage nails |
| Nail preparation | Rough filing and aggressive buffing before gel application can damage nails |
| Tool sterilization | If tools are not properly sterilized, there is a risk of bacterial or fungal infections |
| Alternatives | Other options such as regular nail polish, peel-off polish, gel-effect polish, and non-toxic natural nail polish are available |
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What You'll Learn
The removal process
To avoid nail damage during the removal process, it is essential to be gentle and patient. Firstly, do not forcefully scrape, pick, or peel off the gel polish, as this can cause harm to the nail. Instead, gently buff and file your nails to smooth the surface and remove the top shiny layer of the gel. This step helps prepare the nails for the next step and ensures that the acetone can effectively penetrate the gel.
The most common method for removing gel polish involves soaking nails in acetone. This can be done by soaking cotton balls in acetone and applying them to the nails, or by directly soaking the fingertips in acetone. Wrapping small pieces of aluminium foil around the fingertips can help ensure that only the nails come into contact with the acetone, protecting the surrounding skin. After about 15 minutes, the gel polish should come off easily.
It is worth noting that the removal process can be time-consuming and may require multiple attempts. Therefore, it is recommended to seek professional help for removal if necessary. Additionally, allowing time between manicures for nail recovery is essential. Applying moisturising products and cuticle oil can help rehydrate and nourish the nails, minimising brittleness and preventing further chipping.
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UV exposure
The UV exposure from gel manicures is a cause for concern. The curing lamps used to dry gel nail polish emit UV radiation, which has been linked to premature skin ageing and skin cancer. Dermatologists worry about this exposure, particularly as it is common for manicurists and individuals to damage nails during the gel removal process.
The UV light used to cure gel nail polish is either a UV or LED lamp. These lamps are used to dry the gel polish, which is made from acrylic monomers and oligomers, bonding them together to create a thicker, harder, and glossier finish than regular nail polish. While the risk of skin cancer from UV exposure during gel manicures is lower than from sun exposure, prolonged and frequent use could increase the risk of skin cancer.
To mitigate the risks of UV exposure, it is important to space out gel manicures and allow nails to recover. It is recommended to take a break of one to two weeks or longer between manicures and to apply a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to nails and cuticles several times a day to minimise brittleness and prevent chipping.
Additionally, when removing gel nail polish, it is important to avoid peeling or picking at the polish, as this can damage the nails. Instead, it is recommended to soak the fingertips in acetone or use cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrapped in aluminium foil to remove the polish. This ensures that only the nails come into contact with the acetone.
Overall, while gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, the UV exposure during the curing process is a cause for concern, and it is important to take steps to minimise any potential risks.
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Nail damage
Gel manicures can cause nail damage, including brittleness, peeling, cracking, splitting, dryness, white spots, and thinning. The repeated use of UV lamps during the curing process can also increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.
One of the main issues with gel manicures is the potential for nail damage during the removal process. If not done carefully, removing gel polish can temporarily damage the nails, leaving them dry and brittle. The most common issues are cracking and peeling, and people often report finding white spots and grooves or an overall weakening of the nail plate. These issues can take months to resolve as the damaged nail grows out.
To minimise nail damage, it is recommended to allow time between manicures for nails to recover and rehydrate. Applying a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to the nails and cuticles several times daily can help minimise brittleness and prevent chipping. It is also important to be careful when removing gel polish, as picking at the polish can damage the nails. Instead, it is recommended to soak only the fingertips in acetone or use cotton balls soaked in acetone wrapped in aluminium foil to remove the polish.
Additionally, the prep work involved in gel manicures, such as filing, can thin the nail plate and contribute to overall nail damage. To reduce this risk, it is important to be gentle when filing and not to over-file the nails.
While gel manicures can provide a long-lasting and beautiful finish, it is important to be aware of the potential for nail damage and take steps to minimise it. This may include allowing time for nails to recover between manicures, moisturising regularly, and being careful during the removal process.
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Pros and cons
Pros
Gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, providing a chip-free, virtually indestructible manicure that can last for up to two to three weeks. The finish is thicker, harder, and glossier than regular nail polish, and it comes in both hard and soft gel polish options, with the latter being more flexible and easier to remove.
Cons
The UV or LED lamps used to cure gel nail polish emit UV radiation, which has been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. Additionally, the removal process can be damaging to nails, with improper techniques such as forceful scraping, aggressive filing, and peeling leading to issues like cracking, peeling, and overall weakening of the nail plate. To mitigate these issues, it is recommended to have gel polish removed by a professional and to space out gel manicures to give nails time to recover.
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Alternatives
If you're looking for an alternative to gel manicures, there are several options to choose from.
Firstly, you could opt for a traditional manicure using regular nail polish. While it may not last as long as a gel manicure, it's a safer option for your nails and skin. You can also find fast-drying, long-lasting regular polishes that are safer and reduce the risk of chipping.
Another alternative is to use a peel-off base coat, which can be easily removed without damaging your nails. You can then follow up with a regular manicure.
If you're committed to the longevity of gel manicures, you could try a gel-effect polish or a soft gel polish. These options provide a similar finish but are typically easier to remove, reducing the risk of nail damage.
Additionally, you can explore non-toxic natural nail polishes that are free from harmful substances like formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate. These polishes offer a more natural and healthier approach to nail care.
Remember, it's important to prioritize nail health by allowing time for recovery between manicures, using cuticle oil and moisturizers, and being mindful of the tools and techniques used during application and removal to prevent mechanical damage.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel manicures can be bad for your nails if not applied, looked after, and removed correctly. The UV or LED light used to cure the gel polish emits UV radiation, which has been linked to premature skin aging and skin cancer. Removing the polish can also damage your nails if not done carefully.
When the colour begins to come off, do not pick at the polish or use other nails or tools to remove it. Make an appointment with your manicurist to have the polish removed. You can also soak your fingertips in acetone or use cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrapped in aluminium foil.
Dermatologists recommend taking a nail polish holiday in between gel manicures. Try not to wear nail polish for one to two weeks or longer. You can also apply a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily to minimise brittleness and help prevent your nails from chipping.
Some alternatives to gel manicures include a traditional manicure using regular nail polish, peel-off polish, gel-effect polish, and non-toxic natural nail polish.
To make your gel manicure last longer, gently buff your nails first to smooth the surface and ensure a smear-free application. Then, clear away oil and filing residue with an acetone-free polish remover. Apply a good base coat, followed by two thin coats of nail polish. Finally, let your manicure fully dry for about 15 minutes.
