Sophia Delgado
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those looking for a long-lasting, chip-free manicure. However, there are concerns about their impact on nail health. While some claim that gel manicures are responsible for flaky nail beds, weakened nails, and skin damage, others argue that the modern gel polish formula alone is virtually harmless. The damage caused by gel manicures is often mechanical, occurring during the application and removal process, or due to UV exposure from curing lamps. To minimize potential harm, it is recommended to practice proper aftercare, such as rehydrating nails with moisturizer, allowing time between manicures, and being cautious during gel removal.
Are gel nails good for your own nails?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Durability | Gel nails are durable and long-lasting, with a glossy finish. |
| Safety | Gel nails can weaken natural nails if proper aftercare is not followed. They can also increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging due to UV exposure during the curing process. |
| Removal | Improper removal can damage natural nails. It is recommended to visit a professional for removal to ensure proper care. |
| Cost | Gel nails can be expensive, with initial applications costing $35-$60 and removal/reapplication costing an additional $10-$20 every 2-3 weeks. |
| Customization | Gel nails offer less customization in terms of nail shapes and lengths compared to traditional nail polish. |
| Application | Gel nails require a curing lamp to quick-dry the polish, which can be done in a salon or at home with a kit. |
| Nail Health | Gel nails can lead to flaky nail beds, yellow nails, and weakened nails if not properly cared for. |
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What You'll Learn
Gel nail polish can weaken nails
The UV or LED curing lamps used to set gel nail polish emit UV radiation, which has been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer and premature skin ageing. This is a concern not only for the hands but also for the face, as the UV radiation can cause premature ageing and skin cancer on any exposed skin. To protect the hands from UV radiation, it is recommended to apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before the gel manicure. Mineral sunscreens with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are ideal, as they act as a physical barrier and are fast-acting. UV-protective fingerless gloves can also be worn during the curing process, exposing the nail bed while shielding the rest of the hand.
The condition of your nails before getting a gel manicure is also a factor to consider. If your nails are already thin or brittle, gel manicures may not be the best option, as they can further weaken and damage your nails. A study from the Miami School of Medicine found that gel manicures cause nail thinning, although the exact reason for this is unclear. To maintain nail health, it is recommended to keep nails moisturized and hydrated with cuticle oil and hand cream.
While gel nail polish can weaken nails, this can be mitigated by following proper aftercare instructions. Taking a break from nail polish for one to two weeks allows nails to repair and rehydrate. Applying a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly, to the nails and cuticles several times a day can help minimize brittleness and prevent chipping. Additionally, seeing a professional for both the application and removal of gel nail polish can ensure proper care and maintenance, reducing the risk of nail damage.
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Proper removal is key
Gel nail polish can weaken your nails if you don't follow proper aftercare instructions. While gel polish offers a longer-lasting and chip-resistant finish, improper removal can potentially weaken or damage your nails. Most of the damage from gel manicures occurs during the removal process, especially if the manufacturer's instructions are not followed or if two different brands are mixed and used.
To avoid nail damage, it is important to follow the proper removal process. Here are the steps to safely remove gel nail polish:
- File down the polish: Use a nail file to gently file down the surface of the gel polish. This will help break the seal and allow the acetone to penetrate better. Be careful not to over-file your natural nail bed.
- Wrap your nails with acetone-soaked cotton: Soak a cotton ball or pad in 100% acetone and place it on your nail. Then, wrap each finger with a small piece of foil to hold the cotton in place. Make sure the cotton is in direct contact with the nail.
- Allow it to soak: Leave the acetone-soaked cotton on your nails for 10-15 minutes. This will help soften the gel polish and make it easier to remove.
- Gently push off the gel polish: After removing the foil and cotton, use a cuticle pusher or orange stick to gently scrape off the gel polish. If the polish is still stubborn, you can rewrap your nails and let them soak in acetone for a little longer.
- Moisturize your nails: After removing the gel polish, apply a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles. This will help minimize brittleness and prevent your nails from chipping.
It is important to note that you should never forcefully scrape or pick at the gel polish, as this can cause damage to your natural nails. If you are unsure about the removal process, it is always best to seek the help of a professional manicurist. Additionally, it is recommended to take breaks between gel manicures to allow your nails to recover and rehydrate.
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UV exposure is a concern
While gel nail polish formulas are considered harmless, the UV or LED curing lamps used to seal the polish are a cause for concern. Dermatologists worry about the potential harm caused by UV exposure from curing lamps, which emit UV radiation that has been linked to premature skin ageing and skin cancer.
To protect your hands from UV radiation, it is recommended to apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before your gel manicure. Mineral sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are ideal as they act faster than chemical sunscreens. You can also purchase UV-protective fingerless gloves, which keep your hands protected while exposing your nail bed.
The UV curing lamps are not the only concern when it comes to gel nail manicures. The mechanical process of removing the gel polish can also damage your nails. This can happen when nails are roughed up with files not meant for natural nails prior to application, or when the product is forcefully scraped off instead of being allowed to release. To avoid this, it is recommended to visit a professional nail technician who will properly care for your nails during the removal process.
In addition, it is important to give your nails time to recover between manicures. You can do this by taking a nail polish break for one to two weeks or longer, and by regularly applying a moisturising product such as petroleum jelly to your nails and cuticles to prevent brittleness and chipping.
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Gel polish can be good protection
Gel nail polish can be a good method of protection for your nails. It can protect your natural nails from environmental elements and offers a longer-lasting and chip-resistant finish.
Heather Reynosa, OPI Global Education Design Director, states that "semi-permanent enhancement products—like gel polish—do not harm your nails". However, it is important to note that the damage that occurs with gel manicures is often mechanical, such as forcefully scraping off the product during removal, rough filing, and picking and peeling off the gel polish.
To ensure the protection of your nails, it is recommended to follow proper aftercare instructions. Firstly, it is advised to visit a professional manicurist for gel polish removal to ensure proper care and maintenance. Secondly, it is crucial to allow time between manicures for your nails to recover and rehydrate. Apply a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times a day to minimise brittleness and prevent chipping.
Additionally, it is important to be proactive when visiting a nail salon. Ask if the tools are sterilised and disinfected after each client, and ensure your manicurist does not push or cut your cuticles, as this can lead to inflammation and infection.
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Aftercare is important
Gel nail polish can weaken your nails if you don't follow proper aftercare instructions. To keep your nails healthy before, during, and after gel manicures, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, be proactive with your manicurist. Ask if their tools are sterilised and ensure they are cleaning and disinfecting them after every client. It is also important to never let your manicurist push or cut your cuticles, as this could lead to inflammation and infection.
Secondly, it is crucial to remove gel nail polish with extra care to prevent damage. File down the polish first, then wrap your nails with 100% acetone. Allow the remover wraps to stay on for around 10 to 15 minutes, and then gently push off the gel polish with a cuticle pusher or orange stick. If the polish is still stubborn, you can rewrap your nails and let them soak for a little longer. Alternatively, you can soak small pieces of cotton ball in acetone and apply them to your nails by wrapping them in aluminium foil.
Thirdly, to care for your nails in between gel manicures, take a nail polish holiday. Try not to wear any nail polish for one to two weeks or longer. Apply a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times a day to minimise brittleness and help prevent chipping.
Finally, to protect your skin from the UV radiation used to seal gel nail polish, wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on your hands before your gel manicure. You can also purchase UV-protective fingerless gloves, which expose your nail bed while keeping the rest of your hand protected.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nails can weaken your natural nails, especially if you don't allow time between manicures for your nails to recover. The UV or LED lights used to cure gel nail polish emit UV radiation, which has been linked to premature skin ageing and skin cancer. The removal process can also be damaging, especially if the manufacturer's instructions are not followed.
To protect your nails, it is recommended that you apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before the gel manicure. You can also purchase UV-protective fingerless gloves, which expose your nail bed while keeping the rest of your hand protected.
To safely remove gel nail polish, you should file down the polish and then wrap your nails with 100% acetone. After 10-15 minutes, the gel polish should come off easily with a light touch. If the polish is still stubborn, you can rewrap your nails and let them soak for a little longer.
After a gel manicure, it is important to rehydrate your nails by applying a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times a day. This will help minimise brittleness and prevent your nails from chipping. It is also recommended to take a break from nail polish for one to two weeks or longer between gel manicures.
