Isla Bennett
Tanning with gel nails can be tricky. While it's not advisable, there are ways to protect your gel manicure from turning yellow, drying out, or lifting. One solution is to use a UV topcoat, which acts as sunscreen for your nails. You can also try nail savers, which are vinyl pockets that slip over your nails to shield them from UV rays. If you're committed to tanning with gel nails, opt for gels that don't yellow, although they tend to be pricier. To avoid staining your nails with a fake tan, you can use a tanning mitt, gloves, or a self-tan primer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tanning with gel nails | Not recommended |
| Reason | Tanning can cause gel manicures to turn yellow, dry out, or lift |
| Solution 1 | Avoid tanning |
| Solution 2 | Use a UV topcoat |
| Solution 3 | Paint nails before tanning |
| Solution 4 | Use nail savers |
| Spray tan and gel nails | Get nails done before spray tan |
| Reason | Soaking, scrubbing, steaming, exfoliating, nail polish remover, drying agents, and oils can remove the spray tan |
| Solution | Use a tanning mitt or pair of gloves |
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What You'll Learn
Tanning beds and gel nails
If you already have gel nails and are unsure if they are a brand that resists yellowing, you can apply a UV topcoat. You can also paint your nails with regular nail polish before tanning as this may protect them from damage. However, it's important to note that some people have reported that painting their nails before tanning has caused problems, such as staining.
Another option to protect your gel nails from the effects of tanning beds is to use nail savers, which are vinyl pockets that slip over your nails to keep them safe from UV rays. These are inexpensive and reusable, and they don't require any changes to your nail care routine.
Additionally, it's recommended to get your nails done before your spray tan to avoid the soaking, scrubbing, steaming, and exfoliating that comes with a manicure and pedicure, which can remove your spray tan in those areas. If you get your nails done after your spray tan, you should avoid any soaking or exfoliation and only get a polish change or a mini or express pedicure service.
While it is possible to tan with gel nails, it's important to be aware of the potential risks and take the necessary precautions to protect your nails and your tan.
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Spray tans and gel nails
If you get your nails done after a spray tan, you risk the tan being stripped, faded, and removed in areas that have been soaked, scrubbed, or exfoliated. The bronzers in the spray tan solution can also leave an off-colour on polished nails.
However, if you get your nails done before your spray tan, you need to be mindful of the products used during your manicure. Oils and moisturisers can create a barrier to the tan, so it's best to avoid these or have your nails done a day before your tan so that the products have time to absorb.
If you're getting a pedicure, you can't soak your feet or have any exfoliation, but you can have your cuticles cleaned up and get nail polish. It's also important to note that tanning can cause gel manicures to turn yellow, dry out, or lift, so it's best to use a UV topcoat to protect your nails.
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Protecting gel nails from tanning
Tanning beds can cause discolouration, fading, yellowing, drying, and lifting of gel nails. However, there are several ways to protect your gel nails from tanning:
Get your nails done before tanning
If you are getting a spray tan, it is recommended to get your nails done beforehand. This is because the soaking, scrubbing, steaming, exfoliating, nail polish remover, drying agents, and lotions used during a manicure or pedicure can remove or damage your spray tan.
Use a UV topcoat
UV topcoats act as sunscreen for your nails. They can be applied at home and are relatively inexpensive.
Use nail savers
Nail savers are vinyl pockets that you slip over your nails to keep them safe from UV rays. They are inexpensive, reusable, and can be purchased from most tanning salons.
Use a barrier cream
If you are getting a professional spray tan, your therapist will likely apply a barrier cream to your nails to protect them from discolouration. If you are tanning at home, you can use a tan primer as an alternative.
Use nail varnish
Applying a couple of coats of nail varnish can protect your nails from fake tan. The varnish can be clear or coloured, and you can wash it off in the shower after the allotted time.
Choose gels that don't yellow
Some gel types are more prone to yellowing under UV light. Higher-end salons may offer gels that are designed to resist yellowing, but these are usually more expensive.
Avoid tanning altogether
Tanning significantly increases your risk of skin cancer. Therefore, the best way to protect your gel nails is to avoid tanning altogether.
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Tanning products that stain gel nails
Tanning beds and spray tans can cause gel manicures to discolour, dry out, or lift. Some tanning lotions can also cause yellowing and lifting. To prevent this, you can apply a UV topcoat to your gel nails, which acts as sunscreen for your manicure. You can also purchase nail savers, which are vinyl pockets that you can slip over your nails to keep them safe from UV rays.
If you are getting a spray tan, it is recommended to get your nails done beforehand. Soaking, scrubbing, steaming, exfoliating, nail polish remover, drying agents, and the lotions and oils used during a manicure and pedicure can remove your spray tan in those areas.
To prevent staining from a fake tan, you can use a tanning mitt or gloves when applying the product. You can also apply a small dab of self-tan primer to each fingernail and toenail, which will act as a barrier to the fake tan. Any kind of nail polish will also protect your nails from fake tan stains, even a clear nail varnish.
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Tanning products that don't stain gel nails
Tanning beds or spray tans can mess up your gel manicure in more ways than one. From tanning forums and experts, here are some ways to protect your gel nails from staining when tanning:
Use a UV topcoat
UV topcoats act as sunscreen for your gel manicure. They are cheap and can be applied like regular nail polish. You can get Sally Hansen's Ultimate Shield - Fortifying Base & Top Coat for $5 at Target.
Use nail savers
Nail savers are vinyl pockets that you can slip over your nails to keep them safe from UV rays. They are inexpensive, reusable, and do not require any changes to your nail care routine. You can get Nail Savers Protective Nail Covers for $11 at Tan For Less.
Get your nails done before tanning
It is recommended to get your nails done before tanning. Soaking, scrubbing, steaming, exfoliating, nail polish remover, drying agents, and the lotion and oils that you come into contact with during a manicure and pedicure will remove your spray tan in those areas.
Use tanning mitts or gloves
Tanning mitts or gloves protect your palms and nails from absorbing the tanning product. The textured fabric of the mitts helps to buff the tan into the skin, reducing the risk of streaks.
Use a self-tan primer
A small dab of self-tan primer on each fingernail and toenail will act as a barrier to fake tan. The tanning product won't be absorbed and therefore won't stain your nails. You can try Sienna X Perfect Self Tan Primer.
Use nail polish
Any kind of nail polish will protect your nails from fake tan stains. Even a clear nail varnish will work.
Choose gel nails that don't yellow
Some gel nails are more prone to yellowing than others. Higher-end salons may offer gels that don't yellow, but they tend to be pricier.
It is important to note that tanning significantly increases your risk of skin cancer, as stated by The American Cancer Society.
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Frequently asked questions
Tanning can cause gel manicures to turn yellow, dry out, or lift. It is recommended to get your nails done before your tan.
You can use a UV topcoat, nail savers (vinyl pockets that protect nails from UV rays), or a tanning mitt/pair of gloves to prevent discolouration.
It is recommended to get a spray tan before your nail appointment to avoid the nail salon removing your tan through soaking, scrubbing, steaming, and exfoliating.
Yes, some gel nail brands are creating gels that don't yellow. You can also apply a UV topcoat to protect your manicure.
