Caleb Foster
Gel nail polish is a popular choice for those seeking a long-lasting and glossy manicure. However, one concern for wearers is whether their gel polish will fade or discolour when exposed to sunlight. While natural sunlight does not provide the specific wavelengths and intensity required for gel polish to cure, excess exposure to UV rays from the sun can lead to discolouration and fading of the polish. This is particularly true for certain colours, such as pinks and corals, and can result in an undesirable two-tone effect. To prevent this issue, precautions such as applying a clear nail polish or a UV-absorbing top coat over the gel polish can be taken.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can sunlight fade gel nail polish? | Yes, excess exposure to natural sunlight can cause gel nail polish to fade and discolour. |
| How does sunlight cause gel nail polish to fade? | Natural sunlight contains UV rays that continue to "cure" gel nail polish, leading to over-curing and fading. |
| Are there ways to prevent gel nail polish from fading due to sunlight? | Yes, applying a clear nail polish or a UV top coat over the gel polish can help deter UV rays from penetrating and causing discolouration. |
| Are there specific colours of gel nail polish that are more prone to fading? | Yes, pink and coral colours seem to be more prone to fading and turning yellow. |
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What You'll Learn
- Natural sunlight does not provide the specific wavelengths and intensity of light required to cure gel nail polish
- Excess exposure to UV light from sunlight can cause gel nail polish to discolour and fade
- Chlorine and sun are bleaching agents that can impact the colour of gel nail polish
- Applying a UV top coat can help prevent gel nail polish from fading in the sun
- Insect repellent and sun tan lotions can dissolve and cause damage to gel nail polish
Natural sunlight does not provide the specific wavelengths and intensity of light required to cure gel nail polish
UV or LED lamps used for gel polish curing are designed to provide the required intensity of light for efficient drying. These lamps emit consistent and controlled light, ensuring even and thorough curing. In contrast, sunlight may not deliver the same intensity, making it ineffective for curing gel polish. The curing time for gel nail polish is carefully calibrated based on specific wavelengths and light intensity, which natural sunlight cannot replicate. As a result, relying solely on natural sunlight to cure gel nail polish may lead to premature curing, uneven drying, or prolonged curing times.
Additionally, excess exposure to natural sunlight can lead to discolouration and fading of gel nail polish. This is because natural sunlight, along with other sources of UV light such as sunbeds, computer screens, and fluorescent lighting, can continue to cure the gel polish even after the initial application and curing process. While some level of UV exposure is unavoidable, taking precautions such as applying a clear nail polish over the gel polish or using a UV-absorbing top coat can help mitigate the effects of excess UV exposure and prolong the colour and integrity of the gel manicure.
It is worth noting that while natural sunlight may not be sufficient for the initial curing process, it can still contribute to the curing and fading of gel nail polish over time. This is particularly relevant during the summer months when individuals tend to have more exposure to sunlight, either directly or through activities such as sunbathing or swimming. By understanding the impact of natural sunlight on gel nail polish, nail technicians can provide appropriate aftercare advice to their clients, ensuring the longevity and aesthetic appeal of their manicures.
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Excess exposure to UV light from sunlight can cause gel nail polish to discolour and fade
While natural sunlight is not strong enough to cure gel nail polish, it can still cause the polish to discolour and fade over time. This is because, despite not emitting the precise wavelengths and intensity needed for gel polish to cure, the sun still emits UV rays that can lead to over-curing.
Gel nail polish contains polymer molecules that require exposure to specific wavelengths of light to initiate a chemical reaction and transform the liquid gel into a solid, long-lasting layer on the nails. Sunlight may not deliver the same intensity, making it ineffective for curing gel polish. However, excess exposure to UV light from the sun will continue to 'cure' your gel, leading to over-curing.
Over-curing gel nail polish will cause problems like discolouration and fading and could even lead to premature service breakdown. Sunlight is not the only culprit, as UV exposure is everywhere, from sunbeds to computer screens. However, the combination of sunlight and chlorine (from swimming) is especially potent, as they are both bleaching agents, and together they are double the strength.
To prevent gel nail polish from fading, you can apply two thorough gel top coats to deter some of the UV from penetrating directly into the colour. While it won't eliminate the issue, it can help. You can also purchase a UV top coat, like Calgel's Calcrystal, which absorbs UV rays to prevent fading.
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Chlorine and sun are bleaching agents that can impact the colour of gel nail polish
Chlorine and sunlight are two of the most common causes of nail polish deterioration. While gel nail polish is designed to be more durable and long-lasting than traditional nail polish, it is still susceptible to these bleaching agents, which can cause discolouration, fading, and premature chipping.
The sun emits UV rays that can cause gel nail polish to fade or discolour. This is because gel nail polish contains polymer molecules that are sensitive to specific wavelengths of light, and while natural sunlight does not emit the precise wavelengths and intensity needed for gel polish to cure, it can still cause the polish to dry unevenly and change colour. This is especially true for certain colours, such as pinks and corals, which are more prone to discolouration.
Chlorine, on the other hand, has harsh, oxidizing properties that can disrupt the curing process and cause the polish to degrade faster. The chemicals in chlorinated water can break down the bond between the gel polish and the natural nail, leading to premature lifting, chipping, or peeling. This is why it is common for nail polish to come off when you go for a swim.
To mitigate the damaging effects of chlorine and sunlight, some precautions can be taken. Applying a generous layer of topcoat to your gel manicure can help create a barrier against chlorine and UV rays. Additionally, wearing waterproof gloves or finger cots when swimming can limit direct contact between your nails and chlorinated water. It is also recommended to rinse your nails with fresh water and gently clean them after exposure to chlorine to remove any residual chemicals.
While it is challenging to prevent gel nail polish from fading completely, following these tips can help prolong the life of your manicure and reduce the impact of bleaching agents like chlorine and sunlight.
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Applying a UV top coat can help prevent gel nail polish from fading in the sun
While gel nail polish provides a long-lasting and glossy finish, it is prone to fading in the sun. This is because sunlight may not deliver the same intensity of UV light as a UV lamp, making it ineffective for curing gel polish. Excess exposure to UV light from natural sunlight can cause gel nail polish to discolour and fade and can even lead to premature breakdown of the polish.
To prevent this, it is recommended to apply a UV top coat, such as Calgel's Calcrystal, which absorbs UV light and can prevent the gel colour from fading. Applying two thorough gel top coats can help to deter UV light from penetrating directly into the colour, reducing the risk of fading. This is especially important if your client will be exposed to chemicals such as insect repellent, hair colour, fake tan, or if they are a heavy smoker.
In addition to applying a UV top coat, there are other precautions that can be taken to prevent gel nail polish from fading in the sun. For example, drying nails after swimming and before sun exposure can help, as both chlorine and sunlight are bleaching agents that can cause fading. It is also important to avoid solvents such as insect repellent and sunscreen, as these contain DEET, which can dissolve and cause problems with nail products.
By following these precautions and applying a UV top coat, you can help prevent gel nail polish from fading in the sun, ensuring a long-lasting and vibrant manicure.
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Insect repellent and sun tan lotions can dissolve and cause damage to gel nail polish
While gel nail polish is known for its long-lasting and glossy finish, it is not immune to the effects of sunlight and certain chemicals. Prolonged exposure to natural sunlight can cause gel nail polish to fade and discolour, leading to an uneven and undesirable appearance. This is because the specific wavelengths and intensity of UV light required to cure gel nail polish are not present in natural sunlight, resulting in ineffective curing and premature breakdown of the polish.
Additionally, certain chemicals found in insect repellents and sun tan lotions can also contribute to the deterioration of gel nail polish. Insect repellents, particularly those containing DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide), are known to dissolve nail polish. DEET is a powerful solvent that can soften and break down the nail enamel, causing the polish to become tacky and wear off prematurely. This effect is not limited to spray-on formulas, as even "natural" or DEET-free insect repellents can impact nail polish.
Sun tan lotions or sunscreens can also affect the integrity of gel nail polish. Many sun tan lotions contain acetates or acetone, which are known solvents that can dissolve nail polish. When applied over nail polish, sun tan lotions may cause a chemical reaction, resulting in a dull or sticky surface. This is particularly true for high SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreens, which contain stronger ingredients to provide increased sun protection.
To mitigate the potential damage caused by insect repellents and sun tan lotions, it is recommended to take some precautionary measures. Applying a clear nail polish over the gel polish can create a protective barrier, reducing direct contact between the chemicals and the gel polish. Additionally, wearing gloves or using a clip-on insect repellent can physically protect the nail polish from exposure to these harmful substances.
By understanding the potential impact of sunlight and certain chemicals on gel nail polish, individuals can take the necessary steps to maintain the longevity and aesthetic appeal of their manicures, especially during the summer months when exposure to these elements is more frequent.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, sunlight can cause gel nail polish to fade and discolour. Sunlight contains UV rays, which can cause excess exposure and lead to premature curing.
You can apply a UV top coat, such as Calgel's Calcrystal, to prevent UV rays from penetrating the colour. You can also apply a clear nail polish over the gel polish to prevent staining.
Chlorine, sun creams, insect repellents, hair colour, fake tan, smoking, and other chemicals and solvents can cause gel nail polish to fade.
It is recommended that you dry your nails after each swimming session and before going into the sun. Chlorine and sun are both bleaching agents, and together their effects are doubled.
