Noah Sinclair
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those seeking a long-lasting, shiny nail look. However, the process of applying and removing gel nail polish can be harsh on nails, and the UV light used to cure the polish may have negative health effects. As such, it is recommended that you do not get gel manicures more frequently than every two weeks and that you take breaks between applications to allow your nails to recover. During these breaks, you can take steps to rehydrate and repair your nails, such as applying a moisturising product or a nutrient-rich base coat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pros of gel nails | Long-lasting, not too expensive, shiny appearance, convenient, durable, elegant |
| Cons of gel nails | Can cause nail brittleness, peeling, cracking, thinning, separation from the nail bed, nail breakage, nail dryness, skin dryness, skin cracking, skin fissuring, skin aging, skin cancer, nail discoloration, nail weakening |
| Recommendations | Take breaks between gel manicures, moisturize nails and cuticles, wear sunscreen, avoid forceful scraping, don't pick or peel gel nail polish, wear gloves when cleaning |
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What You'll Learn
Gel nails can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking
While gel nails are long-lasting and look great, they can be tough on nails. Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands. The gel layer can inhibit proper airflow and hydration to the nails, leading to increased brittleness. Over time, this may result in peeling, splitting, or breakage of the natural nail. The acetone used to soak and soften the gel is extremely drying to the skin, which can result in cracking and fissuring of the fingertips.
To keep your nails healthy before, during, and after gel manicures, dermatologists recommend the following tips: Be proactive with your manicurist. Ask if their tools are sterilized, and look around to make sure they are cleaning and disinfecting tools after every client. Before getting a gel manicure, apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands to prevent skin cancer and premature skin aging. This will help protect your skin from the ultraviolet radiation used to seal gel nail polish to the nail. Another option is to put on dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips snipped off before your nail polish is applied.
When it’s time to remove your gel nails, choose a safe and gentle removal process. Avoid peeling or picking at the gel, as this can cause damage to the natural nail. If uncertain, consider visiting a nail technician for a proper gel removal. Only soak your fingertips in acetone. When having the nail polish removed, only soak your fingertips in acetone instead of your whole hands or fingers to protect the surrounding skin. Another option is to use cotton balls to remove the polish.
To care for your nails in between gel manicures, dermatologists recommend the following: Take a nail polish holiday. Try not to wear nail polish for one to two weeks or longer. This will allow your nails time to repair. Rehydrate your nails. Between polishes, apply a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily. This will minimize brittleness and help prevent your nails from chipping. As is the case with most things, moderation is the key when it comes to gel manicures.
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Prolonged exposure to gel polish can cause yellowing or discolouration
Prolonged exposure to gel polish can lead to yellowing or discolouration of the nails. This is often due to the pigments in the gel reacting with the natural keratin in the nails. The ultraviolet radiation used to seal gel nail polish can also cause discolouration.
The ultraviolet radiation used to seal gel nail polish can lead to discolouration. This is because the UV light causes the pigments in the gel to react with the natural keratin in the nails. This reaction can lead to the yellowing or discolouration of the nails. Additionally, UV exposure can also contribute to skin ageing and potentially increase the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it is recommended to apply sunscreen before getting a gel manicure to prevent discolouration and potential skin damage.
Prolonged exposure to gel polish can also cause discolouration due to nail damage. Frequent gel manicures can weaken nails, making them more susceptible to discolouration. The removal process, which often involves soaking nails in acetone, can dry out and damage nails, making them more prone to discolouration. This is especially true if the gel is forcefully scraped off, as this can cause tremendous and sometimes irreversible damage to the nail bed and cuticle matrix.
To prevent discolouration, it is important to prioritise regular maintenance and practice proper nail care. This includes taking breaks between gel manicures, allowing nails to recover and rehydrate. During these breaks, it is recommended to apply moisturising products to the nails and cuticles to minimise brittleness and prevent chipping. Additionally, when removing gel polish, it is important to follow the correct techniques, such as gently soaking only the fingertips in acetone, to minimise potential damage to the nails.
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Gel manicures can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin ageing
While gel manicures can give you a long-lasting, chip-free nail look, they can also have some negative effects on your nails and skin. One of the main concerns is the increased risk of skin cancer and premature skin ageing due to the UV light exposure during the curing process.
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The removal of gel nails is very traumatic to the nail plate
The problem arises when it's time to remove the gel. The gel must be soaked in acetone for about 10 minutes to loosen the bond. Acetone is extremely drying to the skin and nails, and can result in cracking and fissuring of the fingertips. It is important to note that the longer the gel manicure is left on, the more difficult it is to remove the gel polish, which can further increase the damage to the nail plate.
To avoid damage to the nail plate, it is recommended to leave gel nails to professionals who can safely and gently remove them. It is also important to wait at least two to three weeks between gel manicures to allow the nails to recover. In addition, proper nail care techniques should be followed, such as applying cuticle oil and moisturizers to nourish and hydrate the nails and cuticles.
While gel nails can be beneficial, protecting the nail from daily bumps and nicks, the incorrect methods for removal or infilling can cause damage to the nail plate. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize regular maintenance and proper nail care to ensure the health of your natural nails.
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Gel manicures can weaken nails
Secondly, the gel layer can inhibit proper airflow and hydration to the nails, leading to increased brittleness, peeling, and splitting. Over time, this may result in breakage of the natural nail. Prolonged exposure to gel polish, especially with UV exposure, can also lead to yellowing or discolouration of the nails due to the pigments in the gel reacting with the natural keratin.
To maintain healthy nails while enjoying gel manicures, it is recommended to take breaks between applications. This allows time for the nails to repair and rehydrate. During these breaks, it is beneficial to apply moisturising products to the nails and cuticles to minimise brittleness and prevent chipping. Cuticle oil is highly recommended as it helps to nourish and hydrate the cuticles, promoting healthy nail growth and preventing issues such as hangnails and dry, cracked cuticles. Additionally, it is important to prioritise proper nail care and follow correct removal techniques to minimise damage to the nails.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you get a gel manicure no more frequently than every two weeks and not for more than two months at a time. Give yourself a two-month break before starting again.
Leaving gel nails on for too long can lead to a variety of issues, including weakened nails, nail discoloration, and increased brittleness.
To care for your nails in between gel manicures, dermatologists recommend trying not to wear nail polish for one to two weeks or longer. You can also apply a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily to minimize brittleness and help prevent your nails from chipping.
Before getting a gel manicure, apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands to prevent skin cancer and premature skin aging. You can also put on dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips snipped off before your nail polish is applied.
When it's time to remove your gel nails, choose a safe and gentle removal process. Avoid peeling or picking at the gel, as this can cause damage to the natural nail. Only soak your fingertips in acetone and use cotton balls to remove the polish.
