Caleb Foster
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those wanting long-lasting, beautiful nails. However, the process of curing gel polish involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to skin cancer. Despite this, many people still opt for gel manicures, either at home or in a salon, due to their convenience and durability. In this discussion, we will explore the pros and cons of gel manicures, providing insights into the application and removal process, as well as alternatives to consider for nail care.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application process | Unlike regular nail polish, gel nail polish requires curing under a UV or LED lamp. |
| Durability | Gel manicures are long-lasting and resistant to smudging or chipping. |
| Health concerns | Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking. Repeated use of UV or LED lamps can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands. |
| Cost | A gel manicure at a nail salon can cost $50-$70 per visit, while an at-home gel manicure kit costs around $79 and can be used multiple times. |
| Time | At-home gel manicures save time by eliminating the need to commute to a salon. |
| Removal | Gel nail polish can be removed using nail polish remover clips, cotton balls soaked in acetone, or lint-free wipes. |
| Nail preparation | Nails should be cut, filed, and shaped before applying gel nail polish. Cuticles should be pushed back, and a nail buffer can be used to smooth the nail surface. |
| Base coat | A thin base coat is applied to the nails before the gel polish. Some gel polishes come with a specific primer instead of a base coat. |
| Top coat | A top coat is applied over the gel polish to provide a protective coating. Regular or gel-specific top coats can be used. |
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What You'll Learn
Gel manicures can be done at home
To get started, you will need an at-home gel manicure kit. These kits provide all the supplies required to apply and remove gel polish. A typical kit will include a UV or LED lamp, acetone, nail polish soak-off clips, a nail file, a steel cuticle remover and cutter, and nail clippers. You will also need a gel base coat, gel top coat, and gel nail polish.
Once you have your kit, start by cutting, filing, and shaping your nails. You can create round, square, pointy, almond, or oval nails, depending on your preference. Remember, unlike acrylic nails, you cannot shape gel nails once you've applied the polish, so this step is important. Next, clean up your cuticles with a cuticle stick and acetone. Push back any dead skin from your nail plate.
Now you're ready to apply your gel polish. Start with a thin base coat, ensuring you wipe off any excess on the surrounding skin. Cure the base coat under a UV or LED lamp for 1-2 minutes, or let it air dry for 10 minutes. Once dry, apply a thin layer of gel nail polish and cure under the lamp for 2 minutes. You can then add a second layer of gel polish and cure again. If needed, you can add a third coat and cure for another 2 minutes.
Finish your manicure with a gel top coat to protect your gel polish and add shine. Cure the top coat under the lamp for another 2 minutes. If there is any tackiness, you can remove it with isopropyl alcohol. Finally, buff your nails to smooth out any imperfections.
Gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, but they can also be tough on nails, causing brittleness, peeling, and cracking. It is important to care for your nails between gel manicures. Try taking a break from nail polish for a few weeks to allow your nails to repair, and apply moisturizing products to minimize brittleness and prevent chipping.
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The dangers of gel manicures
Gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, but they can also be tough on nails and skin. Here are some of the dangers associated with gel manicures:
Skin Cancer and Premature Skin Aging
The curing process of gel manicures involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin aging and DNA damage that may lead to skin cancer. This risk is elevated with repeated gel manicures. While LED lamps are often marketed as a safer alternative, it is important to note that they still emit UV radiation. To mitigate this risk, it is recommended to apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before the gel manicure process.
Nail Damage
Gel manicures can lead to nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking. The removal process, if not done carefully, can also cause temporary nail damage, including cracking, peeling, white spots, grooves, and an overall weakening of the nail plate. This damage can take months to resolve as the nail grows out. To minimize nail damage, it is important to allow time between manicures for your nails to recover and rehydrate.
Chemical Exposure
Gel nail polishes contain various chemicals that can be harmful. Even with proper application and curing, these chemicals are in close contact with your nails and skin for extended periods.
Cuticle Damage
The cuticle is your body's natural barrier against nail infections. During gel manicures, the cuticle is often pushed back or removed, leaving the nail vulnerable to infection.
Allergic Reactions
Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the chemicals in gel nail polishes. These reactions can range from skin irritation to more severe reactions.
In conclusion, while gel manicures can provide a long-lasting and attractive look, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers and take appropriate precautions. Moderation is key when it comes to gel manicures, and it is recommended to allow time for your nails to recover between manicures.
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Removing gel nail polish
Gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, but 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 ageing on the hands.
If you want to remove your gel nail polish, there are a few methods you can try. One popular method is to use acetone, which offers an effective way to remove gel nail polish at home. However, it can be harsh on your nails and skin, so it's important to be careful when using it. Here are the steps you can follow:
- Work in a well-ventilated area as acetone has a strong smell.
- Protect your work area with a cloth or plastic wrap to avoid stains and damage from the acetone.
- File the top layer of your gel nail polish with a nail file until it is no longer shiny and smooth.
- Soak cotton balls or pads in acetone and place them on your nails.
- Wrap your fingertips with aluminium foil or plastic food wrap to seal in the acetone. Make sure it's not too tight.
- Leave the wrap on for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the wrap and gently rub or scrape off the gel nail polish with a washcloth, cotton pad, or orangewood stick.
- Wash your hands with gentle soap and water to remove any remaining acetone.
Another option is to use a gel nail polish remover, which is simpler and less damaging to your nails. Here are the steps:
- File the top layer of your gel nail polish with a coarse nail file.
- Apply a thick layer of gel polish remover to your nails, avoiding your skin.
- Wait for 5 minutes or until the edges of the gel polish start to peel or crack.
- Use a metal cuticle pusher or orangewood stick to gently push off the gel polish.
- Clean your nails with a nail buffer.
If you want to avoid the hassle of removing gel nail polish, you can simply let your nails grow out and clip them once a week. This is a slow process, but it helps prevent damage to your nails.
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The best gel nail polish brands
Gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, but they can also be tough on nails, causing brittleness, peeling, and cracking. Despite this, there are still many gel nail polish brands on the market, with some of the best listed below.
Nails Inc
Nails Inc's gel nail polish formula contains the brand's "revolutionary plasticizer technology", which gives it a high-gloss finish. It dries quickly and smoothly, without the need for curing under UV light. However, it may not be the most durable option, as it started to chip the day after application and became unwearable by day four.
Londontown Lakur Enhance Color Nail Polish
This gel-like formula does not require curing and lacks the strong chemical smell of some other polishes. It provides a professional-quality, shiny, and smudge-free manicure, although it may not be the most long-lasting option, as it started to peel after five days.
Madame Glam Soak-Off Gel Polish
Madame Glam's gel polish has a thick jelly-like consistency and produces a creamy, salon-quality finish. It comes in 438 colours, the second most out of the twelve gels tested. It is durable, helping to reinforce small rips in natural nails.
V Beauty Gel Nail Polish Starter Kit
This vegan and cruelty-free formula is highly pigmented, providing full coverage in just two coats. It comes with a base coat, top coat, and your choice of colour. Each layer should be cured for 60 seconds under the brand's cordless LED lamp (sold separately).
Other notable mentions include Light Elegance, Beetles, AwsmColor, and OPI.
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Gel nail polish application process
Gel nail polish is a popular product that can be applied at home to achieve long-lasting, chip-resistant nails with a wide range of colours and finishes. However, it is important to note that gel manicures can be tough on nails, causing brittleness, peeling and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin ageing on the hands. Therefore, moderation is key when it comes to gel manicures.
To apply gel nail polish at home, you will need supplies such as a nail lamp (UV or LED), acetone, cotton balls, foil, a base coat, and your chosen gel nail polish. Here is a step-by-step guide on the gel nail polish application process:
Step 1: Prepare Your Nails
Start with clean, dry nails. Cut, file, and shape your nails into your desired shape, such as round, square, pointy, almond, or oval. Push back your cuticles and clean up any dead skin from your nail plate using a cuticle stick and acetone.
Step 2: Apply the Base Coat
Apply a super-thin layer of the base coat gel polish to your nails. Remember to work in smooth vertical strips and wipe off any base coat that gets on your surrounding skin. Cure the base coat under a UV or LED lamp for 1-2 minutes, or let your nails air dry for about 10 minutes. Some gel nail polishes come with a specific primer, so use that instead of a base coat if provided.
Step 3: Apply the Gel Polish
Once the base coat has dried completely, apply a thin layer of your chosen gel nail polish colour. Again, work in smooth vertical strips and avoid getting the polish on your cuticles or surrounding skin. Cure the first layer of gel polish under the lamp for about 2 minutes. Repeat this process for a second layer, which will look more opaque and colourful. You can also add a third coat if desired, especially for lighter polishes.
Step 4: Apply the Top Coat
Apply a top coat to protect the gel nail polish and increase its longevity. Coat your nails completely, including the tips, just like you did with the colour gel. Cure the top coat under a UV light for 2 minutes or an LED lamp for 30 seconds. Regular top coat products can be used, but there are also special gel top coats available.
Step 5: Remove Any Tackiness
Some gel methods leave a tacky, sticky layer on and around your nails after curing. If this happens, simply dip a cotton ball in isopropyl alcohol and gently blot each nail to remove the tackiness.
Step 6: Buff and Smooth
Use a nail buffer to smooth out the top layer of the clear coat, gently rubbing back and forth to remove any imperfections or excess top coat buildup.
Step 7: Care and Maintenance
To maintain your gel manicure and make it last longer, use a cuticle oil regularly to keep your nails hydrated. Avoid direct contact with water for at least an hour after application, and wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning. Reapply a top coat every few days to protect the colour.
Step 8: Removal
To remove your gel nail polish, soak cotton balls in acetone and wrap them around your nails with foil. Let them soak for at least 10 minutes, then the polish should come right off. Alternatively, you can use an at-home removal kit that combines acetone and creams to gently break down the gel polish without soaking or wrapping. Always remember to take nail polish holidays and rehydrate your nails between gel manicures to minimise brittleness and prevent chipping.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nails are a type of manicure that uses a gel-based polish and requires a UV or LED lamp to cure and harden the polish, resulting in a long-lasting, chip-resistant manicure.
To apply gel nail polish, start by cutting, filing, and shaping your nails. Push back your cuticles with a cuticle stick or the curved side of a nail file, and clean your nail plate. Apply a thin base coat, curing it under a lamp for 1-2 minutes. Follow with thin layers of gel polish, curing each layer. Finish with a top coat and cure again.
To remove gel nail polish, soak your fingertips in acetone or use acetone-soaked cotton balls wrapped in foil. After about 15 minutes, the polish should come off. Alternatively, there are nail polish remover clips and soak-off clips available.
Gel nails typically last for about two to three weeks without chipping or peeling, depending on the brand and your nail care routine.
While gel nails can look beautiful and last a long time, they have been associated with several health concerns. The curing process involves UV exposure, which can lead to skin aging, DNA damage, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Additionally, gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking if not properly cared for. It is recommended to allow nails to recover between manicures and to see a dermatologist if any issues arise.
