Caleb Foster
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those wanting long-lasting, beautiful nails. However, they have been known to have adverse effects on the health of both nails and skin. The curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to skin cancer. Additionally, the removal process can be damaging to nails, with issues such as cracking, peeling, dryness, and thinning reported. Some people also experience white spots, grooves, and an overall weakening of the nail plate. While gel manicures may not be the healthiest option, there are ways to mitigate potential harm, such as applying sunscreen to the hands before exposure to UV light and moisturising extensively afterward.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pros | Long-lasting, beautiful |
| Cons | Tough on nails, may cause nail brittleness, peeling, cracking, thinning, dryness, white spots, cuts, ridges, and sensitivity, increased risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging |
| Prevention/Treatment | Wear sunscreen, moisturize extensively, use cuticle oil, do not remove cuticles, do not pick at nail polish, only soak fingertips in acetone, use cotton balls to remove polish, take breaks between manicures, apply a moisturizing product such as petroleum jelly, do not mix product lines, use nail polish holiday |
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What You'll Learn
Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, cracking, and dryness
Gel manicures can have negative effects on your natural nails, causing them to become brittle, dry, and prone to peeling, cracking, and thinning. The process of removing gel polish can be particularly damaging, with many people reporting issues such as nail plate weakening, white spots, and grooves. These problems can take months to rectify as the damaged nail must be allowed to grow out.
The drying and hardening effect of gel manicures can cause nails to become dehydrated and brittle, leading to peeling and cracking. This is especially true if you're not allowing sufficient time between manicures for your nails to recover. It's important to give your nails a break from polish now and then, and to keep them moisturized with products like petroleum jelly when they're not polished.
The prep work involved in gel manicures can also be detrimental. Filing and buffing the nail plate can thin it out, making it more susceptible to damage. This is a concern even if you go for regular fills, but if you remove the gel completely, you may experience sensitivity as your natural nails will have been stripped of their protective layers.
Additionally, the curing process of gel manicures involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin aging and lead to an increased risk of skin cancer. This is a concern not only for your nails but also for the skin of your hands, which is why dermatologists recommend applying sunscreen or wearing UV-protective gloves before undergoing a gel manicure.
While gel manicures can provide a beautiful and long-lasting look, it's important to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to minimize damage. This includes being proactive with your manicurist, ensuring proper removal techniques, and giving your nails some polish-free time to recover.
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The removal process can damage natural nails
Gel polish can leave nails dry and brittle, especially if sufficient time is not allowed between manicures for nails to recover. To prevent this, try not to wear nail polish for one to two weeks or longer. This will allow your nails time to repair. Applying a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily will also help to minimise brittleness and prevent nails from chipping.
It is important to note that the filing required to remove gel polish can thin your nail plate. Therefore, it is recommended to only buff or lightly file off the shiny top of the gel to help the acetone penetrate through. It is also important to regularly check that you are not filing too close to your natural nail.
If you are experiencing issues with your nails, such as splitting, dryness, or thinning, it is important to give them some extra care. Cut your nails down and keep them moisturised with cuticle oil. While you cannot make a nail thicker or fix damage that has already been done, you can create a more hospitable environment for new growth.
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Gel manicures can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging
Gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting. However, they can be tough on nails and can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking. Dermatologists recommend taking breaks between gel manicures to allow your nails to repair and rehydrate.
While the gel polish itself is not associated with an increased risk of cancer, the lamps and light boxes used to seal the polish are a cause for concern. These lamps emit high levels of UVA radiation, which plays a significant role in the development of skin cancer. The level of risk depends on the frequency of manicures, with repeated use increasing the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging.
To protect your hands from UVA exposure during gel manicures, you can apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before your manicure. You can also wear dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips cut off during the application process. Additionally, consider using an LED light, which hardens the polish faster, reducing your exposure time to UV radiation.
It is important to note that while these precautions can help reduce the risk, the only way to completely avoid the potential dangers of gel manicures is to opt for traditional nail polish or limit gel manicures to special occasions.
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Prep work (filing) can thin the nail plate
Gel manicures can be tough on nails, causing brittleness, peeling, and cracking. However, the gel itself does not damage your nails; rather, it is the preparation of the nail beforehand that can cause thinning of the nail plate.
The surface of the nail plate is covered in oils that our bodies naturally produce, as well as external substances such as those found in moisturizers, soaps, or detergents. These oils must be removed before applying gel polish, as any area that is still "'shiny' will not adhere to the gel and will result in lifting.
To remove these oils, a fine-grit file is used to buff and remove the oily glaze on top of the nail plate. This process can lead to over-filing, which can thin the nail plate and cause sensitivity. It is important to be cautious when filing the sidewalls of the nail plate, as this can reduce the width and overall strength of the nail, making it overly flexible and prone to bending and breaking.
To avoid over-filing, it is recommended to use a gentle 180-240 grit file and to regularly check that you are not filing too close to your natural nail. Stop filing once you reach the color coat to prevent thinning the nail plate.
Additionally, it is important to note that the removal process of gel nails can be damaging to natural nails. It is recommended to have the polish removed by a manicurist rather than picking at it or using other nails or tools. Soaking only the fingertips in acetone or using cotton balls can help remove the gel polish without damaging the surrounding skin.
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UV exposure from curing lamps can be harmful
While gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, the UV exposure from curing lamps can be harmful. The curing process involves repeated exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to skin cancer. This is similar to the risk posed by tanning beds, which also use UVA light. Even LED lamps, which are marketed as a safer alternative, emit UV radiation.
The amount of UV radiation exposure from gel manicures is small compared to other sources, such as driving to the salon. However, it is important to consider how much we use our hands and how rarely we protect them from UV light. To put it into perspective, the UV light used to seal gel nail polish contributes to the risk of skin cancer and premature skin ageing on the hands.
To protect your hands from UV exposure during a gel manicure, you can take several precautions. Firstly, apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before the nail-painting process. Mineral sunscreens containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are recommended as they act faster than chemical sunscreens. Alternatively, you can wear UV-protective fingerless gloves, which expose your nail bed while shielding the rest of your hand.
In addition to the UV exposure risks, gel manicures can also cause nail damage during the removal process. Improper removal can lead to nail brittleness, peeling, cracking, and sensitivity. Therefore, it is crucial to be cautious and proactive when considering gel manicures and their potential impact on nail and skin health.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, gel nails can damage natural nails. The removal process can be tough on nails, causing brittleness, peeling, cracking, and sensitivity. However, some people report no issues with gel nails.
The removal process involves scraping or filing off the gel polish, which can leave nails thin, rough and ridged with cuts.
To care for your nails after a gel manicure, dermatologists recommend taking a break from nail polish for one to two weeks or longer. Applying a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times a day will also help to minimise brittleness and prevent chipping.
To protect your nails during a gel manicure, you can apply sunscreen to your hands before going under the curing lamp. You should also avoid cutting or pushing back your cuticles, as they protect your nails from infection.
Yes, there are several alternatives to gel manicures, including traditional manicures with regular nail polish, peel-off polish, gel-effect polish, and non-toxic natural nail polish.
