Noah Sinclair
While it is a common belief that nails need to breathe between manicures, this is a myth. Nails derive oxygen and nutrients from the blood supply, not the air. However, it is still important to give your nails breaks between gel manicures to prevent damage. Gel manicures can be more physically damaging to remove than regular polish, and improper removal can lead to mechanical or chemical damage. This includes vigorous scraping or prolonged soaking in acetone, which can cause nails to become dry, brittle, and discoloured. Therefore, it is recommended to take breaks between gel manicures and to seek professional removal to reduce the risk of surface damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do Nails Need to Breathe? | Nails do not need to breathe as they get oxygen and nutrients from the blood supply and not the air. |
| Do Nails Need Breaks in Between Manicures? | While nails do not need to breathe, it is recommended to give them breaks in between manicures to keep them healthy and strong. |
| How Often Should Nails be Given a Break? | There is no prescriptive approach, but experts recommend taking a few days' break from polish once every month or two. |
| How to Care for Nails During Breaks? | During breaks, it is important to keep nails hydrated and avoid picking at cuticles. Cuticle oil can be applied daily to help nails grow back stronger and healthier. |
| How to Remove Gel Nails Safely? | Soaking nails in acetone for too long can cause nails to dry out and become brittle. It is recommended to use a gentle, professional removal process to reduce the risk of surface damage. |
| Signs of Nail Damage | Keratin granulation (rough and white patches), peeling, ridges and splits, discoloration, and dehydrated cuticles. |
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What You'll Learn
Nails do not need to breathe
While some sources suggest that you should take breaks in between gel manicures, it is not because your nails need to "breathe". Nails are made of dead tissue and do not have lungs, so they do not need to breathe. Instead, they derive oxygen and nutrients from the blood supply.
However, it is important to give your nails breaks in between manicures to prevent damage. The removal process for gel and acrylic manicures can be physically damaging to the nail, and improper removal can lead to mechanical and chemical damage. Mechanical damage can be caused by rough removal, such as vigorous scraping, while an example of chemical damage is soaking nails in acetone for too long, which can cause nails to dry out and become more brittle.
There are five main signs that your nails need a break from manicures: the appearance of keratin granulation (rough and white patches on the surface of the nail), peeling, ridges and splits, discolouration, and dehydrated cuticles. If you notice any of these signs of damage, it is important to give your nails a break and let them grow out before your next manicure. This usually takes about six months.
During your break, it is important to keep your nails hydrated and to resist the urge to pick at your cuticles. You can use a cuticle oil to add hydration and prevent further biting and picking, which can further damage nails.
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Potential radiation risk from UV nail lamps
While it is a good idea to give your nails breaks in between manicures, this is not because they need to "breathe". Nails derive oxygen and nutrients from the blood supply, not the air. However, breaks are necessary to prevent damage to the nail plate from improper prep and removal. Vigorous scraping and prolonged acetone exposure can cause mechanical and chemical damage, respectively, resulting in brittle, discoloured nails.
UV nail lamps, which are used to cure and dry nail polish, have raised concerns about potential cancer risks. These lamps emit ultraviolet radiation, predominantly in the form of UVA rays, which have been linked to premature skin ageing and skin cancer. A 2014 study in JAMA Dermatology found that the level of UVA exposure from a gel manicure every two weeks is probably not high enough to significantly increase the risk of skin cancer. However, it is still wise to be aware of the issue and take precautions.
To protect yourself from potential radiation risks when using UV nail lamps, it is recommended to apply a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen to your hands 20 minutes before exposure. Wearing fingerless gloves during the procedure can also help shield your skin from UV radiation. While LED lamps are sometimes marketed as a safer alternative, it is important to note that they also emit ultraviolet radiation, primarily in the form of UVA.
The nail plate does block UVB light, and only minimal UVA penetration occurs. Additionally, there is a lack of case studies directly linking UV nail lamps to skin cancers. However, some studies have found strong evidence of a potential cancer risk, and the mutagenic potential of UV lamps remains a concern. As such, it is crucial to be mindful of the duration of UV irradiation and take appropriate protective measures.
In summary, while the occasional gel manicure is unlikely to significantly increase your cancer risk, it is still important to be cautious. By taking breaks between manicures and using sunscreen or fingerless gloves during UV lamp exposure, you can help reduce any potential risks associated with UV nail lamps.
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Proper removal techniques to prevent damage
While it is not necessary for nails to "breathe", as they get their nutrients from the blood supply, it is still recommended to take breaks in between manicures. This is because the removal process of gel manicures can be physically damaging to the nail.
The Traditional Method
This method uses acetone to remove the gel nail polish. Firstly, work on one hand at a time and protect your work area with a cloth to avoid acetone stains. Cut 10 squares of aluminium foil, big enough for each fingertip, and 10 pieces of cotton ball to fit just the nail bed of each nail. Then, follow these steps:
- Use a coarse nail file to file down the gel top coat until it is no longer shiny and smooth.
- Soak each piece of cotton in acetone and place it on top of the nail.
- Wrap the nail with plastic food wrap to create a tight seal. Avoid wrapping too tightly to prevent cutting off circulation.
- Leave the plastic wrap on for about 10 minutes.
- Remove the wrap and gently rub off any remaining polish with a warm, wet washcloth. Be careful to only rub the nail and not the surrounding skin.
- Wash your hands with gentle soap and water to remove the acetone.
Using a Gel Nail Polish Remover
This method is faster and gentler than the traditional method. It uses a gel nail polish remover instead of acetone. Follow these steps:
- Use a coarse nail file on the top coat layer until it is no longer shiny and smooth.
- Apply a thick layer of gel polish remover to your gel nails, avoiding the skin.
- Allow the remover to soak for about 5 minutes.
- Use a metal cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently push off the gel polish from each nail.
- Clean your nails with a nail buffer.
- Apply cuticle oil to rehydrate your cuticles and keep your nails healthy.
It is important to note that you should never pick, peel, or scrape off your gel nail polish as this can cause damage to the surface of your nails. Additionally, prolonged soaking in acetone can dry out your nails and make them more brittle. Therefore, it is recommended to take breaks between gel manicures and let your nails grow out completely before your next one.
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The appearance of keratin granulation
While it is not necessary to let your nails "breathe" between manicures, it is still important to give them breaks. This is because the appearance of keratin granulation can be a sign of nail damage. Keratin granulation is characterised by rough and white patches on the surface of the nail, which is essentially extreme dehydration of the nails. This can be caused by wearing nail polish for too long, using nail polish remover too often, or exposing your nails to harsh or drying chemicals.
To treat keratin granulation, it is recommended to give your nails a several-week-long break from nail polish, nail polish remover, and chemicals. During this time, it is important to use moisturisers and/or hand creams to replenish the moisture balance of the nails. You can also prevent keratin granulation by letting your nails go bare for a few days between manicures and pedicures, avoiding extremely drying acetone nail polish remover, and staying hydrated.
It is important to note that while keratin granulation is mostly harmless, if left untreated for a long time, it can lead to toenail fungus. Therefore, it is best to get a sample of your nail tested in a lab before beginning any type of fungal medication.
Additionally, the removal process of gel manicures can be physically damaging to the nail plate, so it is critical to take breaks in between manicures if you notice any signs of damage. This includes the appearance of keratin granulation, as well as peeling, ridges and splits, discolouration, and dehydrated cuticles.
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Discolouration and dehydrated cuticles
Discolouration can occur when water and moisture enter the nail unit, leading to problems such as white patches, bumps, thickening, and discolouration. This can be caused by prolonged nail polish wear, improper prep, or removal. Rough removal techniques, such as vigorous scraping, and chemical damage from soaking nails in acetone for too long, can also contribute to discolouration.
Dehydrated cuticles are another concern. The cuticle area is delicate and can easily become dry, cracked, or peeling. This can allow bacteria to enter the nails and cause infections. Proper nail care is essential to address dehydrated cuticles. Exfoliating the nail before applying a thick ointment, such as through "nail slugging," can help trap moisture and promote healing. Cuticle oils can also be used, but they may be less effective as they can quickly rub off.
To treat dehydrated nails, products with a high content of keratin, arginine, tea tree oil, and hexanal can be applied to reduce microlamination and restore natural hydration. Strengthening treatments, such as the Beter Nail Care Strengthener, can also be used to provide firmness and hydration. Additionally, nail polishes like Youth Color Rejuvenating Nail Polish claim to protect nails from ageing and make them stronger and softer with each application.
Taking breaks between gel manicures is recommended to address discolouration and dehydrated cuticles. During these breaks, it is essential to keep nails hydrated and avoid picking at the cuticles. This allows the nails to regain strength and restore their natural moisture balance.
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Frequently asked questions
No, your nails do not need air to breathe as they get their oxygen and nutrients from your blood. However, there are times when you may want to give your nails a break. For example, if you have a fungal infection, discolouration, inflamed red cuticles, or cracks on your nails, you should get these issues professionally checked and resolved before applying gel nails.
There are five main signs that your nails need a rest from your weekly manicure appointments: the appearance of keratin granulation (rough and white patches on the surface of the nail), peeling, ridges and splits, discolouration, and dehydrated cuticles.
It's recommended to take a break from gel nails every few months to ensure your nails are in a good place strength-wise.
