Isla Bennett
There are differing opinions on whether nails need a break from gel polish. Some sources claim that it is unnecessary to let nails breathe because they are not alive and do not require oxygen to stay healthy. However, others suggest that taking breaks between manicures is beneficial to prevent nail damage, especially if there are signs of excessive buffing, improper removal, or other damage. This damage can include chipping and peeling nail beds, ragged cuticles, thinning of the nails, dryness, white spots, keratin granulation, ridges, splits, discoloration, and dehydrated cuticles. To maintain nail health, it is recommended to keep nails hydrated, avoid picking or biting them, and practice proper removal techniques.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Need for nails to breathe | Myth |
| Need for breaks between manicures | Recommended by some experts |
| Reasons for breaks | To prevent damage from acetone soaks, filing/buffing, and incorrect removal methods |
| Signs of damage | Chipping, peeling nail beds, ragged cuticles, thinning of nails, dryness, white spots, discoloration, ridges, splits, and dehydrated cuticles |
| Nail care during breaks | Keep nails hydrated, trim and file nails properly, avoid biting nails, and apply cuticle oil |
| Frequency of breaks | Every few days to a few weeks or months, depending on the extent of damage |
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What You'll Learn
Nails don't need to breathe
It is a common misconception that nails need to "breathe" between manicures. Nails are made up of non-living keratin, which is similar to hair, and therefore do not require oxygen to stay healthy. The nail bed, on the other hand, is living tissue and receives oxygen and nutrients from the blood supply, not the air. Painting your nails does not interfere with this process, so wearing nail polish does not affect your nail's ability to receive oxygen.
However, while nails themselves do not need to breathe, it is still beneficial to give them a break from gel polish. This is because the removal process for gel manicures can be harsh and physically damaging to the nail plate. Improper removal methods, such as picking or peeling off the polish, can cause damage to the nail. Additionally, if the surface of the nail is very rough after removal, there may be an increased chance of staining if the nails are immediately repainted. Therefore, it is recommended to take a break between gel manicures and properly care for your nails to maintain their health.
During breaks from gel polish, it is important to nourish and hydrate your nails. This can be done by applying cuticle oil and moisturizer to the nails and skin after polish removal. Cuticle oil can also be used to accelerate the waiting period between manicures, as it helps to strengthen and restore the health of the nails. In addition to cuticle oil, treating the skin with nourishing hand cream can also be beneficial.
While it is not necessary for the health of your nails, some people may choose to let their nails "breathe" to allow bacteria that has been sealed onto the nails to die off. This is especially relevant if you visit low-quality salons, as there is a risk of developing a fungal infection if bacteria are trapped under the polish. To prevent this, you can oil your nails after removing polish and then swipe them with isopropyl alcohol before repainting them.
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The importance of proper removal
While it is a myth that nails need to be left bare to be healthy, there are several reasons why proper removal of gel polish is important. Firstly, improper removal can cause damage to the nail plate, leading to issues such as keratin granulations, which manifest as rough and white patches on the nail's surface. This can be caused by excessive buffing or filing, which can also result in extreme heat or pain. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid mechanical and chemical removal methods that can be aggressive, such as vigorous scraping or prolonged acetone soaks, as these can dry out the nails, making them more brittle and prone to breakage.
Additionally, improper removal can introduce bacteria to the nails. When gel polish lifts, water can get underneath, creating a warm, damp, and dark environment that is ideal for bacterial growth. This can lead to the development of fungus and nail discolouration. To mitigate this, it is recommended to spray down nails with rubbing alcohol after washing hands if there is any lifting.
Proper removal of gel polish also involves nourishing the nails and cuticles afterward. Applying cuticle oil and moisturiser can help counteract the dehydrating effects of acetone and promote nail health. Cuticle oil can also prevent nail biting, which can further damage nails and introduce bacteria into the mouth.
Furthermore, proper removal techniques can help maintain the integrity of the nail structure. Instead of picking or peeling off gel polish, which can damage the nail surface, it is advisable to use a gentle, non-acetone remover and sanitised tools, such as cuticle nippers or nail clippers, to carefully remove any excess polish.
By following proper removal techniques, you can minimise the potential for damage and maintain the health and strength of your nails, ensuring they remain a canvas for expression through polish or au naturel.
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The role of nail health observation
Identifying Damage: It is important to periodically examine your natural nails to identify any signs of damage. Remove any nail polish and look for changes in colour, thickness, or visible damage. Signs of damage may include chipping and peeling nail beds, ragged cuticles, thinning of the nails, dryness, white spots, ridges, splits, and discolouration. If you notice any of these issues, it may be time to take a break from gel polish.
Hydration and Nutrition: Keeping your nails hydrated is essential for maintaining their health. Apply cuticle oil and moisturiser to nourish your nails and prevent dryness. Proper nutrition also plays a significant role in nail health, so ensure you are eating a well-balanced diet.
Proper Removal Techniques: Improper removal of gel polish can cause significant damage to your nails. Avoid forcefully prying off the gel polish and never pick or peel it off, as this can damage the nail surface. Instead, use gentle and effective removal methods, such as non-acetone removers, to minimise potential harm to your nails.
Frequency of Manicures: While there is no fixed rule, spacing out your gel manicures can give your nails a break and promote recovery. Consider taking a break of a few days or weeks between gel manicures to allow your nails to restore their natural strength and appearance.
Sanitation and Hygiene: Maintaining proper sanitation and hygiene practices is crucial for nail health. Use sanitised tools, such as cuticle nippers or nail clippers, to gently remove any excess nail pieces or hangnails. Additionally, be cautious when visiting salons for manicures, as poor techniques and sanitation can increase the risk of bacterial growth and nail damage.
In summary, the role of nail health observation is to identify any signs of damage, ensure proper hydration and nutrition, practice correct removal techniques, space out manicures, and maintain sanitation and hygiene. By observing these aspects, you can make informed decisions about when to take a break from gel polish and effectively care for your nail health.
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The impact of UV exposure
While it is a myth that nails need to be left bare to stay healthy, there are still some situations when it is better to leave the polish off for a while.
The appearance of your nails can also indicate that they need a break from gel polish. Signs of damage include chipping and peeling nail beds, ragged cuticles, thinning of the nails, dryness, white spots, and discoloration. If you notice any of these issues, it may be a good idea to take a break from gel polish for a few days or weeks.
Additionally, improper removal of gel polish can damage your nails. Aggressive methods, such as vigorous scraping or soaking your nails in acetone for too long, can lead to excessive dryness and brittleness. Therefore, it is crucial to take proper care of your nails and follow the correct removal techniques to minimize potential harm.
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The benefits of cuticle oil
While it is a common misconception that nails need to "breathe" and have time without polish to stay healthy, this is not the case. Nails are not alive and therefore do not require oxygen. However, there are times when it is beneficial to give your nails a break from gel polish, especially if your nails are showing signs of damage such as chipping and peeling nail beds, ragged cuticles, thinning, dryness, and white spots. This damage is not caused by the gel polish itself but rather by improper removal methods.
Cuticle oil is an essential part of nail care and can help to restore damaged nails to health. It is a moisturising product that helps to keep the nail flexible and the layers of keratin bonded together. It also hydrates the skin around the nail bed, reducing hangnails and preventing dryness, splitting, and cracking. Cuticle oil can also help to protect your nail polish for a lasting shine.
Cuticle oils are typically thin and absorb quickly into the skin. They are usually made up of a combination of different vegetable oils and sometimes contain vitamins and citric acid. Jojoba-based oils are often recommended as they can penetrate through the layers of keratin, whereas other oils may simply sit on top.
To use cuticle oil, apply a few drops onto each nail bed once or twice daily and massage into your cuticles. You can either dab your cuticles with a cotton ball or brush the oil on, depending on the product.
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Frequently asked questions
No, nails do not need to "breathe" as they are not alive and do not require oxygen to stay healthy.
It is not necessary to take a break from gel polish as long as your nails are healthy and you are taking proper care of them. However, some people choose to take breaks between manicures to let their nails recover from the acetone soaks, filing, and buffing that are required to remove gel polish.
There is no set rule on how often to take a break from gel polish. Some people take a break every few months, while others take a few days off from polish once a month or two. If you notice any signs of damage, such as chipping, peeling, ridges, or dryness, it may be a good idea to take a break and let your nails recover.
To keep your nails healthy while using gel polish, it is important to take proper care of your nails and follow the correct removal and infilling techniques. Avoid picking, biting, or peeling off your gel polish, as this can damage the surface of your nails. Instead, use a non-acetone remover to limit dehydration. Applying cuticle oil and moisturizer can also help to keep your nails and skin nourished.
