Caleb Foster
Gel manicures are a popular alternative to traditional manicures as they are long-lasting, glossy, and resistant to chipping. However, there are concerns about whether you need healthy nails to apply gel nail polish and whether the gel manicure process can damage your nails. While some people claim that gel manicures have helped their nails grow and prevented breakage, others argue that improper application and removal can lead to nail trauma and thinning. Thus, it is essential to take certain precautions and follow proper techniques to maintain nail health when opting for gel manicures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Durability | Lasts much longer than regular nail polish |
| Application Process | Not totally different from the application of traditional polish, except for the curing process under UV-emitting lamps |
| Removal Process | Requires acetone soak-off, or other methods such as cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrapped in aluminum foil |
| Health Impact | Can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking |
| Health Impact | Increases the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging due to UV exposure |
| Aftercare | Requires proper removal techniques, moisturization, and nourishment with cuticle oil |
| Occasion | Recommended for special occasions only |
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What You'll Learn
- Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, cracking and thinning
- UV exposure from gel curing lamps can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin ageing
- Moisturising nails and cuticles is essential before and after gel manicures
- Gel manicures should be removed by a professional or following the correct procedure to avoid nail damage
- Back-to-back gel manicures can stress nails, so breaks are recommended
Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, cracking and thinning
While gel manicures are long-lasting, durable, and rarely chip, they can cause nail brittleness, peeling, cracking, and thinning. Dermatologists have warned that frequent use of gel manicures can lead to nail problems. The UV lamps used to cure or seal the polish are very powerful and can cause photo damage, increasing the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands. Additionally, acetone, which is required to remove gel polish, is drying to the nails and can irritate the surrounding skin.
To prevent and address nail brittleness, peeling, cracking, and thinning due to gel manicures, several precautions and remedies can be considered:
- Moisturize and Nourish: It is crucial to moisturize your hands and nails extensively after removing a gel manicure. Soak your nails in a warm lotion containing vitamin E, and apply cuticle oil or hand cream regularly. This helps repair damage, strengthen nails, and prevent dryness and chipping.
- Protect Your Skin: Before undergoing a gel manicure, apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands. This helps prevent skin cancer and premature aging caused by UV exposure during the curing process.
- Avoid Cuticle Manipulation: Instruct your manicurist not to push, cut, or manipulate the cuticles. Such actions can increase the risk of inflammation, infection, and dryness, compromising the health of your nails and surrounding skin.
- Consider Traditional Nail Polish: If you experience recurring nail problems or have an allergy to acetone, opt for traditional nail polish instead of gel. Acetone is necessary for removing gel polish and can be irritating to the skin and nails.
- Rehydrate Nails: Take breaks between gel manicures to allow your nails to repair. During these breaks, apply moisturizing products like petroleum jelly to your nails and cuticles several times daily to minimize brittleness and prevent chipping.
- Proper Removal: When removing gel nail polish, avoid picking, peeling, or using tools. Instead, soak only your fingertips in acetone or use acetone-soaked cotton balls wrapped in aluminum foil. This helps protect the surrounding skin and minimizes trauma to the nails.
- See a Dermatologist: If you notice unusual changes or persistent nail problems after gel manicures, consult a board-certified dermatologist for professional advice and treatment.
While gel manicures offer convenience and durability, it is important to be aware of their potential impact on nail health. By following the above precautions and remedies, you can help mitigate the negative effects and maintain the health and strength of your nails.
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UV exposure from gel curing lamps can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin ageing
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those wanting long-lasting, gorgeous nails. However, it's important to be aware of the potential risks associated with the UV lamps used in the curing process. While these lamps emit UV-A rays, which are safer than UV-C rays, overexposure to any type of UV light can have harmful effects on the skin.
The UV-emitting lamps used to cure gel nail polish can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin ageing on the hands. This is because, even though exposure times are brief, the lamps emit powerful UVA rays that can cause skin damage. To put this into perspective, Dr. Chris G. Adigun, a board-certified dermatologist and nail specialist, states that these lamps emit "UVA rays far more powerful than those emitted by the sun". As a result, it is crucial to take precautions when undergoing a gel manicure to minimise the risk of skin damage.
One way to protect your skin is to apply sunscreen before your gel manicure. This should be a broad-spectrum, water-resistant formula with an SPF of 30 or higher to ensure adequate protection. This will act as a barrier between your skin and the UV rays, reducing the potential for harm. Alternatively, you could wear dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips cut off during the curing process to physically block the UV rays from reaching your skin.
In addition to the risks posed to clients, nail technicians are also at risk of UV exposure. To protect themselves, nail professionals can utilise safety measures such as shields, goggles, glasses, face shields, gloves, and long sleeves. It is also important for nail technicians to use a radiometer to measure the light intensity of their curing lamps and ensure they are not exposing themselves or their clients to excessive UV radiation.
While gel manicures can be a great way to achieve long-lasting, beautiful nails, it is important to be mindful of the potential risks associated with UV exposure. By taking the necessary precautions, such as using sunscreen or protective gloves, you can minimise the potential for harm and safely enjoy the benefits of gel manicures.
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Moisturising nails and cuticles is essential before and after gel manicures
While gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, 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. Therefore, moisturising nails and cuticles is essential before and after gel manicures to keep your nails healthy.
Before a gel manicure, it is important to keep your nails and cuticles well-moisturised and nourished. You can use a variety of products, such as cuticle oil, hand cream, or petroleum jelly, to keep your nails and the surrounding skin hydrated. This will ensure that your nails are in optimal condition before the application of gel polish.
After a gel manicure, it is crucial to continue moisturising your nails and cuticles. The removal process can be drying and damaging to your nails, so applying a moisturising product several times a day will help minimise brittleness and prevent chipping. Choose a moisturising product that contains vitamin E, as this will help repair any damage and strengthen your nails. Additionally, consider using a warm lotion and indulging in a paraffin treatment to aid in the recovery process.
In between gel manicures, it is recommended to take a break from nail polish altogether for one to two weeks or longer. This will give your nails time to repair and recover. During this time, continue to moisturise your nails and cuticles regularly to maintain their health and promote strong nail growth.
Overall, while gel manicures can be a great option for long-lasting, chip-free nails, it is important to prioritise the health of your nails and cuticles. By moisturising before, during, and after gel manicures, you can help prevent damage, maintain nail strength, and promote healthy nail growth.
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Gel manicures should be removed by a professional or following the correct procedure to avoid nail damage
While gel manicures can be a great way to achieve long-lasting, gorgeous nails, they can also 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. Therefore, it is important to take steps to protect your nails before, during, and after your gel manicure.
One way to protect your nails is to ensure that your gel manicure is removed by a professional or by following the correct procedure. While it may be tempting to pick or scrape off the gel polish, doing so can damage your nails and cause white spots. Instead, it is recommended to let your nails grow out and clip them once a week to remove the gel nail polish gradually. This process can take about six months for fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails.
If you choose to remove your gel manicure at home, there are several steps you can take to avoid nail damage. First, it is important to use the correct tools and products. You will need acetone, cotton balls or pads, plastic wrap or aluminum foil, a cuticle pusher, and a nail file. Cuticle oil and a nail buffer are optional but can help keep your nails healthy. It is recommended to work on one hand at a time and to protect your work area with a cloth or plastic wrap to avoid stains and damage from acetone.
To remove the gel manicure, start by filing down the top coat of the gel polish on each nail. This will make it easier for the acetone to remove the polish. Next, soak a cotton ball or pad in acetone and place it on top of your nail. Then, wrap your nail with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to create a tight seal. Leave the wrap on for about 10 minutes, then remove it and gently wipe away any remaining polish with a warm, wet washcloth. Finally, wash your hands with gentle soap and water to remove any residual acetone.
It is important to note that acetone can be harsh on the skin and nails, so it is recommended to apply petroleum jelly to your cuticles and surrounding skin before starting the removal process. Additionally, be sure to choose a well-ventilated area when working with acetone, as it has a strong smell.
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Back-to-back gel manicures can stress nails, so breaks are recommended
While gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, 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. Therefore, it is important to care for your nails properly to keep them healthy.
To keep your nails healthy before, during and after gel manicures, it is important to follow some tips. Firstly, before getting a gel manicure, apply sunscreen 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 the colour begins to come off, do not pick at the polish or use other nails or tools to remove it. Instead, make an appointment with your manicurist to have the polish removed. Only soak your fingertips in acetone, protecting the surrounding skin.
Additionally, when removing gel polish, work carefully away from the cuticles to avoid harming the delicate skin around them. By moving in the direction of nail growth, you can protect your cuticles and maintain the overall health and appearance of your nails. It is also important to make sure your manicurist is cleaning and disinfecting tools after every client.
In conclusion, while gel manicures can be attractive and durable, they can negatively impact nail health if not properly cared for. To maintain healthy nails, it is recommended to take breaks between gel manicures and follow nail care tips before, during, and after the application and removal process.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you do not need healthy nails to get gel nails. In fact, some people use gel nails to protect their natural nails and help them grow. However, it is important to note that the gel manicure process can lead to dehydration and thinning of the nail plate.
To keep your nails healthy with gel polish, it is important to use proper application and removal techniques. When removing gel polish, work carefully away from the cuticles to avoid harming the delicate skin around them. You should also avoid picking at and peeling off your gel polish, as this can leave your nails thin, weak, and prone to breakage.
To care for your nails in between gel manicures, try not to wear nail polish for one to two weeks or longer. This will allow your nails time to repair. You should also rehydrate your nails by applying a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily.
Yes, there are healthier alternatives to gel manicures. One option is to use a non-drying nail prep that removes any dirt or oil, followed by a clear base coat with polyurethane, a coloured lacquer, and a film-forming top coat. This system looks similar to a traditional gel manicure but does not require a UV lamp. Another alternative is to use a soft gel overlay, which can help support your natural nails.
