Caleb Foster
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those seeking a long-lasting, chip-free manicure. While they can provide a beautiful and durable finish, there are concerns about their potential impact on nail health. Some people have reported experiencing nail brittleness, peeling, cracking, and thinning nail beds after repeated gel manicures. Additionally, the UV light exposure during the curing process has been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. However, with proper care and the right products, it is possible to maintain healthy nails while enjoying gel manicures. This includes practicing good nail care, using builder gel for added strength, and following tips from dermatologists to minimize potential negative effects.
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What You'll Learn
- Before your gel manicure, apply sunscreen to prevent skin ageing and cancer
- Ask your manicurist about tool sterilisation and disinfection to ensure nail health
- Opt for soft gel polish over hard gel polish to reduce nail damage
- Rehydrate nails with a moisturising product between polishes to prevent chipping
- Avoid forcefully scraping off gel polish during removal to prevent mechanical damage
Before your gel manicure, apply sunscreen to prevent skin ageing and cancer
Gel manicures may be beautiful and long-lasting, but they can be tough on your 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 your hands.
To keep your nails healthy before your gel manicure, dermatologists recommend applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands. This will help protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation used to seal gel nail polish to the nail, reducing the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging.
When selecting a sunscreen, look for products with the Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation to ensure safe and effective protection. Apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors, and reapply every two hours. If you are unable to find sunscreen, you can also protect yourself from UV radiation by wearing protective clothing with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) 50+ or seeking shade between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun's rays are strongest.
In addition to sunscreen, there are other ways to care for your nails before your gel manicure. Try to give your nails a break from polish for one to two weeks or longer to allow them to repair and rehydrate. Apply a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily to minimize brittleness and help prevent chipping.
Remember, when it comes to gel manicures, moderation is key. If you are concerned about nail damage, consider opting for traditional nail polish instead of gel, especially if your nails are already thin or brittle.
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Ask your manicurist about tool sterilisation and disinfection to ensure nail health
When getting a manicure, it is important to ensure that the tools used are properly sterilised and disinfected to maintain nail health and prevent the spread of diseases. Here are some detailed steps and procedures to ensure tool sterilisation and disinfection:
Cleaning
Before disinfection or sterilisation, cleaning is the first step in ensuring nail health. It involves physically removing any debris, such as dust or dirt, from the tools and equipment using soap and water. This step is crucial as debris can interfere with the effectiveness of the disinfection and sterilisation processes.
Disinfection
Disinfection is the process of destroying pathogenic microorganisms, including most bacteria, viruses, spores, and fungi, on surfaces. It is achieved through the use of disinfectant solutions like Barbicide or Mundo, which must be used according to the manufacturer's instructions. To properly disinfect tools, they should be fully submerged in the disinfectant solution for at least 10 minutes. Additionally, ensure that the manicure table and other surfaces are wiped down with disinfectant wipes or sprays, such as Mundo's Multi-Surface Disinfectant Wipes or Barbicide Surface Spray.
Sterilisation
Sterilisation is a more intensive process that eliminates or kills all forms of life, including transmissible agents like viruses, bacteria, fungi, and spores. Sterilisation is typically performed on metal tools such as scissors, cuticle pushers, and cuticle nippers. It can be achieved through various methods, including chemicals, high pressure, heat, irradiation, and filtration. Reputable manufacturers offer products like hospital-approved Autoclaves, UV sterilisers, and sterilising solutions.
Following Guidelines and Regulations
It is important to follow the guidelines and regulations set by relevant authorities. For example, in the UK, the HABIA legislation provides guidelines for cleaning, disinfection, and sterilisation that should be adhered to.
Being Proactive with Your Manicurist
When getting a manicure, be proactive and ask your manicurist about their sterilisation and disinfection practices. Inquire if they sterilise their tools and observe if they are cleaning and disinfecting the tools after each client. Additionally, ensure that your manicurist does not push or cut your cuticles, as this can lead to inflammation and infection.
By following these steps and procedures, you can ensure that the tools used during your manicure are properly sterilised and disinfected, maintaining nail health and reducing the risk of spreading diseases.
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Opt for soft gel polish over hard gel polish to reduce nail damage
Gel manicures can be tough on nails, causing brittleness, peeling, and cracking, and increasing the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. However, with proper care and informed choices, you can reduce nail damage and enjoy the benefits of a gel manicure. One way to do this is to opt for soft gel polish over hard gel polish.
Soft gel polish and hard gel polish differ primarily in their removal process and the length and shape they offer. Soft gel polish can be easily removed with acetone, while hard gel requires filing and is more challenging to take off. If you plan to change your nail colour frequently, soft gel is a better option as it minimises the potential damage from aggressive scraping during removal.
Soft gel polish is also a healthier choice for your nails. Hard gels are more damaging to the nails, and improper removal can lead to natural nail degradation. Soft gels, on the other hand, are the newer, more nail-friendly option. They can be removed without the need for excessive filing or buffing, which can weaken your nails.
Additionally, soft gel polish can be applied directly to your natural nails without extensions. It performs like a gel but applies like traditional nail polish, providing a glossy, long-lasting finish. Soft gel polish dries under a UV or LED lamp and can be worn for up to two weeks, protecting your natural nails and making it ideal for those with weak or brittle nails.
While soft gel polish is a healthier choice, it's important to remember that moderation is key. Give your nails breaks between manicures and rehydrate them with moisturising products to keep them strong and healthy.
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Rehydrate nails with a moisturising product between polishes to prevent chipping
Gel manicures may be beautiful and long-lasting, but they can be tough on nails. The application and removal processes can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.
To keep your nails healthy, it is recommended to take breaks between gel manicures and to rehydrate your nails with a moisturising product. This will minimise brittleness and help prevent your nails from chipping.
There are many products on the market designed to strengthen and moisturise your nails. Look for ingredients such as biotin, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, rosemary oil, and safflower oil. You can also use petroleum jelly, which can be applied several times daily to your nails and cuticles.
Additionally, consider using a base coat and a top coat when painting your nails. A high-quality nourishing base coat will protect your nails from stains, fill ridges, and strengthen your nails, leading to a smoother polish application and reducing the likelihood of chipping. A top coat will help seal in your manicure and protect it from chipping, while also adding a glossy shine.
Remember, moderation is key when it comes to gel manicures. Taking care of your nails in between gel manicures will help ensure your nails stay healthy and strong.
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Avoid forcefully scraping off gel polish during removal to prevent mechanical damage
While gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails and may cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking. To keep your nails healthy, it is important to take care of them before, during, and after gel manicures.
One crucial aspect of maintaining nail health is to avoid forcefully scraping off gel polish during removal. Here are some tips to prevent mechanical damage during this process:
- Avoid picking or forcefully scraping off the gel polish: This can cause significant mechanical damage to your nails, including nail injury and the appearance of white spots. Instead, allow the gel polish to soften thoroughly with an acetone-based remover before gently pushing it off.
- Opt for soft gels: Hard gels are more damaging to nails as they require filing, while soft gels are 'soak-off' gels that can be removed without aggressive scraping.
- Be patient during removal: Allow enough time for the acetone to soften the gel polish before removing it. If you start scraping off the polish too quickly, your nails may get damaged.
- Use the proper tools and techniques: Seek the help of a professional nail technician who has the right tools and knowledge to remove gel polish correctly. They will be able to remove the top coat more thoroughly, allowing acetone to penetrate and soften the colour gel more effectively.
- Protect your nails: Before applying acetone, cover your cuticles and the surrounding skin with a thin layer of petroleum jelly. This will create a protective barrier and minimize the potential irritation and damage acetone can cause to your skin.
- Take a break between gel manicures: Give your nails time to repair and rehydrate by taking a break of one to two weeks or longer between gel manicures. This will help minimize brittleness and prevent your nails from chipping.
By following these tips and being mindful of the removal process, you can help prevent mechanical damage to your nails and maintain their health and strength.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel manicures can be bad for your nails, especially if you have thin or brittle nails. They can cause nail thinning, brittleness, peeling, and cracking. However, some sources claim that the modern gel polish formula alone is harmless, and that the damage caused by gel manicures is mainly mechanical, occurring during the application and removal process.
To keep your nails healthy, dermatologists recommend taking breaks of one to two weeks or longer between gel manicures to allow your nails to repair and rehydrate. You can also apply a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly or cuticle oil, to your nails and cuticles several times a day to minimise brittleness and prevent chipping. Additionally, it is important to be proactive with your manicurist by asking if their tools are sterilised and ensuring that they are cleaning and disinfecting their tools after each client.
If you are concerned about the potential negative effects of gel manicures, you can opt for traditional nail polish instead. Traditional nail polish does not last as long as gel polish, but it does not require acetone for removal, which can dry out your nails.
To prioritise the health and well-being of your nails, it is recommended to research different gel polish brands and seek out reputable salons that use high-quality, tested products. Additionally, when removing gel polish, it is important to avoid forcefully scraping off the product and instead allow it to release. You can also use a gel nail polish remover to avoid the step of soaking your nails in acetone.
