Caleb Foster
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those seeking long-lasting, chip-free, and low-maintenance nail polish. However, there are concerns about their potential impact on nail health. While gel polish itself is unlikely to affect natural nails, improper removal or back-to-back applications can weaken or damage them. UV light exposure during the curing process has also been linked to possible skin damage, although the research is limited and inconclusive. To minimise harm, it is recommended to allow nails to repair between applications, seek professional application and removal, and choose reputable salons that use high-quality, tested products.
Does gel color damage nails?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Damage to nails | Gel nail polish can damage nail health, but only if proper aftercare instructions are not followed |
| Gel polish removal | Improper removal can weaken or damage nails |
| Back-to-back gel appointments | Should be avoided to prevent lasting damage |
| Gel polish removal at home | Experts advise against it |
| Removal process | Nails are soaked in acetone, wrapped in tin foil, and then the gel is pushed off the nail plates |
| Acetone | Can be extremely drying to the nail bed, causing nails to break or become brittle over time |
| Hard gels vs soft gels | Hard gels are more damaging than soft gels |
| UV light | Exposure to UV light can contribute to skin damage |
| Cost | A basic one-color gel manicure can range from $30-60 |
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What You'll Learn
Hard gels are more damaging than soft gels
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those seeking a high-shine, long-lasting, chip-free, and low-maintenance nail look. However, it is important to consider the potential impact of gel nail polishes on nail health. While gel polish itself is unlikely to affect natural nails, improper removal can weaken or damage them.
Hard gel and soft gel nail polishes offer varying levels of durability and strength, catering to different needs and preferences. Hard gel nail polish is renowned for its exceptional strength and durability, making it ideal for those seeking long-lasting manicures with intricate nail art or extended nail length. The compact structure of hard gel molecules creates a solid, inflexible layer that can withstand significant wear and tear. However, this very strength also makes hard gel more challenging to remove, typically requiring filing or aggressive scraping for elimination. This removal process can be time-consuming and potentially damaging to the natural nail bed if not performed by a professional.
On the other hand, soft gel nail polish is known for its flexibility and ease of removal. Soft gel manicures are generally more cost-effective and convenient, as they can be applied and removed at home. The loosely bound molecules in soft gels allow acetone, a solvent, to penetrate and break down the gel, enabling removal through soaking. This gentler removal process makes soft gels a popular choice for those who frequently change their nail designs. While soft gels may not last as long as hard gels, they still offer more longevity than traditional nail polishes.
To minimize potential damage to your nails, it is advisable to allow your natural nails to recover between applications of artificial nails. Additionally, seeking professional assistance for the application and removal of hard gel nail polish can help ensure the health and well-being of your nails. Ultimately, the choice between hard gel and soft gel nail polishes depends on your specific needs, with hard gel catering to those seeking superior durability and soft gel providing a more natural look and feel with less commitment.
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Gel manicures require exposure to UV light
Gel manicures are known to require exposure to UV light, which can have adverse effects on the skin. UV nail lamps are used to cure the polish, and this process is essential to achieving a gel manicure. Without UVA exposure, the gel polish will not polymerize, and the manicure will not be successful.
UVA rays are the most mutagenic wavelength range of the UV spectrum, penetrating the skin more deeply than UVB rays. This deep penetration has been linked to skin cancer development and premature skin aging, including wrinkles and sun spots. The hands and fingers are particularly sensitive to UV light damage due to the thinner skin in these areas.
Research has indicated a correlation between UV nail lights and the development of skin cancer. A 2017 study found that some nail melanomas contained mutations with a UV signature, suggesting that UV exposure may play a role in nail melanoma. Additionally, a study published in Nature Communications found that UV nail dryer radiation can damage DNA and cause permanent cell mutations, increasing the risk of skin cancer.
While the occasional gel manicure is unlikely to cause long-term harm, frequent visits can lead to increased UV exposure and potential health risks. To minimize the risk of skin damage or cancer, it is recommended to limit gel manicures and opt for traditional nail polish instead. If you choose to get a gel manicure, applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher beforehand can provide some protection.
It is also worth noting that there are alternative manicure options that do not require UV light exposure, such as dip powders, which can provide a durable and long-lasting manicure without the same health concerns.
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Picking at gel polish can cause nail damage
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.
The curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin aging and DNA damage that may lead to cancer. The UV exposure from the curing lamps can also increase UV-induced skin damage.
In addition to the risks associated with UV exposure, the chemicals in gel nail polish can cause allergic reactions such as rashes and hives. Improper removal of gel polish can also temporarily damage your nails. Picking at your gel polish is not recommended as it can cause further nail damage. When the color begins to lift or come off, avoid the temptation to pick at the polish with your nails or tools.
Instead, make an appointment with your manicurist to have the polish removed properly. Soaking your fingertips in acetone or using cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrapped in aluminum foil will help ensure that only your nails come into contact with the acetone.
If you have picked off your gel manicure, it is important to care for your nails to help them recover. Taking a break from nail polish will give your nails time to repair and rehydrate. Applying a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly or cuticle oil, will help minimize brittleness and prevent your nails from chipping. Gently buffing your nails can also help even out the nail plates and prevent further peeling.
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Gel manicures should be removed after two to three weeks
While gel manicures can last for a few weeks, it is recommended that they are removed after two to three weeks to prevent damage to your natural nails. This timeframe is supported by nail experts and based on the average growth and wear and tear of nails. Going beyond this period increases the risk of breakage as your nails continue to grow and the manicure starts to chip.
Gel manicures offer a high-shine finish and a protective layer for your nails, making them a popular choice for those seeking a long-lasting and chip-free option. However, it is important to be mindful of the potential impact on nail health. To minimise damage, it is advisable to allow your natural nails to repair and breathe between gel manicures. This means taking a break for at least a few days before applying gel again.
The removal process plays a crucial role in maintaining nail health. Improper removal, such as picking, peeling, or aggressive scraping, can weaken or damage your nails. It is recommended to visit a professional nail technician to ensure proper removal techniques are followed. When removing gel polish, it should come off easily after soaking, and there should be no need for scraping, buffing, or filing. If you intend to remove the gel polish yourself at home, be cautious and gentle to avoid damaging your nail bed.
Additionally, it is important to select reputable salons that use high-quality, tested products and follow proper curing techniques. UV lamps, used to cure the gel polish, should be properly calibrated, and LED lamps are generally considered a safer alternative to UVA lamps. Taking these factors into consideration can help ensure a healthier experience for your nails.
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Gel polish can be removed with acetone
While gel manicures can give you a high-shine, long-lasting, chip-free, and low-maintenance finish, they can also damage your nail health. To minimise this damage, it is important to allow your natural nails time to repair between applications and to go to a professional for the application and removal of the gel nails.
One way to remove gel polish is to use acetone. Pronto Pure Acetone is a 100% pure acetone product that can be used to remove gel polish. To use it, moisten a little cotton ball with the acetone, then massage the nail bed, pressing firmly from the cuticle to the nail tip, and wipe clean. You can also use cotton swabs to remove the polish from difficult areas.
Another product that can be used to remove gel polish is Easy Gel Polish Remover. This product is applied liberally on top of the gel polish, and the gel colour will lift off the nail in 5 minutes. It is safe and ethical, being 5-free, vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free.
It is important to note that improper removal of gel polish can potentially weaken or damage your nails. Therefore, it is always advised to visit a professional to ensure proper care and maintenance. Additionally, seeking out reputable salons that prioritise using high-quality, tested products can further ensure healthier nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nail polish can weaken your nails if you don't follow proper aftercare instructions. It is recommended to allow your nails to repair between applications and to always have gel nail polish applied and removed by a professional.
It is recommended that you remove a gel manicure after two to three weeks to avoid damaging nail beds and cuticles.
The safest way to remove gel nail polish is by a professional. If you cannot make it to a salon, you can remove it yourself by first gently filing the top of the polish to remove the shine, which allows the acetone to penetrate and dissolve the gel more easily.
Hard gels are the traditional gels that are impermeable to acetone and need to be filed off. Soft gels are the newer 'soak-off' gels that can be removed without aggressive scraping.
Experts suggest keeping cuticle oil close at hand to combat nail dryness.
