Sophia Delgado
Gel nail polish is a type of nail lacquer that requires curing or drying under a UV or LED light to achieve a hard and
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fading | Excess exposure to UV light from sunbeds, natural sunlight, chlorine, chemicals, and solvents can cause gel nail polish to fade and discolour. |
| Prevention | Applying two gel top coats can help deter UV rays from reaching the colour. Applying a clear nail polish over the gel polish can help prevent staining. |
| Curing | Gel nail polish requires specific UV or LED light exposure to cure effectively and achieve a durable, glossy finish. Natural sunlight does not emit the required wavelengths and intensity for curing. |
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What You'll Learn
The science behind why gel nail polish fades in the sun
Gel nail polish is a type of nail lacquer that requires curing or drying under a UV or LED light to achieve a hard and glossy finish. The curing process involves exposing the gel polish to specific wavelengths of light, usually around 365-405 nm, initiating a chemical reaction that transforms the liquid gel into a solid, durable layer on the nails. However, this process can also occur in natural sunlight, leading to discolouration and fading of the gel nail polish.
Sunlight contains UV rays, which are a form of pure energy. When these UV rays collide with certain chemical bonds in the colour pigments of the gel nail polish, they act like a pair of scissors cutting a thread. This collision causes the chemical structure of the colourant ingredient to change slowly, resulting in a permanent alteration of the colour. The more chemical bonds are broken by the UV rays, the greater the colour change will be.
While natural sunlight does not emit the precise wavelengths and intensity needed for gel polish to cure effectively, it can still cause the gel nail polish to fade or discolour over time. This is because the UV rays in sunlight are still interacting with the colour pigments, even if the process is slower and less intense than under a UV lamp. Additionally, sunlight is a bleaching agent, and when combined with other bleaching agents like chlorine, the fading effect can be doubled.
To prevent gel nail polish from fading in the sun, it is recommended to take precautions such as drying nails after swimming and avoiding excessive sun exposure. Applying a clear nail polish or a UV-absorbing top coat over the gel polish can also help deter UV rays from directly penetrating the colour. While these measures may not completely eliminate the issue, they can reduce the impact of UV exposure on the gel nail polish.
It is worth noting that certain colours, especially pinks and corals, seem to be more prone to fading than others due to the specific pigments used. This is not necessarily within the manufacturer's control, as they must adhere to pigment regulations, but it is helpful to be aware of when choosing a gel nail polish for a sunny vacation.
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How to prevent gel nail polish from fading in the sun
Although it is not common for gel nail polish to fade with normal sun exposure, abnormal amounts of sun exposure can cause discolouration and fading. This is because UV light causes the colour pigment to undergo a chemical change, resulting in the gel colour fading.
To prevent gel nail polish from fading in the sun, there are several precautions you can take:
- Avoid excess sun exposure, especially if you are going on holiday or will be exposed to abnormal amounts of sunlight.
- Dry your nails thoroughly after swimming and before sun exposure, as both chlorine and sunlight are bleaching agents that can double the fading effect.
- Wash your hands or wipe your nails immediately after applying insect repellent or sun tan lotion, as these contain DEET, which can dissolve and cause problems with gel polish.
- Apply two coats of a gel top coat to deter UV rays from penetrating the colour.
- If you are using chemicals such as insect repellent, hair dye, fake tan, or if you are a heavy smoker, wear gloves to protect your nails. If you don't want to wear gloves, apply a clear nail polish over the gel polish and reapply every few days or whenever you use the product.
- Use a UV top coat like Calgel's Calcrystal, which absorbs UV light to prevent fading.
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The effects of chlorine on gel nail polish
Gel nail polish is designed to be more durable and long-lasting than traditional nail polish. However, it is not entirely immune to external factors, and certain conditions can cause it to fade or discolour. One of the factors that can impact gel nail polish is chlorine. Chlorine can have a detrimental effect on gel nail polish, and the impact can be twofold. Firstly, chlorine is a bleaching agent, and when combined with sun exposure, it can cause discolouration and fading. Secondly, the chemical structure of gel polish makes it susceptible to the harsh, oxidizing properties of chlorine, which can disrupt the curing process and cause the polish to degrade, chip, or peel off faster.
The chemicals in chlorinated water, commonly found in swimming pools or hot tubs, can cause the gel polish to prematurely lift, chip, or peel off the nail. This is because the chlorine can break down the bond between the gel polish and the natural nail, compromising the manicure. Additionally, excess sun exposure can contribute to this issue, as UV rays can continue to 'cure' the gel polish, leading to discolouration and fading.
To mitigate the potential damage caused by chlorine to gel nail polish, several precautions can be taken. Firstly, it is recommended to apply a generous layer of a top coat to create a protective barrier. Secondly, wearing waterproof gloves or finger cots while swimming or using hot tubs can limit direct contact between the nails and chlorinated water. It is also essential to rinse and gently clean the nails after chlorine exposure to remove any residual chemicals.
While these measures can help reduce the impact of chlorine, for those who engage in frequent or prolonged activities involving chlorinated water, alternative options are available. Daring Lily, for example, offers press-on nails that are handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail and are completely unaffected by chlorine exposure. These nails provide a salon-quality appearance and durability without the worry of chlorine-induced damage.
In conclusion, while gel nail polish offers enhanced durability compared to traditional nail polish, it is not immune to the effects of chlorine exposure. By understanding the potential impact of chlorine and implementing appropriate precautions or alternatives, individuals can better maintain the integrity and appearance of their gel manicures.
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The effects of insect repellent on gel nail polish
While gel nail polish is a popular choice for its durability and shine, it is not immune to the effects of the sun and certain chemicals. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or sunbeds can cause gel nail polish to fade, discolour, and break down prematurely. This is because the curing process of gel nail polish involves photopolymerization, where the polish absorbs energy from UV light and hardens, and additional UV exposure can lead to over-curing.
Insect repellent is one such chemical that can affect gel nail polish. Solvents like insect repellent and sunscreen contain a compound called DEET, which is an effective solvent that can dissolve and cause problems with nail products. The chemicals in spray-on insect repellent formulas can cause gel nail polish to become soft, tacky, and wear off. This is because DEET is a synthetic organic compound that will soften the nail enamel, causing the polish to break down.
To prevent insect repellent from damaging gel nail polish, it is recommended to apply a clear nail polish over the gel polish and replace it every few days or whenever insect repellent is used. Alternatively, wearing gloves can protect the gel nail polish from coming into direct contact with the insect repellent. Applying two thorough gel top coats can also help deter some of the UV rays from penetrating the colour, reducing the chances of fading.
It is worth noting that while these measures can help, they may not completely eliminate the issue. The best way to avoid gel nail polish fading is to minimize excess UV exposure, such as by limiting time in direct sunlight or using a UV-protective top coat.
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The effects of sunbeds on gel nail polish
Sunbeds emit UV light, which can cause gel nail polish to fade and discolour. This is because UV light causes a chemical change in the colourant ingredient, which slowly alters the colour permanently.
Gel nail polish is cured under UV or LED light, which causes a chemical reaction that transforms the liquid gel into a solid, long-lasting layer on the nails. However, additional exposure to UV light from sources such as sunbeds, natural sunlight, and computer screens can cause the nail polish to continue to cure, leading to discolouration and fading.
Excessive UV exposure can also cause premature service breakdown, where the gel polish becomes difficult to remove. This is more common in the summer when clients are more likely to be on holiday and exposed to higher levels of UV light.
To prevent gel nail polish from fading due to sunbed use, it is recommended to apply a clear nail polish over the gel polish or use a UV-absorbing top coat, such as Calgel Calcrystal. Clients should also be advised to take precautions such as drying their nails and avoiding direct sunlight before and after swimming, as both chlorine and sunlight are bleaching agents that can contribute to fading.
Overall, while sunbed use can cause gel nail polish to fade and discolour, there are several measures that can be taken to mitigate these effects and maintain the colour and longevity of the manicure.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, gel nail polish can fade in the sun. This is because there is UV exposure everywhere, from sunbeds to natural sunlight, and UV can cause the colour in gel nail polish to undergo a chemical change, resulting in fading.
You can apply two thorough gel top coats to help prevent UV from penetrating directly into the colour. You can also apply a clear nail polish over the gel polish to prevent staining.
Chlorine, chemicals, and solvents can also cause gel nail polish to fade.
You can apply a fresh coat of gel nail polish to restore the colour.
Yes, it has been observed that pink gel nail polishes are more likely to fade in the sun than other colours.
