Sophia Delgado
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those wanting long-lasting, chip-free nails. However, the process of applying and removing gel polish can be damaging to your natural nails. The curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer. Additionally, the repeated use of acetone to remove gel polish can lead to nail brittleness, peeling, cracking, and overall weakening of the nail plate. Some people also experience nail sensitivity and pain after gel manicures. While gel manicures can be convenient and aesthetically pleasing, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take precautions to minimise any negative impact on nail health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pros of gel nails | Long-lasting, beautiful, provides strength to natural nails |
| Cons of gel nails | Can cause nail brittleness, peeling, cracking, thinning of nail plate, skin aging, skin cancer, damage during removal |
| Precautions | Use of sunscreen, not picking at nails, proper removal by a professional, not mixing product lines, use of moisturizers and cuticle cream |
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What You'll Learn
Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, cracking and peeling
Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, cracking, and peeling, but this can be avoided with proper care and attention. It is important to note that gel manicures themselves do not damage your nails, but improper preparation, removal, and lack of aftercare can.
The filing and buffing of the nail plate during the preparation process can thin and weaken the nail plate, making it more susceptible to damage. This can be mitigated by ensuring you do not file too close to your natural nail and only filing until you reach the colour coat.
Improper removal of gel polish can also cause nail damage. Scraping or picking at the gel polish can cause cracking and peeling, and it is recommended to only soak the nails in acetone to remove the gel. However, this can be drying, so proper hydration and moisturization are crucial.
To care for your nails between gel manicures, dermatologists recommend taking a break from nail polish for one to two weeks to allow your nails to repair and rehydrate. Applying a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times a day can help minimize brittleness and prevent chipping.
Additionally, gel manicures require exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light to cure the polish, which can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. To mitigate this risk, it is recommended to apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before the manicure.
Overall, while gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, cracking, and peeling, these issues can be minimized or prevented with proper techniques, aftercare, and moderation.
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UV exposure from curing lamps increases the risk of skin cancer
While gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails. The use of UV radiation in nail salons for drying and curing polishes has raised concerns about the potential risk of cancer. This is because UV radiation is associated with a higher risk of cancer, and nail salon lamps, whether labelled LED or UV, emit this radiation.
A 2014 study in JAMA Dermatology found that the level of UVA exposure associated with a gel manicure every two weeks is probably not high enough to significantly increase the risk of skin cancer. However, it is still wise to be aware of the issue and take precautions. The American Cancer Society notes that exposure to UV rays, whether from sunlight or tanning devices, is a risk factor for all types of skin cancer. The risk is higher for people with a weakened immune system, a personal or family history of skin cancer, or a large number of moles on their skin.
To protect your skin during manicures, it is recommended to use sunscreen or wear fingerless gloves. You can also apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before getting a gel manicure to prevent skin cancer and premature skin ageing. Alternatively, you can wear dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips snipped off before your nail polish is applied.
It is important to note that the preparation process for gel nails, which includes filing, can also affect the health of your natural nails. Filing can thin your nail plate, and some people have reported that their natural nails feel sensitive after removing gel polish, as their natural nails may have been stripped too much. Additionally, harsh chemicals and acidic cleaners can erode both gel nails and natural nails. Therefore, it is recommended to take breaks between gel manicures and to rehydrate your nails with a moisturising product.
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Prep work and filing can thin the nail plate
While some sources claim that gel manicures can be damaging to your nails, causing brittleness, peeling, and cracking, others claim that gel manicures themselves do not damage your nails, but rather, it is the prep work and filing that can thin your nail plate.
The preparation of the nail before a manicure is important to ensure the nail polish adheres properly and lasts longer. This involves sanitizing your hands and removing any old polish. It is recommended to use a 180-240 grit file to shape the natural nail and remove the shine. However, over-filing can occur if not done properly, which can lead to thinning and ruining of the natural nail.
To avoid over-filing, it is important to file gently and carefully, using the right emery board and avoiding filing back and forth, which can split and weaken the nails. It is also recommended to only file in one direction, from the outer edge to the centre of the nail, and to stop filing once you reach the colour coat.
Additionally, it is important to remove any dust and oil residue from the nail plate, as these can prevent the polish from adhering properly. This can be done using a dusting brush and a cleanser or nail polish remover.
Overall, while gel manicures may not directly damage your nails, improper or excessive filing during the preparation process can lead to thinning of the nail plate. Therefore, it is important to be careful and gentle when filing your nails to avoid any potential damage.
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Removal of gel polish can damage nails
Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking. However, this damage is usually temporary and occurs only if the gel polish is removed incorrectly or too aggressively. The correct way to remove gel polish is to soak it off; scraping it off is not recommended and can cause damage to the nail. If you do decide to scrape off the gel polish, it is best to visit a professional manicurist to minimize the risk of damage.
If you choose to remove the gel polish yourself, it is important to be gentle and careful. You can use a hand file to remove as much of the gel as possible and then use an acetone-soaked cotton pad to remove the rest. This method is gentle and effective and will help to avoid any damage to your nails.
It is also important to note that the preparation work for gel manicures, such as filing, can thin your nail plate. This can lead to increased sensitivity and a feeling of rawness. To minimize this risk, it is recommended to leave a gap of 1-2mm between the gel polish and your cuticles, as this will make it easier to remove the gel polish without damaging your nails.
Additionally, it is recommended to allow your nails to recover between manicures. Taking a break from nail polish for one to two weeks or longer will give your nails time to repair and rehydrate. Applying a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times a day can help to minimize brittleness and prevent chipping.
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Gel manicures can cause premature skin ageing
While gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails and cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking. The repeated UV exposure from gel manicure curing lamps can also lead to premature skin ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer.
The curing process for gel manicures involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to cancer. This risk is present regardless of the type of lamp used, as even LED lamps emit UV radiation. The cumulative UV exposure from regular gel manicures can be particularly harmful, and it is recommended to allow nails to recover between manicures.
To minimise the risk of premature skin ageing and other negative effects, it is important to take precautions when getting gel manicures. One way to protect your hands from UV exposure is to apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before your manicure. Alternatively, wearing dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips cut off can help shield your hands from the UV light.
Proper nail care is also essential to maintaining nail health and minimising the risk of damage. It is recommended to take breaks between gel manicures and allow your nails to repair and rehydrate. Applying a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times a day can help minimise brittleness and prevent chipping.
Additionally, it is crucial to have gel polish removed by a professional to avoid further damage to your nails. While some people may be tempted to pick at the polish or use other nails or tools to remove it, this can cause additional harm. Instead, making an appointment with a manicurist to safely remove the polish can help reduce the risk of nail damage.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, gel nails can be bad for your natural nails. Removing gel polish, if not done carefully, can temporarily damage your nails. The most common issues are cracking and peeling, but people also report finding white spots and grooves, or an overall weakening of the nail plate. Gel manicures can also cause nail brittleness, and repeated use can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.
To reduce the risk of damage, it is recommended to not wear nail polish for one to two weeks or longer to allow your nails time to repair. You can also apply a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily to minimise brittleness and help prevent chipping.
Alternatives to gel nails include traditional manicures using regular nail polish, peel-off polish, gel-effect polish, non-toxic natural nail polish, and shellac. Shellac is not as harsh on your nails as gel and can be removed smoothly using a nourishing remover and orange wood sticks.
