Caleb Foster
Gel nails are a popular choice for those seeking a long-lasting, chip-resistant manicure. However, the process of applying and removing gel polish can be damaging to nails. The use of UV or LED lamps to cure the polish can contribute to skin damage and premature ageing, and the intensive removal process can leave nails weak, thin and brittle. While gel polish is not inherently harmful, improper removal techniques, such as forcefully scraping off the product, can cause nail damage, including splitting, white spots and changes to the nail plate. Additionally, the chemicals in gel polish can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, and the tools used for application and removal may transmit fungal or bacterial infections if not properly sterilised. To mitigate these risks, it is recommended to visit a reputable salon that uses high-quality products and prioritises proper care and maintenance. Allowing nails to recover between manicures can also help maintain nail health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail damage | Gel manicures can cause nail damage, especially during the removal process. Nails may become weakened, brittle, thin, or split. |
| Skin damage | The UV light used to cure gel nail polish can contribute to skin damage, including premature aging and wrinkles. Prolonged exposure to UV rays has also been linked to skin cancer. |
| Allergic reactions | Some people may experience allergic reactions to the chemicals in gel nail polish or the UV curing process. Symptoms can include itchiness, swelling, and burning. |
| Infections | The tools used to apply and remove gel nails can cause fungal or bacterial infections if they are not properly sterilized. |
| Nail plate damage | Aggressive filing or picking and peeling off gel polish can damage the nail plate. |
| Cuticle damage | Pushing or cutting cuticles during a gel manicure can lead to nail damage, inflammation, and potential infection. |
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What You'll Learn
Gel nail removal process
Gel nail removal can be done at home or at a salon. The process can be damaging to nails, especially if not done properly.
Traditional Method
The traditional method of gel nail removal involves using acetone, which is the most effective way to remove gel nail polish at home. Acetone can damage sinks, countertops, and furniture, so it is important to protect your work area by lining it with a cloth and a thick towel. It is also important to work on one hand at a time. To protect your skin from the acetone, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle and the surrounding skin. Cut the cotton balls or strips to the size of each nail, and soak them in acetone. Place each piece of soaked cotton on the corresponding nail, and wrap the nail with plastic food wrap or aluminium foil. Make sure the seal is tight to avoid the acetone dripping. Leave the plastic wrap on for 10 minutes. When you remove the wrap, most or all of the gel nail polish should be gone. Remove any remaining gel nail polish with a washcloth that you've run under warm water. Wash your hands or feet with a gentle soap and water to remove the acetone.
Gel Nail Polish Remover
Using a gel nail polish remover is a faster and gentler method that takes 5 minutes, whereas the traditional method takes 15-20 minutes. Before using a gel nail polish remover, use a coarse nail file to file down the gel top coat layer until the top coat is no longer shiny and smooth.
Aftercare
After removing gel nail polish, gently rub petroleum jelly into your cuticles and the skin around your nails every day for seven days to reduce any irritation caused by the acetone. It is also important to take breaks between manicures to let your nails return to normalcy.
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UV light exposure
Gel manicures require exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light to cure the polish, regardless of whether it's a UVA lamp or an LED lamp. This exposure to UV radiation has been linked to premature skin ageing and skin cancer. While the risk is lower than from sun exposure, prolonged and frequent use could potentially increase the risk of skin cancer. Repeated exposure to UV rays, even from nail lamps, can also accelerate skin ageing, leading to wrinkles and age spots.
A 2023 study in Nature Communications found that chronic use of dryers can damage DNA and cause human cell mutations that could increase the risk of skin cancer. However, researchers agree that more data is needed to make conclusive statements. Dermatologists recommend protecting your hands or feet with a broad-spectrum sunscreen applied 15 to 20 minutes before exposure or using fingertip-less gloves or pedicure socks to safeguard against the ageing effects of UV light.
The removal process of gel nails is also crucial to preventing nail damage. It is beneficial to space out gel manicures to give nails a rest and allow them to return to normalcy. Improper removal can weaken or damage nails, and aggressive filing or forceful scraping of the product can cause tremendous and sometimes irreversible harm to the nail and cuticles. Therefore, it is best to have gel nails professionally removed to ensure proper care and maintenance.
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Nail thinning
Gel manicures can cause nail thinning, and this damage is more likely to occur during the removal process. The risk of nail thinning can be reduced by taking proper care during the removal process. It is recommended to have gel nails professionally removed, as improper removal can weaken or damage nails. The removal process involves soaking the fingertips in acetone for around 10 to 15 minutes, either by wrapping aluminium foil around acetone-soaked cotton balls or directly soaking the nails in acetone. Following removal, individuals should wash their hands and moisturize their nails, cuticles, and hands. Taking breaks between manicures can also help nails return to normalcy.
The damage caused by gel nails is mainly mechanical, which can occur through the use of inappropriate tools and aggressive filing. Forcefully scraping off the product during removal, roughing up the nails with files, and picking or peeling off the gel polish can all cause nail thinning. Additionally, the UV or LED lights used to cure gel nail polish emit UV radiation, which has been linked to premature skin aging, wrinkles, and age spots. Prolonged and frequent exposure to these lights could potentially increase the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it is recommended to protect the hands with broad-spectrum sunscreen or fingertip-less gloves during the curing process.
Some individuals may also experience allergic reactions or sensitivity to the chemicals in gel polish, which can contribute to nail thinning and other issues such as itchiness, swelling, and burning during application. It is important to note that at-home gel polish kits may pose a higher risk of nail damage than professional salon manicures due to the lack of proper training and regulation of products.
Overall, while gel manicures can cause nail thinning, taking proper precautions during the removal process and choosing reputable salons with high-quality products can help reduce the risk of damage.
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Allergic reactions
Gel nail polishes are durable, glossy, and chip-resistant. However, some people may experience allergic reactions to the harsh chemicals in the gel polish and the UV curing process.
A survey of 2,118 people who used gel nails revealed that some individuals experienced itchiness, swelling, and burning during application. Some people may also be allergic to the UV or LED lights used to cure the gel nail polish, as these emit UV radiation, which has been linked to premature skin aging and skin cancer. Repeated exposure to UV rays can accelerate skin aging, leading to wrinkles and age spots.
To protect your skin, it is recommended to apply a broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before putting your hands under the light. You can also wear fingertipless UVA-blocking gloves to protect your hands from the harmful UV light required to cure the polish.
Additionally, the tools used to apply and remove gel nails can cause damage if they are not properly sterilized. There is a risk of fungal or bacterial infections if the tools are not sanitized properly.
It is best to have gel nails professionally removed to avoid nail damage. The removal process involves soaking the fingertips in acetone for around 10 to 15 minutes, after which the gel polish can be gently pushed off with a cuticle pusher or orange stick. Another option is to wrap aluminium foil around acetone-soaked cotton balls on the fingertips. Following removal, individuals should wash their hands and moisturize their nails, cuticles, and hands.
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Cuticle damage
While gel manicures can be long-lasting, chip-resistant, and glossy, they can also be damaging to your nails and cuticles. Cuticle damage can occur when manicurists push or cut your cuticles back, which can lead to inflammation and even infection. This is not unique to gel manicures, but it is an important consideration when thinking about nail health.
To avoid cuticle damage, you can ask your nail technician to skip the cuticle step altogether. It is also important to ensure that the tools used to apply and remove gel nails are properly sterilized to prevent bacterial or fungal infections.
The removal process is a common time for cuticle damage to occur. Gel polish should be removed with extra care, and it is recommended to have it removed by a professional. The process involves soaking the fingertips in acetone for around 10 to 15 minutes, either by wrapping the nails or placing acetone-soaked cotton balls on the nails and wrapping them in foil. After removal, it is essential to wash your hands and moisturize your nails, cuticles, and hands.
Aggressive filing, forcefully scraping off the product, and picking or peeling the gel polish can all cause cuticle damage. It is best to avoid using a nail file to manually remove gel polish, as this can damage the nail plate. Instead, a gentle touch with a plastic cuticle pusher or orange stick is recommended.
Taking breaks between manicures can also help prevent cuticle damage by giving your nails and cuticles a chance to recover.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nails can be bad for you, but it depends on a few factors. The formula of the gel polish is usually harmless, but the tools used to apply and remove gel nails, as well as the UV light used to cure the polish, can cause damage.
The UV or LED light used to cure gel nail polish emits UV radiation, which has been linked to premature skin ageing and skin cancer. The removal process can also cause nail damage, with people reporting weakened nails, splitting, white spots, grooves, and changes to the nail plate.
To reduce the risks, you can apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to your hands before curing your gel nails under the lamp. You can also wear fingertip-less UVA-blocking gloves during the curing process. Additionally, it is recommended to have your gel nails removed by a professional to ensure they are removed correctly and safely.
Yes, there are several alternatives to gel nails that are less damaging. Regular nail polish is one option, or you can try other semi-permanent enhancement products that do not use UV light to cure the polish.
It is recommended to take breaks between gel manicures to let your nails return to normal. Removing your gel nails on time (within two weeks) and spacing out your manicures can help mitigate the effects of gel nails on your nail health.
