Caleb Foster
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those seeking a fast-drying, long-lasting, and chip-free manicure. While gel nail polish offers a range of benefits, it is important to care for your gel nails properly to maintain their strength and shine and prevent damage. Here are some tips to help you care for your gel nails and keep them looking their best.
How do I care for my gel nails?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Removal | Do not pick at your gel nails when the colour begins to come off. Make an appointment with your manicurist to have the polish removed. Only soak your fingertips in acetone. |
| Nail Polish Holiday | Try not to wear nail polish for one to two weeks or longer. |
| Protection | Keep your nails dry and clean. Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning. |
| Hydration | Moisturise your nails and cuticles with oil regularly, but avoid the nail surface. |
| Avoid Harsh Chemicals | Avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning. |
| Be Gentle | Do not use your nails as tools to open cans or remove staples. |
| Maintenance | Get your gel nails fixed by a professional if they chip or lift. |
| Nail Length | Keep your gel nails at a comfortable length to prevent damage. |
| Nail Colour | Use light colours to make your gel nails look fresher for longer. |
| Filing | Do not file your nails unless necessary. If you need to, file gently and always finish in a downward direction. |
| Products to Avoid | Avoid using products that contain solvent oils, such as certain sun tan oils and insect repellents, as they can cause damage to the colour. |
| Swimming | Wash off any chlorine from your hands after swimming and dry your nails before sunbathing. |
| Repair | Use a nail renewal system to repair damage and get your nails back into good condition. |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid picking at your gel nails
Gel nails are a popular choice for those wanting a manicure that lasts. The curing process means that, unlike regular nail polish, gel polish is chip-free, fast-drying, and long-lasting. However, it is important to care for your gel nails properly to avoid damaging your natural nails. One of the most important things to remember is to avoid picking at your gel nails.
When the colour begins to come off your gel nails, you might be tempted to pick at the polish or use other nails or tools to remove it. However, doing so will damage your natural nails. When you pick off gel polish, you are also removing the top layer of your natural nail, making it thinner and more prone to cracking and breaking. It can take months for your nails to recover from this damage as you wait for the healthy nail to grow out.
Instead of picking, make an appointment with your manicurist to have the polish removed. You can also remove the polish yourself by only soaking your fingertips in acetone, either directly or by soaking cotton balls in acetone and wrapping them around your fingertips with small pieces of aluminium foil. This will ensure that only your nails come into contact with the acetone. After about 15 minutes, the nail polish should come right off.
To avoid the temptation to pick, keep your nails in good condition by wearing gloves when cleaning, using cuticle oil, and avoiding using your nails as tools.
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Keep your nails dry and clean
Keeping your nails dry and clean is one of the most important aspects of gel nail care. Water and chemicals are the "arch-enemies" of gel nails, so it's important to wear gloves when cleaning or washing dishes to protect your nails from moisture and harmful substances.
Harsh chemicals can also dull the shine of your gel nails, so it's best to avoid them. Even cleaning products can ruin your manicure, so slip on those gloves before any household chores.
Hand sanitiser can dry out your nails and cause lifting, so keep its use to a minimum. Excessive heat can also weaken the gel's bond to your nail, so minimise exposure to hot water in the shower or when doing the dishes.
When applying lotion or oil to your hands, avoid the nail surface and stick to the surrounding skin and cuticle area. Cuticle oil is especially beneficial — a few drops a day will keep peeling at bay.
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Steer clear of harsh chemicals
To ensure your gel manicure lasts, it is imperative to avoid exposing your nails to harsh chemicals. The curing process of gel nail polish involves placing nails under a special lamp that emits ultraviolet A (UVA) light, which is a known cause of cellular damage and ageing, and increases the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it is advisable to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen during gel manicures or pedicures, or to wear open gloves or socks to protect your skin from the light.
Additionally, gel nail polishes contain various chemicals, such as methacrylates and acrylates, which can cause skin irritation, hives, and contact dermatitis. Some people are sensitive to these chemicals, and over time, the use of gel nail polish can lead to brittle, thin nails that split. To mitigate this, you can opt for non-toxic gel nail polishes, which are free from harmful chemicals and provide a safer alternative for nail care. Brands like Bio Seaweed Gel, Ella+Mila, and Zoya offer non-toxic gel options that improve nail strength and health without compromising the quality and longevity of the manicure.
Furthermore, when it comes to removing gel nail polish, acetone is often used, which can be harsh, drying, and damaging to the nail plate, skin, and cuticles. To minimise damage, it is recommended to limit the contact time with acetone and to follow proper removal procedures. One method is to soak your fingertips in acetone for a short period, or to use acetone-soaked cotton balls wrapped in aluminium foil, which prevents direct contact between the acetone and your skin.
In summary, while gel manicures offer long-lasting and chip-free nails, it is important to be mindful of the potential risks associated with harsh chemicals. By opting for non-toxic alternatives, practising safe removal techniques, and protecting your skin during the curing process, you can minimise these risks and maintain the health and strength of your nails.
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Moisturise your nails and cuticles
Moisturising your nails and cuticles is an essential step in maintaining the health of your nails and the longevity of your gel manicure. It is recommended to regularly hydrate your nails and cuticles with oil. When applying lotion or oil, focus on the surrounding skin and cuticle area, avoiding the nail surface itself. This will help to keep your nails from turning brittle and maintain their shine.
There are specific products available to help you care for your gel nails, such as Dr. Dana's Nail Renewal System, which includes a Deep Hydrating Formula to hydrate nails. However, you can also use a simple cuticle oil to provide the necessary moisture.
In addition to moisturising, it is important to keep your nails dry and clean when they are not being moisturised. Water and chemicals are known to weaken the gel, so wearing gloves while washing dishes, cleaning, or using harsh chemical products is crucial. By taking these simple steps, you can ensure your gel nails remain in top shape and avoid issues like chipping, lifting, or infections.
Remember, proper nail care is not just about aesthetics; it's about maintaining the health of your nails. Taking the time to moisturise and protect your nails will result in strong and healthy nails that can support the weight of gel polish without becoming damaged.
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Remove gel nails properly
Improper removal of gel nail polish can cause temporary damage to natural nails, so it's important to remove your gel nail polish correctly or have it done by a professional. Here are some tips on how to remove gel nails properly:
First, it's important to note that you should avoid picking or peeling at your gel nails. While it may be tempting to pick or peel off your gel nails, this can cause damage to your natural nails. Instead, use a coarse nail file to gently file down the gel top coat layer until the top coat is no longer shiny and smooth. Be careful not to over-file your nails, as this can make them thin and weak, causing the gel polish to come off easily in the future.
Next, you can use either acetone or a gel nail polish remover to remove the remaining gel polish. If using acetone, soak cotton balls or pads in acetone and apply them to your nails by wrapping small pieces of aluminum foil around your fingertips. This method helps to protect your skin from the harsh effects of acetone and ensures that only your nails come into contact with the acetone. Leave the acetone-soaked cotton balls on your nails for about 15 minutes, after which the nail polish should come right off. Alternatively, you can use a gel nail polish remover, which is faster and requires fewer tools. Simply apply a thick layer of the gel polish remover to your gel nails, being careful not to get it on your skin. Allow the remover to soak for about 5 minutes, and then use a metal cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently remove the gel polish from each nail.
After removing the gel polish, it's important to nourish your nails and cuticles. Hydrate your nails and cuticles with oil regularly to keep them strong and healthy. You can use cuticle oil as frequently as three times a day if needed.
By following these steps, you can safely and effectively remove your gel nails at home while maintaining the health and strength of your natural nails.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need acetone, cotton balls, and aluminum foil. First, soak the cotton balls in acetone and apply them to your nails. Then, wrap small pieces of aluminum foil around your fingertips to hold the cotton balls in place. After about 10 to 15 minutes, the nail polish should come off easily. Using a wooden stick or metal cuticle pusher, gently push the paint off each nail.
Always wear gloves when doing chores, especially those that involve water or harsh chemicals. Moisturize your cuticles regularly with cuticle oil to keep your nails and the surrounding skin hydrated. Avoid using your nails as tools to open cans or remove staples.
Gel nail polish is made to last 2-3 weeks when professionally applied and with proper care.
You will need a nail lamp, nail buffer, rubbing alcohol, PH bond, base and top coat, and gel nail polish.
