Noah Sinclair
Weak and brittle nails can be frustrating and even a source of self-consciousness. There are several ways to strengthen and thicken your nails, including using gel polish. While constant use of nail polish can weaken nails, gels can act as a protective layer, preventing peeling and staining. Builder gels, for example, can help your nails grow and keep them strong. In addition to gel polish, you can improve nail thickness and strength by protecting your nails from damage, improving your nutrition, and using nail supplements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gel polish | Can help nails grow and strengthen |
| Builder gels | Prevent nails from breaking |
| Kokoist Platinum Filler Base | Provides strength and lasts longer |
| Nail polish remover | Use non-acetone removers |
| UV light | Apply sunscreen to hands at least 20 minutes before exposure |
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What You'll Learn
Builder gels can prevent nails from breaking
Builder gels are a great way to prevent nails from breaking. They are a type of hard gel that is stronger and more durable than regular gel polish. The formula is thicker and can be built up to the desired thickness and shape, creating longer and thicker nails.
Builder gels are applied in small, horizontal strokes to ensure the gel goes across the entire nail, and they self-level to create a smooth foundation layer. This method of application means that builder gels are less likely to break if you hit them on a hard surface. They are also more flexible than other options, such as acrylic nails, so they are less likely to crack.
Builder gels are a good option for people who are heavy lifters, as their nails lift easily on the side. The flexibility of builder gels means that they bounce back, unlike acrylic nails, which are more likely to crack or break. This flexibility also means that builder gels are less damaging if you do break a nail.
To apply builder gels, you will need to clean, shape, and buff your nails, as well as brush the gel in horizontal strokes. It is important to follow the instructions of your chosen brand, as some require a primer or base coat, while others can be applied directly to the nail. You will also need to use an LED or UV nail lamp to cure the gel between coats.
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Avoid acetone-based nail polish removers
While you may be tempted to reach for an acetone-based nail polish remover to quickly remove your gel nail polish, it is best to avoid them. Acetone is a powerful solvent that can be very harsh on your nails, cuticles, and skin. It works so well at removing nail polish because it disintegrates the polish, but this also means it can dry out your skin and cuticles by removing natural oils. You may notice your skin looks white after using acetone, which is a sign that your skin has dried out.
Acetone is also not suitable for those with fake nails, as it will weaken the extensions and cause them to separate from your natural nail. If you have nail concerns such as dry or splitting nails, acetone-based removers should be avoided.
Instead, opt for a non-acetone nail polish remover, which will be gentler on your nails. These removers use less aggressive solvents like ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, and propylene carbonate. Many non-acetone removers also contain moisturizing agents like glycerin, panthenol, and soy to minimize the drying effect.
If you are concerned about the chemicals in nail polish removers, there are natural and biodegradable options available that do not contain toxic ingredients. These can be a great alternative to ensure you are being kind to your nails and the environment.
By avoiding acetone-based nail polish removers, you can keep your nails and skin healthy while still enjoying the look of gel nail polish.
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Use non-toxic nail polishes and soaks
Using non-toxic nail polishes and soaks is essential for maintaining healthy nails. Traditional nail polishes can contain harmful toxins, such as toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate, which can be dangerous when inhaled consistently or absorbed through the nail beds into our bodies. These toxins can weaken your nails and cause damage to your nervous system with high exposure.
To avoid these issues, opt for non-toxic nail polishes that are labelled as "three-free," which means they are made without formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate. Some brands have even created "seven-free" or "16-free" polishes, which omit additional chemicals like formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, and more. These polishes provide a rich gloss and a gel-like finish, giving your nails a thicker look while also strengthening them.
One such brand is Àuda.B, a Black-owned beauty brand that offers a chip-resistant, non-toxic formula with vibrant colours. Their polish is free of toluene, benzene, hydroquinone, TPHP, and other chemicals. Another option is Karma Organic, which offers an environmentally friendly, organic, and chip-resistant nail polish line that is "7-free." Their polishes are free of TPHP, toluene, formaldehyde, DBP, and other toxins, and they also do not use plastic in their packaging.
For a true gel nail experience, you can try Manicurist, a cleaner gel nail system. While it takes longer to apply and has a stronger scent, it provides excellent longevity, lasting up to 14 days. This system involves applying a base coat, nail colour, and top coat, curing each layer under an LED light.
In addition to non-toxic nail polishes, it is also important to choose an acetone-free nail polish remover to avoid damaging your nails. Soaking your nails in warm water is another gentle removal method for some natural nail polishes.
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Apply sunscreen to your hands before UV light exposure
If you want to make your nails look thicker, gel polish can be a great option. Gels can help strengthen your nails, especially if you're dealing with issues like weak, bendy, or peeling nails. Consistent use of gel polish can lead to stronger and longer nails. Some popular options include the Kokoist Platinum Filler Base and the Kokoist x NT bases, which provide an impressive amount of strength and thickness.
To ensure the health and safety of your skin, it is recommended to apply sunscreen to your hands before exposing them to UV light during gel manicures. While the UV lamps used in salons help set the polish, they can also damage your skin. The ultraviolet light from these lamps can harm your skin cells, potentially increasing the risk of cancer and premature aging. Therefore, it is crucial to take precautions and apply sunscreen to your hands and fingers before UV light exposure.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying sunscreen to your hands at least 20 minutes before UV exposure. Choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. A sport sunscreen can be an excellent option, offering long-lasting protection, even during intense physical activities. If you're pressed for time, a quick-dry body spray with SPF can be a convenient choice.
Additionally, consider other protective measures, such as wearing fingerless gloves with UV protection. These gloves can significantly reduce the amount of skin exposed to UV light during your manicure. Taking these precautions will help protect your hands and fingers from the potential harmful effects of UV light exposure during gel manicures.
Remember, while gel polish can help create the appearance of thicker nails, it's important to give your nails a break occasionally and let them breathe. Consult a dermatologist or skincare professional if you have specific concerns or questions about your nail health.
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Take breaks from gel manicures
While gel manicures can help strengthen your nails and make them look thicker, it's important to give your nails a break from gel polish from time to time.
Firstly, while nails do not need to "breathe" as they derive oxygen and nutrients from the blood supply and not the air, they do need breaks from gel manicures for other reasons. One of the main reasons is to check for any signs of infection, discolouration, or damage. For example, red or brown bands under your nails can be precursors to tumours. Taking a break from gel manicures allows you to examine your bare nails for any concerning changes.
Secondly, gel manicures can dry out your nails, so taking a break lets you rehydrate and repair your nails. You can use this time to apply a creamy moisturiser or nutrient-rich base coat to restore your nails' hydration and health.
Additionally, while gel manicures can be convenient and long-lasting, they can also be time-consuming and costly to maintain. Giving yourself a break from gel manicures can save you time and money.
Furthermore, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from gel polish has been identified as a risk factor for skin cancer and can age the skin that supports nail health. Taking breaks from gel manicures reduces your exposure to UV light, lowering the associated risks.
Finally, if you notice any signs of damage to your nails, such as a change in texture or colour, it's important to give your nails a break from gel manicures. During this time, you can focus on nourishing and repairing your nails back to health.
In conclusion, while gel manicures can enhance the appearance of your nails, taking breaks is crucial for maintaining nail health and identifying any potential issues. By giving your nails a break, you can ensure they stay strong and healthy in the long run.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a builder gel to make your nails thicker. This works by providing a layer of protection on top of your nail, preventing them from breaking, chipping, or peeling.
There are a few good options for builder gels on the market. The Kokoist Platinum Filler Base is a great option as it is thicker than other gels and provides a lot of strength. Another option is the Megastick Base, which can also help strengthen your nails and prevent lifting or chipping.
While gel can be a great way to strengthen and thicken your nails, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it is important to let your nails breathe and give them a break from the gel every once in a while. Constant use of polish can weaken the nail. Additionally, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from gel polish can be a risk factor for cancer and can age the skin.
