Isla Bennett
Applying gel nail polish can be tricky, especially if you want to protect your cuticles. It's important to remember that less is more and that thin layers are key. You should also avoid starting the application at your cuticle, instead, begin at the middle of your nail and work towards it. If you accidentally get gel polish on your skin or cuticle, simply clean it off with a brush and nail polish remover before curing. To prevent damage, always follow the proper removal process and work carefully away from the cuticles. Additionally, wearing gloves while cleaning or washing dishes can protect your nails from harsh chemicals and water exposure, keeping your manicure looking fresh for longer.
How to protect cuticles from gel nail polish
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prepping the nail | Push the cuticle back and pick it up slightly. |
| Nail polish application | Avoid starting at the cuticle, start at the middle of the nail and work towards the cuticle. |
| Use a bead of colour gel and push it towards the cuticle area. | |
| Use thin layers of nail polish. | |
| Avoid getting gel polish on your skin or cuticles. | |
| Clean any gel polish off the skin or cuticles before curing. | |
| Use a nail art brush and alcohol to clean up the area. | |
| Use a dehydrator to eliminate any moisture on the nail. | |
| Removal | Work carefully away from the cuticles to avoid harming the delicate skin around them. |
| Move in the direction of nail growth. | |
| Avoid picking at and peeling off your gel polish. | |
| Use an orangewood cuticle stick or a gel removal tool to gently lift and remove the polish. | |
| Use gloves while cleaning or washing dishes to protect your nails from harsh chemicals that can weaken the polish. | |
| Avoid prolonged water exposure to prevent your nails from expanding and contracting, which can cause lifting. | |
| Use cuticle oil and hydrating hand cream to keep your nails and cuticles nourished. | |
| Apply sunscreen or wear anti-UV gloves before gel polish application to protect your hands from UV rays. |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid getting gel polish on your cuticles
To protect your cuticles from gel nail polish, it is important to avoid getting the gel polish on your cuticles in the first place. Here are some tips to avoid getting gel polish on your cuticles:
Firstly, it is recommended to not start applying the polish from the cuticle area. Instead, start from the middle of your nail and work your way towards the cuticle. This gives you more control over the amount of polish being applied and helps to shape it around the cuticle. You can use a liner brush to get closer to the cuticle, but be careful not to flood the cuticles as this can cause the polish to lift and not last as long.
Secondly, less is more when it comes to gel polish. Apply thin layers of polish and use a small amount of product on your brush. This will help you have more precision and avoid getting polish on your cuticles. You can always build up the colour with multiple thin layers if needed.
Thirdly, push back your cuticles before starting the application. Use a cuticle pusher to gently push back and pick up the cuticle. This will create a clean path for the polish and help you avoid getting polish on the skin around your nails.
Additionally, you can use liquid latex as a barrier around your nails. This will help protect your skin from any accidental polish application. However, keep in mind that gel polish needs to be wiped away from the skin before curing, so it might not be as effective as other methods.
Practising with regular nail polish can also help you improve your technique and avoid getting gel polish on your cuticles. Regular nail polish is easier to remove and won't cause an allergic reaction, so you can take your time to perfect your application skills.
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Use a cuticle pusher to scoop up the cuticle
Using a cuticle pusher is an essential part of any manicure, as it enhances the appearance of your nails and promotes healthy nail growth. It is a specialised nail care tool designed to gently push back the cuticles, the thin layer of skin at the base of your nails.
Before you begin, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. This will help remove bacteria from your hands that could get underneath the cuticle. Cuticles are softer than most skin but can still be tough and may be damaged if you try to push them back without softening them first. Soaking your hands in warm water or using cuticle oil will help to soften the cuticles and make them more pliable.
When you are ready to use the cuticle pusher, hold it at a 45-degree angle to your nail. Using light pressure, start at the base of the nail and slowly push the cuticles back towards the skin. You may need to loosen the cuticle a little by using the other side of the cuticle pusher to scrape and pick it up slightly. Be careful not to press too hard, as this can damage the nail bed or skin.
The cuticle pusher you choose will depend on your needs and preferences. Metal or stainless steel pushers are durable and easy to clean, but they can be harsher and less gentle on the nails. Wood and silicone are gentler on the cuticles, but they are less durable and may crack or break if not cared for properly.
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Clean up with rubbing alcohol
When applying gel nail polish, it's important to protect your cuticles. One way to do this is by cleaning up with rubbing alcohol. This method can be used both before and after applying the gel nail polish.
Before applying the gel nail polish, you can use rubbing alcohol to clean your nails and push back your cuticles. This helps to create a smooth surface for the gel nail polish to adhere to and prevents peeling. It is recommended to use 70% isopropyl alcohol, as higher concentrations may be too strong and drying for the skin. Additionally, it is important to wear gloves when handling rubbing alcohol to avoid skin irritation and dryness.
After applying the gel nail polish, you can use rubbing alcohol to clean up any mistakes or excess polish around the cuticle area. Dip a nail art brush into the rubbing alcohol, wipe off the excess on a paper towel, and carefully brush around your cuticles. This will help to create a neat and precise finish.
It is worth noting that while rubbing alcohol is effective for cleaning up around the cuticle area, it should be used sparingly as it can dry out the skin. It is also important to be cautious if you have sensitive skin, as rubbing alcohol can cause contact dermatitis. Always make sure to moisturize your hands and cuticles after using rubbing alcohol to mitigate any drying effects.
By incorporating rubbing alcohol into your gel nail polish routine, you can achieve a clean and precise manicure while protecting your cuticles. Remember to practice and be gentle with your cuticles, as they are delicate and sensitive.
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Apply thin layers of polish
When applying gel nail polish, it is important to remember to apply thin layers of polish. This is because thin layers of polish are key to a long-lasting manicure. Thick layers of polish can easily peel and lift, especially around the cuticle area.
To achieve thin layers, it is recommended to start by applying polish to the middle of the nail, then work towards the cuticle. You can slowly push the brush up the nail, but remember to stop before reaching the cuticle. You can then swipe the brush fully down the nail. This technique is called "pillowing" or "bulldozing". It is important to take your time with each nail, and you should allow around a minute for each application of polish.
If you are happy with the coverage after the first layer, you can avoid going in with a second layer. However, if you do need to add another layer of polish, you can move the colour slightly higher up the nail with the second layer. Remember to cure after each layer and then move on to the top coat application.
It is also important to remember to clean up any excess polish around the cuticle area. You can do this with a brush and some alcohol or acetone, but alcohol is less damaging and drying to the cuticle.
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Wear gloves to protect your nails
Wearing gloves during a gel manicure is a great way to protect your nails and skin from potential harm caused by UV light exposure. While studies show that the risk of skin cancer from the UV lamps used in gel manicures is small, the type of UV light used tends to be UVA light, which has been linked to premature aging of the skin and a potentially increased risk of developing melanoma. Therefore, it is never unreasonable to take added precautions to protect your skin.
One option for UV protection is to wear fingerless gloves, such as ManiGlovz, which are made with a UPF 50+ compression fabric blend of polyester microfibers and lycra. These gloves are designed to shield your hands from UV light and are treated with an antibacterial treatment that prevents the need for frequent washing. They are also available in a variety of bold patterns, as well as a minimalist black pair.
If you are unable or unwilling to wear gloves during your gel manicure, there are other ways to protect your hands from UV rays. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Adeline Kikam recommends applying a water-resistant sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 before your manicure or opting for deep powders that require less UV exposure. You can also reduce your exposure by opting for fewer gel manicures or wearing gloves while doing tasks that could damage your nails, such as washing dishes.
It is important to note that even when wearing gloves, some areas of your hands, such as your nail beds and fingertips, will still be exposed to UV light during a manicure. To address this, some people apply sunscreen to their hands before putting on their gloves, with Dr. Ilyas recommending a focus on zinc-based sunscreens with high zinc concentrations for the best coverage.
By taking these precautions, you can help protect your nails and skin from the potential risks associated with UV light exposure during gel manicures.
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Frequently asked questions
When applying gel nail polish, start in the middle of your nail and work towards the cuticle. Use a small amount of polish on your brush and push it up towards the cuticle, then drag the brush down towards the free edge. Avoid starting at the cuticle, as this can cause the polish to peel.
Work carefully away from the cuticles to avoid harming the delicate skin around them. Move in the direction of nail growth to protect your cuticles and maintain the health and appearance of your nails. Avoid picking at or peeling off your gel polish, as this can damage your natural nails. Instead, use a removal tool to gently lift and remove the polish.
You can develop an allergy if gel nail polish repeatedly touches your skin. To avoid this, use a nail art brush to clean up any polish on your skin before curing. You can also use a 3/4 alcohol, 1/4 acetone solution for cleanup.
Use cuticle oil and hydrating hand cream to keep your cuticles nourished and promote healthy nail growth. Cuticle oil, enriched with ingredients like jojoba oil, vitamin E, and vitamin B, can help heal and prevent dry, damaged cuticles.
