Isla Bennett
There is a common misconception that nails need to breathe and that taking breaks from gel manicures is necessary for nail health. However, nail experts and dermatologists explain that nails do not need to breathe as they get their oxygen and nutrients from the blood supply and not the air. Therefore, taking a break from gel manicures is not about letting your nails breathe but rather about giving them time to recover from any damage caused by improper application or removal of gel polish. While some sources suggest that there is no need to take extended breaks from gel manicures as long as proper care techniques are followed, others recommend taking breaks to prevent and address nail damage.
How to take a break from gel nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nails need to breathe | Myth |
| Reasons for taking a break | To restore and defend nails from damage caused by improper removal of gel polish |
| How to identify damage | Check for changes in color, thickness, or visible damage |
| Nail health | Nails derive oxygen and nutrients from the blood supply and not the air |
| Professional removal | Important to reduce the risk of surface damage |
| Breaks | Week-long breaks from gel manicures are recommended by doctors |
| Frequency of gel manicures | Every 2-3 weeks |
| Proper removal | Soak nails in acetone |
| Proper infilling | Trim and file nails properly |
| Nail care | Apply cuticle oil daily, wear gloves when cleaning, and keep nails hydrated |
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What You'll Learn
Nails don't need to breathe
It is a common misconception that nails need to "breathe" by going polish-free. Nails are not living tissues and, therefore, do not require oxygen to stay healthy. They derive oxygen and nutrients from the blood supply and not the air. Nails are made of dead keratin, they don't have lungs, and they don't need to breathe.
However, it is important to practice proper nail care and give your nails occasional breaks between manicures to prevent damage. Constantly wearing nail polish without giving your nails a break can lead to issues like dehydration, discolouration, and weakening. Incorrect methods for gel nail removal or infilling can also cause damage to your nails, not just the frequency of getting them done.
There are five main signs that your nails need a rest from your weekly manicure appointments: the appearance of keratin granulation (rough and white patches on the surface of the nail), peeling, ridges and splits, discolouration, and dehydrated cuticles. During your break between manicures, board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner suggests keeping your nails hydrated and resisting the urge to pick at your cuticles.
If you are a frequent gel manicure customer, it is critical to take breaks in between if you notice any of the five signs of damage. It is recommended to let your nails completely grow out before getting your next gel manicure. This usually takes about six months.
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Signs of nail damage
While some sources claim that there is no need to take a break from gel nails, others suggest that breaks are necessary to prevent nail damage. Dermatologists and nail experts say that nails need breaks in between manicures for reasons other than "breathing". Nails derive oxygen and nutrients from the blood supply and not the air.
- Keratin granulation (rough and white patches on the nail surface)
- Peeling
- Ridges and splits
- Discoloration
- Dehydrated cuticles
- Thinning
- Dryness
- White spots
- Cracked and brittle nails
- Nails that hurt when bare
If you notice any of these issues, it's recommended to give your nails a break and provide them with extra care.
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Proper removal techniques
While it is a common misconception that nails need to "breathe", this is not true as nails are not living tissues and do not require oxygen to stay healthy. However, it is important to take care of your nails and there are some situations in which it is better to leave the polish off for a while.
There are a few signs that indicate your nails need a rest from your manicure appointments. These include the appearance of keratin granulation (rough and white patches on the surface of the nail), peeling, ridges and splits, discolouration, and dehydrated cuticles.
If you notice any of these signs, it is recommended to let your nails grow out completely before your next manicure. This usually takes about six months. During this time, it is important to keep your nails hydrated and to resist the urge to pick at your cuticles. You can use a creamy moisturiser loaded with hydrators like dimethicone or petrolatum, and apply cuticle oil to prevent further biting and picking.
When removing gel nails, it is important to do so properly to avoid causing damage to your nails. Improper removal consists of peeling, scraping, or using gritty files or sanders to scrape off the product, which can cause tremendous and sometimes irreversible damage to the nail bed and cuticle matrix. Instead, gel polish should be removed by properly soaking the nails, and at most, gentle prodding with an orange-wood stick can be used to remove any remaining product.
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Products to restore nail health
While nails do not require breaks to "breathe", it is important to give your nails a break from gel polish to allow the nail plate time to recover. There are a few signs that indicate your nails need a rest from your manicure appointments, including the appearance of keratin granulation (rough and white patches on the nail surface), peeling, ridges and splits, discolouration, and dehydrated cuticles.
Cuticle Oils
Cuticle oils are essential for nail health as they hydrate and nourish the cuticles, which are meant to act as a barrier to keep bacteria and free radicals from entering the body. Some cuticle oils include the Dior Huile Abricot Daily Nutritive Serum, which absorbs without leaving a greasy residue, and the Nail Magic Hardener and Conditioner, which can be used as a base coat after an initial two-week period of sole use.
Nail Hardeners and Strengtheners
Nail hardeners and strengtheners can help to prevent nails from peeling, splitting, or breaking. Some options include the Perfect Formula Pink Gel Coat from Sephora, which is a nail strengthener and not a gel polish, and the Quimica Alemana Nail Hardener Strengthener Polish Treatment, which is available on Amazon or eBay.
Moisturisers
Applying a creamy moisturiser loaded with hydrators like dimethicone or petrolatum can help to rehydrate nails. One option is the SpaNature Hand and Body Lotion, which is an affordable option at $11.55 for 28 oz.
Keratin Treatments
Keratin is a natural protein that forms the building blocks for nails, and a keratin treatment can help strengthen nails and prevent them from peeling, splitting, or breaking.
Vitamins
Taking biotin and multi-vitamin supplements can help restore nail health, as biotin is a vitamin that promotes nail growth and strength.
In addition to these products, it is important to note that proper removal techniques are crucial to maintaining nail health. When removing gel nails, it is recommended to first break the seal of the gel with a nail file and then apply a cotton ball soaked in pure acetone to the nails, securing it with foil. After 10 minutes, the gel should flake off with gentle filing.
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How to maintain nail health between gel manicures
While it is a common misconception that nails need to "breathe", this is not true as nails are not living tissues and do not require oxygen to stay healthy. However, it is still important to take care of your nails in between gel manicures to keep them healthy. Here are some tips to maintain nail health between gel manicures:
Firstly, ensure that you are taking proper care of your natural nails in between gel manicures. This includes keeping your nails hydrated and moisturised. You can use a creamy moisturiser loaded with hydrators like dimethicone or petrolatum, and apply cuticle oils to your cuticles to keep them from drying out. Cuticle oil can also prevent biting and picking, which can further damage nails.
Secondly, when it comes to removing gel polish, it is important to do so properly. Improper removal can cause damage to the nail bed and cuticle matrix. Avoid peeling or scraping the polish off, and instead, soak your nails to allow the gel polish to come off easily. If necessary, your manicurist can gently prod your nails with an orange-wood stick to remove any remaining polish.
Thirdly, when getting gel manicures, it is recommended to bring UV-protective gloves to the salon to protect your hands from UV light. Additionally, consider getting gel manicures that do not require a UV lamp, such as "performance polish" manicures, which contain nail vitamins and are easy to remove with a non-acetone remover.
Lastly, be mindful of the frequency of your gel manicures and take breaks in between if needed. While it is not necessary to take extended breaks from gel manicures, you may want to allow your nails to grow out completely before getting a new set, especially if you notice any signs of damage. Some signs of damage to look out for include changes in colour, thickness, or visible damage, as well as rough and white patches on the surface of the nail, peeling, ridges, splits, and dehydrated cuticles.
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Frequently asked questions
No, your nails don't need to breathe as they get their nutrients and oxygen from within the body and not from surface areas.
There is no need to take an extended break from gel nails. However, you can take a week-long break from gel treatments at least once every eight weeks.
You can take a break from gel nails if you notice any of the five signs of damage: the appearance of keratin granulation, peeling, ridges and splits, discolouration, and dehydrated cuticles.
Taking a break from gel nails can help you check for any signs of infection, onycholysis, or brown or red bands, which could be precursors to tumours. It also gives you a chance to rehydrate and repair your nails.
You can use a creamy moisturiser loaded with hydrators like dimethicone or petrolatum, and oils like Dermelect Revital-Oil. A nutrient-rich basecoat, like Dermelect Launchpad, can also help rebuild your nail bed.
