Isla Bennett
Gel nail polish is a popular choice for those seeking a long-lasting, chip-free manicure. However, the very thing that makes it so durable—its thick, hard finish—can also make it challenging to remove. Improper removal methods, such as picking or peeling off the polish, can weaken and damage natural nails, leaving them thin, brittle, and prone to breakage. Additionally, the UV or LED light used to cure gel polish during application increases the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. To maintain nail health, it is crucial to prioritize proper removal techniques, good nail care, and adequate recovery time between manicures.
Is gel nail polish good for weak nails?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pros | Long-lasting, chip-resistant |
| Cons | Potential nail damage, increased risk of skin cancer |
| Proper removal | Visit a professional, use acetone, follow the Gelous Removal Guide |
| Proper application | Use the complete system: base coat, builder gel, colour coat, top coat, UV/LED lamp |
| Nail care | Rehydrate nails, moisturize, wear gloves when cleaning |
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What You'll Learn
The importance of proper removal techniques
While gel nail polish is not necessarily bad for your nails, improper removal can weaken or damage them. Therefore, it is important to follow proper removal techniques to protect your nails from unnecessary damage and keep them in good condition.
One of the most common issues with removing gel polish is that it can lead to cracking and peeling of the natural nail plate, leaving it thin, weak, and prone to breakage. This can be avoided by not picking at or peeling off the gel polish, as it can pull away layers of your natural nails. Instead, it is recommended to soak your fingertips in acetone or use acetone-soaked cotton balls wrapped in aluminium foil to remove the polish. This ensures that only the nails come into direct contact with the acetone.
Another important aspect of proper removal is timing. It is advised to remove gel polish within two weeks and to space out manicures to give your nails a break and allow them to recover. Before getting a gel manicure, you can apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your skin from the UV radiation used to seal the gel polish.
Additionally, it is crucial to be proactive with your manicurist. Ask about the removal process and ensure they are not using aggressive tools or techniques that can damage your nails. Visiting a professional for both application and removal is the best option for achieving optimal nail health.
By following these proper removal techniques, you can maintain the strength and health of your nails while still enjoying the benefits of gel nail polish.
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The risks of UV exposure
While gel nail polish is not necessarily bad for your nails, improper removal can weaken or damage them. The UV light used to cure gel nail polish can have several side effects on nails and skin. One of the main concerns is nail damage, with repeated application and removal of gel polish leading to thinning of the nails, making them more susceptible to breaking and peeling.
- Skin cancer risk: UV exposure has been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer. While the UV exposure from gel nail curing is relatively low, the effect can be harmful over time.
- Accelerated skin aging: UV exposure can lead to premature skin aging, causing wrinkles and sunspots (hyperpigmentation). These sunspots appear as dark patches on the skin due to prolonged sun exposure and are more common in areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the hands and arms.
- DNA damage and cell mutation: A study found that UV nail dryers can damage DNA and mutate cells, confirming dermatologists' safety concerns.
- Irritation and allergies: Improper curing, such as skipping steps or mixing products, can lead to irritations and allergies.
To minimize the risks associated with UV exposure during gel nail curing, you can take the following precautionary measures:
- Apply sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on your hands before your gel nail appointment to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Wear gloves: Use UV-protective gloves during the curing process to reduce the amount of UV light your skin is exposed to.
- Opt for LED curing: Choose salons that use LED lamps instead of UV nail lamps for curing. While LED devices do emit UVA rays, they do not use UVB rays, which are more closely linked to skin cancer development.
- Use alternative products: Consider non-UV gel polishes, traditional nail polish, or dip powder polishes that do not require curing under UV light.
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The impact of improper removal
Gel nail polish itself doesn't damage your nails, but improper removal can lead to adverse effects. The correct removal process is just as important as the application.
One of the most common ways gel nail polish is improperly removed is by picking, peeling, or scraping it off. This can cause damage to your nail bed, leaving your nails thin, weak, and prone to breakage. Picking at the polish can also lead to jagged edges and brittleness.
To avoid this, it is recommended to visit a professional manicurist for removal. They will typically apply acetone-soaked cotton balls directly to your nails and wrap them in aluminum foil. If the polish is still not coming off, a nail drill may be used. This method can also be done at home, but care must be taken to avoid getting acetone on the skin, as it can cause irritation and damage. An alternative to foil is plastic food wrap, which creates a tighter seal and prevents dripping.
Another way to remove gel nail polish is to let your nails grow out and clip them. This is a slow process, as it takes about six months for fingernails to grow out and 12 to 18 months for toenails.
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The benefits of moisturising products
While opinions vary on whether gel nail polish is harmful to nails, it is generally agreed that improper removal can cause damage. To keep nails healthy, it is important to take good care of them between polishes. This includes regular moisturisation with products such as cuticle oil and hand cream, which can help to achieve stronger nails.
Moisturising products such as cuticle oil and hand cream can be beneficial for maintaining nail health. By keeping the nails and cuticles nourished and hydrated, these products promote healthy nail growth. This helps to prevent issues such as brittleness and chipping, which can leave nails prone to breakage.
Cuticle oil, in particular, is designed to target the delicate skin around the nails, ensuring that the area remains moisturised. This can help to reduce the risk of hangnails and cuticle damage, which can lead to infection. Well-moisturised cuticles also create a protective barrier, shielding the nail bed from external irritants and potential damage.
Hand creams, on the other hand, provide all-over hydration for the hands, including the nails. They help to lock in moisture, preventing water loss through the skin and nails. This is especially important after exposure to water, as nails can become fragile from repeated expansion and contraction.
Regular use of these moisturising products can contribute to stronger, healthier nails. They help to improve nail flexibility and resilience, reducing the likelihood of breakage and splitting. This is achieved by maintaining the natural moisture balance of the nails, ensuring they remain supple and strong.
Additionally, moisturising products can enhance the appearance of the nails, giving them a healthy shine and a well-groomed look. This is particularly beneficial for those who wish to maintain neat and attractive nails without the use of polish.
In conclusion, incorporating moisturising products into a nail care routine can provide numerous benefits. These products help to strengthen, protect, and enhance the overall health and appearance of the nails, ensuring they remain in optimal condition.
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The dangers of picking and peeling
While gel nail polish is not inherently damaging to your nails, improper removal can weaken or damage them. When you pick or peel off your gel polish, you are also removing the top layer of your natural nails, leaving them thin, weak, uneven, and prone to breakage. This can cause white spots and stress breaks, and it can take months for the healthy nail to grow out and replace the damaged nail.
To avoid damaging your nails when removing gel polish, it is recommended to only soak your fingertips in acetone, or to use cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrapped in aluminium foil around your fingertips. This ensures that only your nails come into contact with the acetone. You can also try the three-step method recommended by Natalia Mercedes: file the nail where the chip happened, don't pick at the nail, and seal it with a top coat.
To keep your nails healthy before, during, and after gel manicures, dermatologists recommend the following:
- Ask your manicurist if their tools are sterilized, and ensure that they are cleaning and disinfecting their tools after every client.
- Do not let your manicurist push or cut your cuticle, as this could lead to inflammation and infection.
- Wear sunscreen on your hands to prevent skin cancer and premature skin aging caused by the ultraviolet radiation used to seal gel nail polish.
- Keep your nails hydrated with cuticle oil and hand cream to maintain constant hydration and achieve stronger nails.
- Take breaks between manicures to let your nails return to normal.
- Avoid getting gel polish on your skin or cuticles during application, as this can cause irritation or allergies and can lead to lifting.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nail polish is not necessarily bad for weak nails, but improper removal can weaken or damage them further. It is recommended to visit a professional for gel nail polish removal to ensure proper care.
To maintain nail health while using gel nail polish, it is important to use proper application and removal techniques. It is also crucial to practice good nail care and choose the right products. For example, using cuticle oil and hydrating hand cream can promote healthy nail growth.
The use of gel nail polish involves UV exposure, which can increase the risk of skin cancer. Additionally, the removal process can be harsh on nails, leading to issues like cracking, peeling, and overall weakening of the nail plate.
