Ava Monroe
Gel nails are a popular choice for those looking for an alternative to acrylic nails. They are made from synthetic resin, which can be sourced from trees, but is usually synthetic. This resin is mixed with other ingredients to achieve the desired consistency and function. One of these ingredients is a photoinitiator, which causes the gel to harden or polymerize. While gel nails are safer and healthier than acrylic nails, they are still a form of plastic and can result in microplastics when filing or removing them. There are different types of gel nails, such as soft gel and hard gel, and they can be applied directly to the natural nail or used as full coverage tips.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application method | Plastic tips are applied 2mm away from the cuticle area, blended and overlaid. Gel tips are pressed on and adhered with gel. |
| Required tools | Soft gel tip systems require a dehydrator, bonder, and soft gel to adhere. Plastic tips only require a soft gel. |
| Removal | Gel tips require a complete soak-off for removal. Plastic tips can be filled. |
| Shapes and sizes | Plastic tips are usually offered in a natural flat size that can be moulded to the natural nail. Gel tips come in a natural or sculpted natural fit. |
| UV exposure | Gel manicures involve UV exposure, increasing the risk of skin cancer and causing other skin damage. |
| Removal damage | Removing gel polish can damage nails, causing cracking, peeling, white spots, grooves, and an overall weakening of the nail plate. |
| Waste | Gel manicures require less use of single-use cotton pads, which are a drain on plant and water resources. |
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What You'll Learn
- Gel nail polish is formed of methacrylate compounds, photoinitiators, and plasticizers
- Plasticizers are added to gel nail polish to give it its strong but flexible nature
- Gel nail polish is cured with a UV nail lamp to create a shiny, long-lasting manicure
- Gel nail polish is more expensive than regular nail polish
- There are safety concerns about the UV light used to cure gel nail polish
Gel nail polish is formed of methacrylate compounds, photoinitiators, and plasticizers
The popularity of gel manicures has been soaring, with people gravitating towards gel nail extensions due to their gentleness on the natural nail bed. However, the environmental impact of gel nails has come under scrutiny, with the focus on the chemicals used in the gel nail polish.
Photoinitiators, such as benzoyl peroxide, are the magic ingredient in gel nail polish. They absorb the UV or LED light and initiate the polymerization process, causing the methacrylate compounds to bond together and form long polymer chains. These chains harden on the nail, giving gel nails their durability and longevity. Without photoinitiators, gel nail polish would not harden and remain in its liquid form.
Plasticizers are also added to gel nail polish as nail polish softeners to prevent cracks in the glossy layer. The addition of these substances, along with pigments, stabilizers, and other compounds, contributes to the unique composition of gel nail polish, setting it apart from traditional nail polishes.
The removal of gel nail polish is notoriously difficult and time-consuming, requiring prolonged soaking in acetone or other organic solvents to dissolve the polymer structure. This process can be damaging to the natural nail, and the use of acetone and single-use cotton pads during removal contributes to waste and environmental concerns.
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Plasticizers are added to gel nail polish to give it its strong but flexible nature
Gel nail polish is a popular choice for those seeking a durable manicure that is less prone to chipping compared to traditional nail polish. Its growing popularity can be attributed to its strong yet flexible nature, achieved through the addition of plasticizers.
Plasticizers are compounds added to gel nail polish to prevent cracking and chipping, thereby enhancing the overall durability of the manicure. This flexibility allows the gel polish to move with the natural nail, reducing the likelihood of chipping and extending the lifespan of the manicure. The use of plasticizers also contributes to the indestructible nature of gel nail polish, making it a popular choice for those seeking a long-lasting manicure.
The process of curing or setting gel nail polish involves the use of UV or LED light. This light triggers a reaction in the gel polish, causing it to harden and form a strong bond with the nail. This light-triggered reaction is a key differentiator between gel nail polish and traditional nail polish, which hardens through solvent evaporation.
While gel nail polish is known for its durability, it is important to note that its removal can be more challenging than traditional nail polish. Proper removal typically involves soaking the nails in acetone or filing the nails to remove the bulk of the product before soaking. This process can be time-consuming and may require regular salon visits for effective and safe removal.
The application of gel nail polish involves additional nail preparation steps, such as the use of a dehydrator and bonder, which are not typically required for traditional nail polish. This extra preparation ensures that the gel polish adheres properly to the nail and contributes to its long-lasting nature.
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Gel nail polish is cured with a UV nail lamp to create a shiny, long-lasting manicure
The use of a UV nail lamp is essential for curing gel polish. Without exposure to UV or LED light, the gel will not harden properly and will remain soft, resulting in a weak manicure prone to damage. UV and LED lamps are both effective methods for curing gel nail polish, and the choice between the two depends on personal preference and specific nail needs. LED lamps tend to cure faster and produce less heat, making them a suitable option for individuals with sensitive skin or nails. On the other hand, UV lamps offer more power and often provide a wider working area, which some technicians prefer.
To cure gel nail polish with a UV lamp, it is important to follow the correct technique. After painting each coat of gel nail polish, place your hand or foot inside the UV nail lamp, ensuring that your thumb and fingers are relatively flat. The curing time may vary depending on the design and thickness of the coat. For small nail art designs, such as dots or lines, shorter curing times of around 10 seconds may be sufficient. Larger designs or regular coats of gel nail polish may require longer curing times of 30 to 60 seconds.
Additionally, proper nail preparation is crucial for achieving long-lasting results. Before applying the gel nail polish, gently buff the entire surface of each nail to create a dull, slightly rough surface. This helps improve the adhesion of the gel polish. It is also important to ensure that your nails are strong enough for a gel manicure. If your nails are too weak, they can bend and cause the gel polish to lift or pull away from the nail. Using nourishing products, such as cuticle oil and moisturiser, can help improve nail strength.
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Gel nail polish is more expensive than regular nail polish
The price difference between gel nail polish and regular nail polish is largely due to the durability and application process of gel nail polish.
Additionally, gel nail polish is generally applied in salons, incurring labour costs, whereas regular nail polish can be easily applied at home. The application process for gel polish is more intricate and time-consuming, requiring multiple steps such as shaping, base coating, gel polish application, and curing under a light. In contrast, regular nail polish can be air-dried, simplifying the application process and reducing the time and effort required.
The removal process for gel nail polish also contributes to its higher cost. Gel polish removal is more complex and time-consuming, often requiring acetone soaks and professional assistance to avoid damaging the nails. On the other hand, regular nail polish can be easily removed without the need for specialised products or salon visits.
While gel nail polish offers a high-gloss finish and enhanced durability, its higher price tag reflects the increased costs associated with the application and removal processes, as well as the longer-lasting results compared to regular nail polish.
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There are safety concerns about the UV light used to cure gel nail polish
The light boxes used to cure polish during gel manicures emit ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation, which is associated with a higher cancer risk. The American Academy of Dermatology has stated that both UV and LED lamps used to cure gel nail polish emit ultraviolet radiation, predominantly in the form of UVA. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is known to cause skin damage and skin cancer. A 2014 study in JAMA Dermatology found that the level of UVA exposure associated with a gel manicure every two weeks probably isn't high enough to increase the risk of skin cancer significantly. However, it is still recommended to protect your hands from UVA exposure by wearing sunscreen on your hands or wearing fingerless gloves during your manicure.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen to hands 20 minutes before your hands are exposed to UV light. However, this precaution does not protect against subungual (under the nail) squamous cell carcinoma, a rare but potentially aggressive form of skin cancer.
In addition to the health concerns, there are also environmental concerns associated with gel nail polish. The process of removing gel nail polish involves soaking nails in acetone, which can be time-consuming and requires the use of single-use cotton pads, which are a drain on plants and water resources. Cotton production is also known to degrade soil.
While gel nail polish may be a more gentle option for nail health compared to acrylics and press-ons, it is important to consider the potential health and environmental risks associated with the UV light used to cure the polish.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nails are typically made from synthetic resin, which can be sourced from trees but is usually synthetic. However, some companies label their products as "soft gel tips" when they are actually made of plastic.
Gel nails are made by mixing several ingredients into a resin to achieve the desired consistency and function. One of the ingredients added is a photoinitiator, which causes the gel to harden or polymerize.
Gel nail tips are beginner-friendly and can be applied at home in a few seconds. First, measure the width of your natural nails and select gel tips that match in size. Then, apply the gel tips to your natural nails using solid nail glue.
Soak the gel nails in acetone to remove them easily without damaging your natural nails.
