Isla Bennett
Gel nail polish is a popular choice for those seeking a long-lasting, chip-free manicure. While gel polish can create a durable and glossy finish, there are concerns about its potential negative effects on nail health, especially for those with brittle nails. The application and removal processes can be particularly harsh, and the UV light used to cure the polish is linked to an increased risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. However, with proper techniques and nail care, some people may still enjoy the benefits of gel polish while minimising the risks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Gel polish can last for weeks without chipping or peeling |
| Safety | Gel polish itself is harmless, but the manicure process can be rough on nails. |
| Application process | Requires curing under a UV or LED lamp |
| Removal process | Requires acetone, which can be drying and harsh on nails |
| Health risks | Involves UV exposure, increasing the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging |
| Nail health | Can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking |
| Nail care | Proper application and removal techniques are essential to prevent nail damage |
| Alternatives | Builder gels or powders can provide protection and support for brittle nails |
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What You'll Learn
Builder gel can help strengthen brittle nails
Gel manicures can be tough on nails, causing brittleness, peeling, and cracking. The curing process involves UV exposure, which increases the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. Removing gel polish can also damage nails. Therefore, it is important to space out gel manicures and allow nails to repair and rehydrate between treatments.
Builder gel is a type of gel nail polish that can be used to strengthen and lengthen nails. It is a protective overlay that reinforces weak nails, allowing them to grow longer and stronger. Builder gel can be divided into two categories: BIAB (Builder Gel in a Bottle) and hard gel. BIAB is a thick gel that adds a durable, lightweight, and natural-looking overlay to the nails or nail tips, strengthening and repairing them over time. It is also chip-proof, making it a good option for nail biters. Hard gel, on the other hand, requires more steps, including cleaning, shaping, and buffing, and it needs to be filed for removal.
While builder gel can provide support and protection for brittle nails, it is important to note that it does not necessarily strengthen the nail itself. Additionally, builder gel requires UV light for curing, which can be a concern for those worried about the potential risks associated with UV exposure.
If you are considering using builder gel to strengthen brittle nails, it is recommended to consult with a nail technician to determine the best course of action for your specific needs.
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Pros and cons of gel nail polish
While gel nail polish is one of the most popular types of nail polish, there are several pros and cons to consider before getting a gel manicure.
Pros
Gel nail polish was made to mimic the look and feel of natural nails. It is long-lasting, chip-free, and virtually indestructible, making it a great option for those who are very hands-on and do not want to worry about their nail polish chipping or smudging. The polish also comes in a bottle with a normal nail polish applicator, making it easy to apply and achieve the look you desire.
Cons
The curing process of gel nail polish involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin aging, DNA damage, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Additionally, removing the polish can be tricky and may damage your nails if not done carefully. It is recommended to space out gel manicures and give your nails a break by taking a nail polish holiday for one to two weeks or longer. During this time, you can apply a moisturizing product to your nails and cuticles to minimize brittleness and help prevent chipping.
It is important to note that while gel nail polish itself is harmless, parts of the manicure process and removal can be rough on nails. To keep your nails healthy, it is recommended to be proactive and ask your manicurist about tool sterilization and disinfection.
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How to remove gel nail polish safely
While gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails. Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands. Therefore, it is important to take extra care when removing gel nail polish to prevent nail damage. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to safely remove gel nail polish:
Using Acetone:
- Prepare your workspace: Line your workspace with a cloth or plastic wrap to avoid acetone stains. Acetone can damage sinks, countertops, and furniture, so it is important to protect your work area.
- Gather your supplies: You will need acetone, cotton balls or pads, aluminum foil, a cuticle pusher, and a nail file. Optional supplies include cuticle oil and a nail buffer.
- Work on one hand at a time: This will make the process easier and help you avoid making a mess.
- File down the gel top coat: Use a coarse nail file to file down the gel top coat layer until it is no longer shiny and smooth. This will help the acetone penetrate the gel polish more effectively.
- Soak your nails in acetone: There are a few different ways to do this:
- Soak your fingertips: Soak only your fingertips in acetone to protect the surrounding skin.
- Use cotton balls: Soak the cotton balls in acetone and apply them directly to your nails, ensuring the cotton only touches the nail bed and not the surrounding skin.
- Wrap with aluminum foil: Wrap small pieces of aluminum foil around your fingertips to hold the cotton balls in place and keep the acetone from evaporating. This will also help prevent the acetone from dripping.
- Wait 10-15 minutes: This will give the acetone time to break down the gel polish. The polish should become soft and may look bubbly or curled.
- Remove the foil and cotton balls: After the waiting period, remove the foil and cotton balls from your nails.
- Gently push off the gel polish: Using a metal cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick, gently push the gel polish off each nail. If the polish is not coming off easily, soak the nail with the acetone-soaked cotton ball for another 5 minutes.
- Wash your hands: Use warm water and a gentle, fragrance-free soap to remove any remaining acetone from your hands.
- Apply petroleum jelly or cuticle oil: This will help moisturize and nourish your nails and cuticles, reducing any irritation caused by the acetone.
Alternative Methods:
- Let your nails grow out: Clipping your nails once a week will help remove the gel nail polish gradually and prevent damage to your nails. However, this is a slow process and can take up to 6 months for fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails.
- Soak nails in hot water: Keep your nails soaked in really hot water for 5-6 minutes, which will weaken the base coat, and then use a cuticle pusher to gently push off the gel polish.
- Use a gel nail polish remover: Instead of using acetone, you can opt for a gel nail polish remover, which is faster, simpler to use, and less damaging to your nails.
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The right products to maintain nail health
While gel nail polish itself doesn't damage your nails, the curing and removal processes can be rough on them. The curing process involves ultraviolet radiation, which increases your risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. Therefore, it is important to take precautions to protect your skin and nails during and after the curing process.
- Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before getting a gel manicure.
- Put on dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips snipped off before your nail polish is applied.
To remove gel nail polish safely and effectively, follow these guidelines:
- Do not pick at the polish or use other nails or tools to remove it.
- Only soak your fingertips in acetone, not your whole hands or fingers, to protect the surrounding skin. Alternatively, use cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrap them in small pieces of aluminum foil around your fingertips.
- Use a nail polish remover that is gentle and nourishing, such as the Gelous Gel Nail Polish Remover, instead of 100% acetone, which can be overly drying and harsh.
- If you need to use a tool to remove the polish, opt for an orange stick or plastic cuticle pusher instead of metal tools. If you must use metal tools, ensure they are sterilized.
In addition to safe curing and removal techniques, it is important to give your nails time to recover between gel manicures. Try not to wear nail polish for one to two weeks or longer, and apply moisturizing products, such as petroleum jelly or cuticle oil, to your nails and cuticles several times a day to minimize brittleness and help prevent chipping.
To further enhance nail health, consider using builder gels or nail strengtheners, such as OPI Nail Envy, which can add strength and thickness to your manicure and support nail growth. Taking nail supplements, such as biotin, can also improve nail health over time.
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The risks of UV exposure from gel manicures
Gel manicures are tough on nails and can cause brittleness, peeling, and cracking. However, the most significant risk associated with gel manicures is the exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from UV nail lamps, which can have several adverse effects on the skin.
UV nail lamps are used to cure or dry gel nail polish, and this process typically takes 60 to 90 seconds under a UV or LED lamp. While this technology offers a quick and long-lasting manicure, the UV exposure poses potential risks to the skin. The primary concern is the elevated risk of skin cancer, specifically nail melanoma, as UV radiation has been linked to DNA mutations and cell damage that can lead to cancerous growths. Research by the University of California, San Diego, exposed human and mouse cells to a UV nail polish dryer, resulting in cell death, damage, and DNA mutations after acute and chronic exposure.
Additionally, UV-A rays, a type of ultraviolet light emitted by these lamps, can cause premature aging, wrinkles, dark spots, and thinning of the skin. The intensity of UV exposure during gel manicures is a concern, and repeated use may increase the risk of skin cancer over time. The American Academy of Dermatology and The Skin Cancer Foundation recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to the hands before a gel manicure to mitigate this risk.
Furthermore, there are no standard guidelines for how long hands should be exposed to UV light during the curing process, and the lack of regulation in the use of these devices adds to the potential risks. While LED lamps have shorter curing times, they emit more intense UVA rays than regular UV lamps or even natural sunlight. This intensity raises concerns about the cumulative effects of UV exposure from repeated gel manicures.
To minimise the risks associated with UV exposure during gel manicures, it is advisable to limit the frequency of gel manicures and opt for traditional nail polish that does not require UV curing. When getting a gel manicure, it is essential to take protective measures, such as wearing gloves with UV protection or using sunscreen on the hands before the procedure.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel polish itself doesn't damage your nails, but the curing process involves UV exposure, increasing your risk of skin cancer. Removing the polish can also damage your nails.
To safely remove gel polish, use a gel nail polish remover instead of 100% acetone, which can be overly drying and harsh on your nails.
Take a break in between gel manicures to give your nails time to repair. Apply a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily to minimise brittleness and help prevent your nails from chipping.
If you have brittle nails, you can use a builder gel to add strength and thickness to your manicure. You can also use nail supplements such as biotin, collagen, and cuticle oil to improve the health of your nails.
