Noah Sinclair
Gel nails are a popular choice for those wanting a long-lasting manicure. However, there are several issues associated with gel nail polish, including the risk of skin cancer due to UV exposure during the curing process, and the presence of chemicals that can cause allergic reactions and nail damage. Water can also negatively impact gel nails, as it can cause the nails to expand and contract, leading to chipping and peeling. While some sources claim that gel polish repels water, others suggest that exposure to water, especially chlorine, can soften and discolour gel nails. To maintain gel nails, it is recommended to keep them dry and clean, avoid harsh chemicals, and treat them gently.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Water exposure | Water can cause gel nails to lift and chip, especially at the edges. |
| Water exposure can lead to swelling, breaking the bond between the polish and the nail. | |
| Water can cause the nail bed to expand, leading to potential manicure compromise or nail damage. | |
| Gel nails can withstand water better than regular nail polish, especially saltwater and pool chemicals. | |
| Chlorine exposure can soften and discolour gel nails. | |
| Tanning lotion and sunscreen can react with gel nails, causing a sticky layer and increased lifting and peeling. | |
| Water exposure can lead to temporary nail damage and increased UV exposure, which can cause skin ageing and cancer risk. | |
| Aftercare | Wear gloves when in contact with water to protect gel nails. |
| Apply a top coat to seal out water and protect nails. | |
| Keep nails dry and clean to maintain gel nails. |
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What You'll Learn
Gel nails and chlorine water
Gel nails are known for their durability, but they are not completely immune to damage from chlorine water. While gel manicures may not chip or lift as easily as regular nail polish when exposed to water, frequent exposure to chlorinated water can still cause discolouration and softening of the gel nails.
Chlorinated water can dehydrate the nails, stripping them of their natural oils, which can lead to dryness and brittleness. To prevent this, it is recommended to apply a nourishing cuticle oil or hand cream with moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or shea butter. Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly or natural oils like avocado, jojoba, or coconut oil can also create a protective barrier between the pool water and the nails.
Additionally, it is advised to use a top coat over the gel polish before swimming to create an extra seal against water. A fortifying base coat and a durable nail polish can also help prolong the life of the manicure.
While gel nails can withstand casual swimming or beach vacations without significant issues, prolonged and frequent exposure to chlorine water may require more long-lasting nail polish options, such as thicker glitter nail polish, to prevent nail damage from pool chemicals.
It is worth noting that the curing process of gel nails under UV or LED lamps can lead to skin ageing, DNA damage, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the potential risks and take precautions, such as minimising UV exposure to the hands, when opting for gel nail services.
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Gel nails and saltwater
Water and chemicals are the arch-nemeses of gel nails. Therefore, it is recommended to wear gloves when doing chores, especially if they involve water or harsh chemicals.
Gel nails are not entirely water-resistant, and long exposure to highly chlorinated or saltwater can damage the manicure. This is more common if the nail polish hasn't dried properly. The chlorine damage will cause the manicure to chip, soften, or discolour.
To protect your gel nails from saltwater, it is recommended to wash your hands with soap as often as possible during intervals so that your time spent in the water does minimal harm to your nail lacquer. After swimming, it is important to moisturize your hands with Argan Oil Hand Creme and touch up your nails with a top coat.
Additionally, it is important to note that the curing process of gel nails involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to minimize excessive heat and protect your hands from UV exposure when getting gel nails.
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Gel nails and hot water
Gel nail polish is cured under a UV or LED lamp, which causes it to quick-dry and sets it apart from standard nail polishes. However, this convenience comes at a cost: the elevated risk of skin cancer and DNA damage due to UV exposure. Additionally, the chemicals in gel nail polish can cause allergic reactions, and the removal process can lead to temporary nail damage.
When it comes to hot water, it is generally advised to minimise exposure as excessive heat can weaken the gel's bond to the nail, leading to chipping and lifting. This is especially true for activities such as dishwashing or showering, where the combination of hot water and chemicals can be particularly damaging. To protect your gel nails, it is recommended to wear gloves during such tasks.
While gel nails are known for their durability and resistance to chipping, even they are not entirely immune to the effects of water. When nails come into prolonged contact with water, they absorb water and expand, only to contract and dry out later. This expansion and contraction can cause the polish to chip, as it cannot expand or contract with the nail. Chlorine and saltwater can further compromise the manicure by softening and discolouring the gel nails.
However, this doesn't mean that you have to avoid swimming or soaking in a bath altogether. Applying a top coat before taking a dip can provide an extra layer of protection. Additionally, thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water after swimming in a pool or the ocean can help remove any chemicals or saltwater that may affect your gel manicure.
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The curing process of gel nails
Curing gel nails involves using a specially designed UV or LED lamp to seal and harden the gel nail polish. This process is known as polymerisation, which causes the molecules in the gel polish to bond together, creating a solid layer of colour that resists chipping and wear. Here is a step-by-step guide to the curing process:
Step 1: Understand the Process and Prepare
Before beginning the curing process, it is important to understand what gel polish is and why it requires curing. Gel polish is a type of nail polish that needs to be sealed and hardened using a specialised UV or LED lamp. The curing process, also known as polymerisation, involves utilising UV or LED light to solidify and strengthen the gel nail polish, creating a durable and long-lasting manicure.
Step 2: Position Your Nails
Once your gel polish is applied, position your painted nails flat under the UV or LED lamp. Ensure that the polished side of your nails faces upwards and leave a small gap between each finger. It is recommended to only expose your fingernails to direct UV light, avoiding excessive skin contact with the radiation.
Step 3: Set the Timer and Cure
Follow the instructions provided by the gel polish manufacturer to determine the required curing time, which can vary depending on the product. Set your timer accordingly and activate the lamp. Remain still during the curing process to achieve the best results.
Step 4: Complete the Cycle and Apply Additional Coats
Once the light turns off, your cycle is complete, and you can remove your hands from under the lamp. Remember to cure each coat under the lamp for proper sealing. Apply additional coats of gel nail polish, including the base and top coats, curing each layer separately.
Step 5: Finalise and Clean
After completing the final layer and curing it, use a cotton pad soaked in alcohol or a specialised gel cleanser to remove any sticky residue from your nails. This will ensure a flawless and professional finish.
It is important to note that curing gel nails involves exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause skin ageing and potentially increase the risk of skin cancer. It is recommended to use LED lamps as a safer alternative, minimise direct skin exposure, and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure a safe curing process.
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Gel nails and sunscreen
While gel nails can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can also be tough on nails. The curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to cancer. The UV light can also increase the risk of skin cancer and cause premature ageing.
To protect your skin from these risks, it is recommended to apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands and nails before your gel manicure. This will create a barrier on your skin, absorbing or reflecting the harmful UV rays. You should apply sunscreen a few minutes before the polish is applied so that you don't have to wash it off, and it has time to start working.
Additionally, it is important to care for your nails between gel manicures. Try not to wear nail polish for one to two weeks or longer to give your nails time to repair. Rehydrate your nails and cuticles by applying a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, several times daily.
To maintain the longevity and appearance of your gel nails, it is also recommended to wear gloves when doing chores involving water or harsh chemicals. Avoid using your nails as tools, such as opening cans or peeling stickers, and minimise exposure to heat from hot water in showers or dishwashing.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is bad to put gel nails in water. Water can cause your gel nails to lift and chip. It is recommended to wear gloves when doing chores that involve water or harsh chemicals.
Gel nails can withstand saltwater and harsh pool chemicals better than regular polish. However, exposure to chlorine can soften and discolour gel nails. Applying a top coat before swimming can help protect your nails.
The curing process of gel nails involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and DNA damage that may lead to cancer. Gel nail polish also contains chemicals that can cause allergic reactions, such as rashes and hives. Poor aftercare of gel nails can also lead to infections.
