Liam Carter
A recent viral trend on TikTok claims that gel curing press-on nails is an affordable hack for a long-lasting manicure. While this method may make press-on nails more secure and long-lasting, there are some safety concerns to consider. For example, if the gel isn't cured correctly, there is a risk of developing an allergic reaction or contact dermatitis. Additionally, the UV exposure involved in gel curing can potentially be damaging to the skin and health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Infection, allergic reactions, and nail damage are possible risks. |
| Application | Requires more work than traditional methods and may need to be applied by a licensed nail technician. |
| Removal | More difficult to remove than traditional press-on nails; soaking in acetone is recommended. |
| UV Exposure | UV radiation can be damaging to the skin and health. |
| LED Light | Safer than UV light and can be used to cure gel-cured press-on nails. |
| Nail Type | Clear or mostly transparent nails are recommended to allow light to penetrate and cure the gel properly. |
| Longevity | Can make press-on nails last longer than traditional methods. |
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What You'll Learn
Potential health risks of UV exposure
While gel-cured press-on nails can be a more secure and long-lasting alternative to traditional press-on nails, there are some potential health risks associated with the UV exposure involved in the curing process.
Firstly, it is important to note that UV radiation from lamps can be damaging to the skin over time. This damage can manifest as skin wrinkling, age spots, and, in more severe cases, skin cancer with prolonged use. To mitigate this risk, it is recommended to use LED light instead of UV light for curing press-on nails, as it is considered safer. Additionally, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen to your hands before UV exposure can provide some protection.
Secondly, there is a risk of developing an allergic reaction or contact dermatitis if the gel is not cured correctly or completely. Improper curing can leave uncured gel on the surface of the nail, leading to potential allergies. Contact dermatitis can cause symptoms such as itching, swelling, pain, inflammation, and separation of the nails. To avoid this, it is crucial to ensure that the gel is fully cured and that any excess gel is removed from the skin.
Another potential issue with gel-cured press-on nails is the risk of infection. If there are gaps between the press-on nail and the natural nail, moisture can enter and lead to infections. Proper preparation of the nails and ensuring a secure fit can help reduce this risk.
Furthermore, the removal process of gel-cured press-on nails can also pose risks. Forcefully removing or picking off the nails can cause damage to the nail plate, nail bed, and cuticle. Soaking the nails in pure acetone is recommended for safe removal, although prolonged soaks can dry out the nails and surrounding skin, leading to nail brittleness.
Lastly, it is important to consider the potential impact on nail health. The curing process and removal techniques can weaken or damage the nails, and improper use of UV lamps may contribute to these negative effects.
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Allergic reactions and contact dermatitis
Gel-cured press-on nails can be applied at home or by a licensed nail technician. However, there are safety concerns with gel-cured press-on nails, including the risk of developing an allergic reaction like contact dermatitis when the gel comes into contact with the skin.
Contact dermatitis is a type of skin reaction that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritating substance. This reaction is often caused by certain chemicals in nail products, such as acrylates, formaldehyde resin, and methacrylates. Acrylates are a common ingredient in nail products and are a known cause of allergic contact dermatitis. Formaldehyde resin, also called tosylamide formaldehyde resin or toluenesulfonamide formaldehyde resin, is another common allergen found in nail hardeners. Methacrylates are used in gel nail polish and can cause allergies in sensitive individuals.
The symptoms of contact dermatitis include redness, itching, or swelling near the nails. Intense swelling and redness of the area may occur within a few hours, or a rash may appear after a day or two after contact. The affected skin may be red, swollen, and blistered or dry and bumpy. Long-term use of coloured nail enamels, especially deep red polishes that contain D&C Reds No. 6, 7, and 34, can lead to nail plate discolouration.
To avoid an allergic reaction to gel-cured press-on nails, it is recommended to use hypoallergenic or sensitive skin-friendly products, opt for non-acrylate nail polish formulas, and ensure that the gel does not come into contact with the skin. It is also important to cure the nails properly and completely to avoid any uncured gel being left on the surface of the nail, which can lead to the development of allergies. Consulting with a highly trained professional can help determine the safest products to use and perform a patch test to identify any potential allergens.
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Infections due to gaps in application
Gaps in application during the process of gel-curing press-on nails can lead to infections. Dr. Stern warns, "If gaps exist where the press-on is not entirely in contact with the nail, moisture can enter and lead to infections." Even if the nail is properly sanitised with alcohol before the press-on is applied, an opening or entry point for bacteria can still cause an infection.
To prevent this, it is important to ensure there aren't any obvious gaps or bubbles when applying press-on nails. Dr. Stern recommends applying the gel to the underside of the press-on and then applying nail bonder or glue to the nail plate. The press-on should then be applied by pressing it down firmly and ensuring there are no bubbles. It is also important to remove any excess gel from the skin around the nail.
In addition, properly preparing the nail before application can help prevent infections. This includes cleaning, shaping, and gently roughing the nail surface. It is also important to keep the nails and cuticles moisturised to prevent dryness and cracking, which can create openings for fungal infections.
If an infection does occur, it is important to seek medical attention. Paronychia, a common nail infection, can develop when bacteria enter broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness around the nail, as well as redness and warmth in the affected area. Treatment for paronychia typically involves antibiotics and drainage of pus, if present.
While gel-curing press-on nails can extend their lifespan, it is crucial to prioritise the health and safety of your nails to prevent infections and other potential risks, such as UV exposure.
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Removal process and potential nail damage
The removal process for gel-cured press-on nails is more complex than that of traditional press-ons. Soaking the nails in pure acetone is the recommended method of removal, as "popping them off or forcefully removing them can cause damage to the nail plate and nail bed," according to Smith. Dr. Stern adds that "most nail damage from enhancements takes place during the removal process," and that "prolonged acetone soaks can dry the nail and surrounding skin and lead to nail brittleness." Aggressively scraping to remove the press-ons can also damage the nail, cuticle, and nail matrix, which is the nail's growth center.
To avoid potential nail damage, it is important to follow the correct removal process. This includes:
- Soaking the nails in pure acetone, which can help to loosen the adhesive and make the nails easier to remove.
- Avoiding forcefully removing or popping off the nails, as this can cause damage to the natural nails.
- Being gentle during the removal process and avoiding aggressive scraping, which can harm the nail, cuticle, and nail matrix.
- Protecting the skin and nails before the application process by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen to the hands and wearing fingertip-less UV gloves, as suggested by Dr. Stern.
It is worth noting that the UV exposure involved in gel curing press-on nails has potential health risks, although the research on this topic is limited. According to Smith, "over time, UV radiation can cause damage to the skin, such as skin wrinkling, age spots, and skin cancer with prolonged use." Therefore, it is recommended to use LED light instead of UV light for gel-curing press-on nails, as it is considered safer.
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Safe application methods
While the viral TikTok trend of gel curing press-on nails is an affordable hack, it is not without its risks. Here are some safe application methods to consider if you want to try this trend.
Firstly, it is important to note that the press-on nails should be clear or mostly transparent to allow the UV light to penetrate and cure the gel properly. If the gel isn't cured correctly, it can lead to an allergic reaction or contact dermatitis. Therefore, it is recommended to use clear press-on nails with a gel bonder like Extend Gel, which is meant to be painted and cured after application.
Before applying the press-on nails, prepare your natural nails by filing, trimming, and pushing back the cuticles. You can also apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your hands 30 minutes prior to UV exposure to protect your skin.
When you are ready to apply the press-on nails, start by applying a nail bonder or glue to the nail plate. Then, apply the appropriate amount of builder gel to the underside of the press-on nail. Place the press-on nail onto your natural nail, ensuring that it is pressed down smoothly and securely, with no gaps or bubbles.
Finally, cure the nails under an LED or UV light. It is important to use a safe nail UV lamp, which should be at least 48W and have a reflective bottom border to properly cure the gel. The curing process should take around 30 to 120 seconds, depending on the product.
Remember to always follow the specific instructions and recommendations provided by the products you are using, and be cautious of the potential risks associated with this application method.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel curing is a type of nail application that involves using soft gel and an LED or UV light. The method is traditionally used with Aprés Nail gel-X extensions, but it can be used in other ways.
If the gel isn't cured correctly or completely, there is a risk of developing an allergic reaction like contact dermatitis when the gel is in contact with the skin. There is also a risk of infection if there are gaps between the press-on and the nail, as moisture can enter and lead to infections. The UV exposure involved in gel curing press-on nails is also potentially damaging to health and can cause skin wrinkling, age spots, and skin cancer with prolonged use.
To safely gel cure press-on nails, you should use clear press-on nails to ensure the UV light can penetrate the nail and cure the gel. You should also apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to your hands before exposing them to UV light and use a fingertip-less UV glove to protect your hands and fingers.
