Sophia Delgado
Getting a manicure is a fun way to indulge in self-care and pampering. If you're tired of your traditional nail polish chipping within days, you may want to consider gel nails. Gel nails are painted on similarly to regular nail polish but are cured with a UV or LED light to lock the polish in place for long-lasting wear. While gel nails are more resistant to chips and scratches, they can be damaging to your nails and may cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking. In addition, the removal process can be harsh on your nails, and repeated use of UV or LED lights may increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. To keep your nails healthy, it's important to take breaks between gel manicures and allow your nails to strengthen and breathe.
Should I do gel nails?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Durability | Gel nails are more durable than traditional nail polish and can last 2-4 weeks without chipping or wearing down. |
| Colour selection | Gel nails come in a wide range of rich, highly pigmented colours. |
| Removal ease | Gel nails are more difficult to remove than traditional nail polish and require acetone to break down the polish. |
| Quality | Higher-quality gel nail polishes are more durable and less likely to chip. |
| Consistency | Gel nail polishes have an easy-to-control brush and smooth application. |
| Shine | Gel nails have a glossy and luminous top coat. |
| Value | Gel nails are more expensive than traditional nail polish, with salon prices ranging from $35-$60 for the initial application and $10-$20 for removal and reapplication. |
| Safety | Gel nails can be damaging to the nail bed and surrounding skin, causing nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking. Repeated use can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. |
| Application | Gel nails are painted on similarly to traditional nail polish but are cured with a UV or LED light to harden and adhere to the nails. |
| Maintenance | To maintain the health of the nail, it is recommended to take breaks between gel manicures and allow the natural nail to "breathe." |
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What You'll Learn
Pros and cons of gel nails
Gel nail polish is a popular choice for nail art enthusiasts due to its durability and long-lasting nature. It is painted on similarly to classic lacquer but is cured using a UV or LED light to lock it in place. This curing process helps resist chips and scratches for up to three weeks, compared to regular polish, which lasts only two to seven days.
Pros of Gel Nails
The pros of gel nail polish include its long-lasting nature, chip resistance, and high-gloss finish. Gel manicures can last for up to three weeks without needing a fill or reapplication, and they resist chips and wear and tear much better than traditional nail polish. This makes gel nails ideal for those who want a low-maintenance manicure that looks good for an extended period. Additionally, gel nail polish is available in a wide range of colours and can be used to achieve various looks, from a timeless French manicure to more creative designs.
Cons of Gel Nails
One of the main cons of gel nail polish is the potential damage it can cause to the nails. The removal process can leave nails feeling dry, brittle, and fragile, and repeated use can increase the risk of nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking. It is important to take breaks between gel manicures and allow the natural nail to "breathe" to maintain nail health. Additionally, the curing process involves exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can cause skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer. This is a concern regardless of the type of lamp used, as even LED lamps emit UV radiation.
Precautions
To minimise the potential damage caused by gel nail polish, it is recommended to take breaks between gel manicures and allow the natural nail to recover. Applying cuticle oil or serum can help rehydrate and strengthen nails after a gel manicure. Additionally, when removing gel polish, it is important to avoid peeling or picking it off, as this can damage the natural nail. Instead, use acetone to soak off the polish gently. To protect the skin from the UV exposure during the curing process, it is recommended to apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher or wear UV-protective fingerless gloves.
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Gel nail removal
Gel manicures are beautiful and long-lasting, but they can be tough on nails. The process of removing gel polish can be hard on your nails, and if done incorrectly, it can cause damage. It is always best to visit a professional for gel nail removal, but when that's not possible, it can be done at home with a little time and patience.
Gel nail polish should never be peeled or picked off the nails, as this can rip off the protective top layer of your nail. Instead, to remove gel polish at home, you can follow these steps:
- Prepare your work area: Protect your work area with a cloth to avoid acetone stains. Acetone can damage sinks, countertops, and furniture.
- Gather your supplies: You will need acetone, cotton balls (or pads), aluminum foil, a cuticle pusher, and a nail file. Cuticle oil and a nail buffer are extra but will help keep your nails healthy.
- Protect your skin: Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle and the surrounding skin. This will help protect your skin from the acetone.
- Prepare the cotton balls: Cut the cotton balls or strips to the size of each nail. Using cotton that is about the same size as each nail reduces your risk of getting acetone on your skin.
- Soak the cotton balls in acetone: Soak each piece of cotton in acetone.
- Wrap your nails: Place each piece of soaked cotton on top of the nail that it was cut to fit, and wrap the nail with plastic food wrap or aluminum foil. When removing gel nail polish from your fingernails, it is easier to work on one hand at a time.
- Wait: Leave the wrap on for 10 minutes.
- Remove the wrap: Most or all of the gel nail polish should be gone. Remove any remaining gel nail polish with a washcloth that you've run under warm water. Use the wet washcloth to gently rub off any remaining polish.
- Wash your hands: Wash your hands with a gentle, fragrance-free soap and water to remove the acetone.
- Moisturize: Apply cuticle oil or serum to your nails, as they will be brittle due to the removal solution. Don't skimp on the moisturizing hand lotion, and be sure to massage it into the fingertips to stimulate circulation in the area.
An alternative method to remove gel nail polish is to let your nails grow out. Clipping them once a week will remove the gel nail polish and help prevent the nails from catching on clothing and other objects. However, this is a slow process, as it takes about six months to grow out your fingernails. Toenails need 12 to 18 months. During this process, you need to resist the urge to pick at your gel nail polish, as picking and scraping off the polish can damage your nails.
It is important to take breaks between gel manicures to keep your natural nails strong. You can alternate between gel and regular polish manicures or leave your nails bare of polish for at least one to two weeks between gel manicures.
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Gel nails at home vs at a salon
Gel nails are a long-lasting and beautiful way to keep your nails looking their best. But is it better to do them at home or go to a salon? There are several factors to consider when deciding between the two options.
Cost
One of the biggest advantages of doing your gel nails at home is the cost. Gel manicures at a salon can be expensive, with prices ranging from $35 to $60 or more for the initial application, plus additional costs for removal and reapplication every 2-3 weeks. This can add up to over $2000 a year, not including any extra charges for nail art or special treatments. On the other hand, investing in an at-home gel nail kit may seem costly at first, but it can provide multiple manicures, making it a more cost-effective option in the long run.
Time and Convenience
Doing your gel nails at home can save you time and the hassle of travelling to and from the salon. It eliminates the need for appointments and commuting, giving you more flexibility to fit it into your schedule. You can also take as much time as you need without feeling rushed or worrying about someone else's wait time.
Customization and Comfort
At-home gel nails offer more customization options, allowing you to experiment with different designs and colours. You can also create a comfortable and relaxing environment that suits your personal preferences, such as playing your favourite music or watching a show while doing your nails. However, achieving salon-quality results may require some practice and patience.
Nail Health
It is important to consider the potential impact of gel manicures on nail health. Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, and repeated use may increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. To maintain nail health, it is recommended to take breaks between gel manicures and allow your natural nails to breathe. Whether you choose to do your nails at home or go to a salon, proper nail care is essential to keep your nails strong and healthy.
In conclusion, both at-home and salon gel nails have their advantages. Doing your gel nails at home can save you money and time, offer more customization options, and provide a comfortable and relaxing experience. However, achieving salon-quality results may take some practice. Visiting a salon provides professional services and ensures better results, but it can be more costly and less convenient. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal preferences, budget, and the amount of time and effort you are willing to invest.
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Gel nails vs acrylic nails
Gel nails and acrylic nails are two of the most popular salon nail services. While they may look similar, there are some key differences between the two.
Application
Gel nails are painted on similarly to classic lacquer but are cured with a UV or LED light to lock them in place. Each coat of gel polish needs to be cured for about 30 to 60 seconds, and you're ready to go as soon as the last top coat is cured. Gel nails can be applied directly to natural nails, as well as acrylics and nail extensions.
Acrylic nails, on the other hand, are a mix of polymer and monomer that creates a gummy paste when combined. This paste is then painted onto the nail and hardens when exposed to air. Acrylics are primarily used to strengthen and shape the natural nail, and nail polish is usually added on top to impart colour.
Durability
Gel nails are more resistant to chips and scratches and can last from 10 days to three or four weeks.
Acrylic nails can last up to three weeks before needing a fill.
Removal
Both gel and acrylic nails can be removed by soaking in acetone. However, gel nails may require additional tools to break the topcoat seal, such as a fine-grit nail drill.
Health and Safety
Gel nails can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking, and UV light exposure is known to increase the risk of developing skin cancer and premature skin ageing.
Acrylic nails tend to look thicker and bulkier than gel nails, especially if they are not properly filed and shaped.
Cost
Gel manicures typically cost $35 to $60 initially, with an additional $10 to $20 for each removal and reapplication every two to three weeks.
Acrylic sets can take anywhere from 60 minutes to three hours, depending on the length and design, and may cost more than gel nails.
Both gel and acrylic nails offer a long-lasting, shiny, and chip-free manicure. Gel nails may be a better option for those seeking a more natural look, as acrylic nails tend to look thicker and bulkier. However, it is important to consider the potential health risks associated with UV light exposure when choosing gel nails.
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How to care for your nails between gel manicures
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 ageing on the hands. Therefore, it is important to take care of your nails between gel manicures. Here are some tips on how to do this:
Take breaks between gel manicures
Taking breaks between gel manicures is essential to maintaining nail health. Alternate between gel and regular polish manicures or leave your nails bare for at least one to two weeks between gel manicures. This allows your natural nails to recover and strengthen.
Strengthen your nails
Apply cuticle oil or serum to your nails and cuticles to keep them hydrated and prevent brittleness. You can also use petroleum jelly or a moisturising hand lotion, massaging it into your fingertips to stimulate circulation.
Be gentle with your nails
Avoid using your nails as tools to open cans, remove staples, or pry things open. Treat your nails gently and keep them away from harsh chemicals. When doing household chores, wear gloves to protect your nails from water and cleaning products, which can lift the edges of the gel polish and cause damage.
Remove gel polish properly
When it's time to remove your gel polish, avoid peeling or picking it off, as this can damage your natural nails. Instead, file the gels to break the topcoat seal and then soak your nails in acetone. If you can, it's best to visit a professional for gel nail removal, but if that's not possible, be sure to follow specific instructions to avoid damaging your natural nails.
Choose quality products
When applying gel polish, use high-end formulas that will last longer on your nails before thinning or peeling. Read reviews of gel polish brands to ensure you're getting a quality product that won't chip prematurely.
By following these tips, you can keep your nails healthy and strong between gel manicures.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nails are cured with a UV or LED light to help lock them in place for long-lasting wear. They are more resistant to chips and scratches and can last for up to three weeks.
The process of putting on and taking off gel nails can be hard on your nails. They can leave your nails feeling dry, brittle, and fragile. Repeated use can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.
Gel nails can cost $35-$60 for the initial application, then $10-$20 for each removal and reapplication every 2-3 weeks. They usually cost $10-$15 more than a regular manicure.
Yes, you can do gel nails at home. You will need to purchase a nail lamp and other supplies.
