Liam Carter
Gel nail polish is a long-lasting manicure option that is cured under UV light. However, it is not uncommon for gel nail polish to change colour, sometimes even overnight. There are several reasons why this might happen, including exposure to sunlight, certain chemicals, and specific types of food. In some cases, the polish may have been specifically designed to change colour, such as thermal gels that react to temperature changes.
Characteristics and their values that cause gel nails to change colour
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of gel nail polish | Mood-changing nail polish |
| Temperature | High or low |
| Exposure to UV light | Overexposure to UV light |
| Exposure to sunlight | Spending a lot of time in the sun |
| Exposure to self-tanners | Use of self-tanners |
| Smoking | Holding a cigarette in one hand |
| Exposure to chemicals | Exposure to cleaning supplies, cosmetics, lotions, bleach, hair colouring, suntan products, etc. |
| Exposure to food | Food with high acid content, turmeric, ghee, coconut oil, tamarind, food colourants |
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What You'll Learn
Exposure to UV light
The intensity and duration of UV light exposure play a role in colour changes. Inadequate time under a UV lamp during the curing process can lead to insufficient curing, resulting in colour fading over time. On the other hand, overexposure to UV light, either during the curing process or through prolonged sun exposure, can also cause discolouration. This overexposure can be a particular issue during the summer months or in regions with high sun intensity.
Additionally, certain substances can increase the nails' sensitivity to UV light, leading to discolouration. For example, some individuals have reported that using sunscreen on their nails caused colour changes in their gel manicures. Similarly, self-tanners and tanning beds can contribute to discolouration issues. It is worth noting that pink shades are particularly susceptible to fading when exposed to sunlight and summer activities.
While UV light exposure is a significant factor in colour changes, it is not the only contributor. Other factors, such as the use of specific lotions, exposure to cleaning products or chemicals, and the application process itself, can also influence the colour stability of gel nails.
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Exposure to sunlight
Gel nail polishes are cured under UV light, and additional exposure to UV light from sunlight can cause discolouration. While some amount of UV exposure is inevitable, excess exposure from natural sunlight can lead to discolouration, fading, and even premature service breakdown. Sunbeds, chlorine, chemicals, and solvents can also contribute to these issues.
To prevent gel nails from changing colour due to sunlight exposure, it is recommended to protect nails from excessive sunlight exposure when outdoors. Additionally, drying nails after swimming and before sun exposure can help, as both chlorine and the sun act as bleaching agents. Applying a clear nail polish over the gel polish or using gloves when in contact with chemicals and solvents can also help prevent discolouration.
It is worth noting that not all gel nail polishes are created equal, and some colours are more susceptible to UV-induced colour changes than others. Colours on the blue end of the colour spectrum tend to be more easily faded than those on the red end.
While sunlight exposure can cause gel nails to change colour, other factors, such as the porous nature of the gel nail paint, contact with lotions, bleach, or other cleaning products, and under-curing or over-curing of the gel, may also contribute to discolouration.
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Exposure to chemicals in cleaning supplies
It is important to note that products used in nail salons may contain chemicals that can be harmful to workers' health. This is why it is crucial for salons to have proper ventilation systems and follow safe work practices to minimize chemical exposure. For example, exhaust ventilation systems and portable ventilation machines can help reduce chemical exposure by pulling in fresh air and removing dust and chemicals from the salon environment. Additionally, it is recommended to keep the salon's exhaust system on during work hours and to regularly clean and maintain the HVAC system.
To avoid gel nail discoloration, it is advisable to be cautious when using cleaning supplies and other products that contain potentially harmful chemicals. Washing hands after using such products and wearing protective gloves can help prevent direct contact with the nails. It is also worth noting that overexposure to UV light can also cause gel nails to change color, so it is important to be mindful of this when spending time in the sun or using self-tanners.
While gel nail discoloration may be unsightly, there are ways to remove mild to moderate stains. Using a Q-tip dipped in nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol, one can gently rub the affected area to lift the stain. However, it is important to act quickly after the stain appears, and to be gentle to avoid damaging the manicure. It is recommended to avoid using acetone-based products for this purpose.
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Exposure to skincare products
Exposure to certain skincare products can cause discolouration in gel nails. While some chemicals in skincare products can directly stain the nails, discolouration can also be caused by a chemical reaction between the gel polish and the skincare product.
Makeup, hair dye, and hair bleach are all known to cause discolouration of gel nails. Hair dyes will stain the nails, while hair bleach will discolour them. Similarly, skincare products with high acid content can cause discolouration.
Additionally, some gel nail polishes are designed to change colour under certain conditions, such as temperature changes or exposure to UV light. This can result in unexpected colour changes, especially if the nails are exposed to extreme temperatures or prolonged periods of UV light.
It is important to note that not all discolouration is permanent, and there are ways to restore the original colour or remove the discolouration. For mild to moderate discolouration, using a non-acetone-based nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol can help restore the original colour. It is important to act quickly and be gentle during the removal process to avoid damaging the manicure.
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Exposure to hair dye
To prevent hair dye stains on your nails, it is recommended to wear gloves when handling hair dye. If your nails do come into contact with hair dye, it is important to wash your hands immediately, as this may prevent the dye from staining your nails.
If your gel nails become stained with hair dye, there are several methods you can use to remove the stain. One method is to use an acetone-free agent, such as alcohol wipes, to prevent dissolving your gel manicure. Simply rub each nail firmly with the alcohol wipe, and repeat as many times as necessary. Another option is to use hairspray, which can effectively remove hair dye stains. Spray the hairspray onto your nails and gently rub the stains off with a cotton pad. Finally, wash your hands with soap and water to remove any residue.
In addition to hairspray and alcohol wipes, natural stain removers such as tea tree oil can be used to remove hair dye stains from gel nails. Soak your nails in tea tree oil for approximately 10 minutes, and repeat if necessary. Alternatively, you can create a paste by mixing lemon juice with baking soda, applying it to your nails, and then washing it off with soapy water. It is important to be gentle when scrubbing your nails to avoid damaging your manicure.
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Frequently asked questions
The colour change in gel nails is due to a special pigment called a thermochromic pigment, which is sensitive to temperature variations. Some gel nail polishes are also designed to change colour under certain conditions, such as UV light.
The same way smoking causes teeth to turn yellow, it can also cause gel nails to change colour. The dominant hand, which is usually used to hold a cigarette, is more susceptible to this discolouration.
To prevent discolouration, it is recommended to avoid direct contact with intensely coloured foods, such as turmeric, and certain chemicals found in cleaning supplies, makeup, skincare products, and hair dye.
