Caleb Foster
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those wanting long-lasting nail colour. However, it's not uncommon for gel nails to change colour, turning brown or yellow over time. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to UV light, smoking, skincare products, and even certain foods. In this article, we will explore the science behind gel nail discolouration and offer tips for prevention and removal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Over-curing at UV light | The UV light hardens the gel and makes the manicure last longer. However, over-curing or under-curing can cause the gel nails to turn brown. |
| Under-curing at UV light | The UV light hardens the gel and makes the manicure last longer. However, over-curing or under-curing can cause the gel nails to turn brown. |
| Contact with strong chemicals | Cleaning agents, makeup products, spices such as turmeric, skincare creams, and poor-quality gels can cause gel nails to turn brown. |
| Smoking | The nicotine and tar in cigarettes leave stains on nail beds and the skin around them, causing the gel nails to turn brown. |
| Exposure to sunlight | Over-exposure to sunlight can cause gel nails to turn brown. |
| Dye transfer | Dye from clothing or other external sources can transfer onto gel nails, causing discolouration. |
| Old topcoats or gels | Using old topcoats or gels can cause discolouration. |
| Poor UV lamps | Using old or poor-quality UV lamps can cause discolouration if the gel is not properly cured. |
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What You'll Learn
Over or under-exposure to UV light
Gel nails are cured under UV light to set and dry the nail paint. The UV light hardens the gel, ensuring the manicure stays for longer. However, over-curing or under-curing can cause the gel nails to turn brown.
Over-curing occurs when nails are left under the lamp for too long, causing the material to turn brown after a few days or a week later. Under-curing, on the other hand, happens when nails are left under the lamp for too short a time, leading to the same discolouration issue. It is important to note that UV lamps have timers, and the machine will switch off automatically after the set time to prevent over-curing.
To avoid over or under-exposure to UV light, it is recommended to cure gel nails for the correct time, typically 2 minutes. Additionally, using LED lights instead of UV lights can be more efficient and reduce the risk of discolouration. It is also suggested to apply a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen to the hands before the UV light exposure to protect against potential skin cancer risks.
While gel manicures have been linked to discolouration and skin health concerns, it is still a popular choice due to its durability and long-lasting results.
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Contact with strong chemicals
Makeup products can also cause discolouration of gel nails. This can happen if you accidentally stain your nails with makeup while applying it, and the spots are difficult to wipe away. Certain chemicals in makeup and skincare products, such as hydroquinone and tretinoin, can lead to brown nail discolouration.
Another source of strong chemicals that can cause gel nails to turn brown is smoking. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes leave stains on nail beds and the skin around them. Additionally, smoking blocks the oxygen supply to the fingernails, resulting in yellow shading.
Dyes from clothing can also come off on your gel nails, especially with new items, and cause discolouration. This can happen simply by brushing your nails against your clothes throughout the day. For example, a client's French white gel nails turned pink after spending a lot of time wearing a new red dressing gown.
Poor-quality gels can also be a source of strong chemicals that lead to brown nail discolouration.
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Poor-quality gels
The porous nature of gel nail paint means that it can change colour when it comes into contact with certain substances. This includes lotions, bleach, and other cleaning products. For example, the high acid content in fruit can interact with gel nail paint, causing discolouration. Similarly, ingredients from Indian cooking such as turmeric, ghee, coconut oil, and tamarind can stain nails yellow.
Dyes from clothing can also come off on nails, causing discolouration. This is especially true of new items, which may have excess dye that transfers to the nail when brushed against throughout the day.
Additionally, exposure to sunlight can cause gel nails to turn brown. This is because UV light can cause the gel to over-cure or under-cure, leading to discolouration a few days or a week later. It is important to use UV lamps with a timer to ensure that the gel is cured for the correct amount of time.
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Smoking
Gel nails are porous, and therefore more likely to discolour than hard/buff gels. This means that they are more susceptible to discolouration from external factors, such as smoking.
Other causes of discolouration include over-curing or under-curing at UV light, and exposure to strong chemicals such as cleaning agents, makeup products, and spices like turmeric. Even sunlight and self-tanning products can cause discolouration.
Some people have also reported that their gel nails have been stained by their clothing, particularly new items of clothing with dyes that can be transferred by brushing against the nails.
To prevent discolouration, it is recommended to use natural remedies such as tea tree oil, lemon, soda, vitamin E, and vinegar. These ingredients provide nutrients and vitamins to the skin around the nails and help to keep them moisturised.
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Dye transfer from clothing
Gel nails can turn brown due to dye transfer from clothing. This is particularly common with new items, where the dye can be transferred simply by brushing against the nails throughout the day. For example, one person's French white gel nails turned pink after they spent a long time wearing a new red dressing gown.
To prevent this, it is recommended to wear gloves when carrying out activities that involve contact with clothing or other materials, such as washing dishes or gardening. This creates a barrier between the nails and the fabric, reducing the risk of dye transfer.
It is also important to note that gel nails can turn brown due to a variety of other reasons, such as over-curing or under-curing at UV light, exposure to sunlight, smoking, and contact with strong chemicals found in cleaning agents, makeup products, skincare creams, and spices such as turmeric.
To remove brown stains from gel nails, one can use nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol. Additionally, natural remedies such as tea tree oil, lemon, soda, vitamin E, and vinegar can be used to prevent nails from turning brown and to provide nutrients and moisture to the skin around the nails.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several reasons why gel nails turn brown. One of the most common reasons is over-curing or under-curing with UV light. Other reasons include exposure to strong chemicals such as cleaning agents, makeup products, and skincare creams, as well as poor-quality gels.
To prevent your gel nails from turning brown, you can follow these simple steps: use gloves when doing household chores, avoid using harsh chemicals, and opt for natural remedies such as tea tree oil, lemon, and baking soda to clean your nails.
The first sign that your gel nails are starting to turn brown is usually the appearance of light yellowish-brown spots. This discolouration can spread and become more noticeable over time.
Yes, there are a few home remedies that can help remove the brown discolouration from your gel nails. These include using nail polish remover, scrubbing with baking soda and lemon juice, or applying tea tree oil.
