Isla Bennett
After filing gel nail polish, it is important to take care of your nails to prevent chipping, lifting, or infections. This includes keeping your nails dry and clean, as water and chemicals can ruin gel nails. It is also important to moisturize your nails and cuticles, but avoid applying lotion or oil directly to the nail surface. Instead, focus on the surrounding skin and cuticle area. Additionally, avoid using your nails as tools, as this can cause chipping and lifting. Leave any cutting or filing to professionals to avoid damaging the balance and structure of your nails.
What to do after filing gel nail polish
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Avoid water and chemicals | Water and chemicals can ruin gel nails, so wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning |
| Moisturize | Nails and cuticles need hydration to prevent them from turning brittle |
| Avoid using nails as tools | Avoid using nails to open cans or peel stickers |
| Minimize hand sanitizer use | Hand sanitizer can dry out nails and cause lifting |
| Minimize heat | Excessive heat from hot water or showers can weaken the gel's bond to the nail |
| Don't cut or file gel nails yourself | Leave this to professionals to avoid throwing off the balance and structure of your nails |
| Don't pick at gel nails | Picking can damage the natural nails underneath |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid water and harsh chemicals
After filing gel nail polish, it is important to take extra care of your nails and hands to avoid any potential issues caused by the chemicals and UV exposure involved in the gel manicure process.
One important precaution to take is to avoid prolonged exposure to water, especially immediately after the manicure. This is because your nails are more vulnerable to damage and absorption of chemicals or other substances when wet. It is advisable to wear gloves when doing household chores or swimming to protect your nails from harsh chemicals and prolonged water exposure.
In addition to water, it is crucial to avoid harsh chemicals that can further damage your nails and skin. This includes not only nail polish removers and other cosmetic products but also household cleaning agents. Opt for gentle, natural alternatives when possible, and always wear protective gloves when handling harsh chemicals. Be cautious of the products you use on your nails, as some nail polishes and removers contain toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate, which can be harmful. Look for products labelled "five-free," "seven-free," or "ten-free," indicating they are free from some of the most common toxic chemicals.
The curing process of gel nail polish under a UV lamp can also be damaging to your hands and nails. To minimize the harm, it is recommended to use an SPF 30 or higher mineral sunscreen on your hands before the curing process. Mineral sunscreens containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide provide faster and more effective protection than chemical sunscreens. Additionally, consider purchasing UV-protective fingerless gloves, which expose your nail bed for curing while shielding the rest of your hand from UV rays.
By taking these precautions and being mindful of the products and substances your nails come into contact with, you can help minimize the potential damage caused by gel nail polish and promote healthy and strong nails.
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Wear gloves for chores
Wearing gloves while doing chores is a great way to protect your hands and nails, especially if you've just had a gel manicure. However, it's not always effective in preserving your gel nail polish. Here are some things to keep in mind:
First, the type of gloves you choose matters. Opt for powder-free, disposable nitrile gloves, as the powder in some gloves can contaminate your nail polish or cause allergic reactions. Additionally, make sure the gloves fit properly and are not too tight or too loose.
Second, be mindful of the activities you're performing while wearing gloves. Sweating inside the gloves can cause a buildup of moisture, which can be absorbed by your nails, making them softer and more prone to peeling or chipping. This is especially relevant if you're doing chores that involve warm water, like dishwashing. The warm moisture inside the gloves may affect the adhesion of your gel nail polish.
Third, the quality of your gel manicure and the products used can also impact the durability of your nail polish while wearing gloves. Make sure your nails are properly prepped before the application, and consider using a rubber base coat, as it has better adhesive properties and adds flexibility. Additionally, ensure that the nail technician applies the polish correctly, as any polish on the skin can cause lifting and peeling.
Finally, some gel nail polish brands may simply work better for you than others. Experiment with different brands to find the one that lasts the longest with glove use. It might be worth trying a brand that isn't soak-off, as it could be more resistant to the warm moisture inside the gloves.
While wearing gloves for chores is a good practice to protect your hands and nails, combining it with the right glove choice, awareness of moisture buildup, a quality manicure, and the right nail polish brand will give you the best chance of maintaining your gel nail polish for longer.
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Moisturise hands and cuticles
Moisturising your hands and cuticles is an important step in maintaining nail health, especially after filing gel nail polish. Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, and the curing process involves repeated exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can lead to skin ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to take extra care of your hands and cuticles after gel nail polish removal.
Firstly, invest in a good-quality hand cream and cuticle oil. Apply the hand cream generously to your hands, focusing on the surrounding skin and cuticle area. Avoid applying the hand cream directly to your nails, as this can interfere with the adhesion of the nail polish if you plan to redo your gel manicure. Instead, use a few drops of cuticle oil on your nails and cuticles to provide intense hydration and prevent peeling. You can also use petroleum jelly, which is an excellent multi-purpose moisturiser for your hands, nails, and cuticles.
It is recommended to moisturise your hands and cuticles daily or several times a day, especially after washing your hands or exposing them to water. This will help combat dryness and keep your nails and cuticles supple and healthy. Additionally, consider applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before exposing them to UV light, such as when driving or spending time outdoors. This will provide protection from UV rays, reducing the risk of skin ageing and cancer.
Wearing gloves is also essential when cleaning or gardening to protect your hands and nails from harsh chemicals and dirt, which can be detrimental to your nail health. By incorporating these simple steps into your hand and nail care routine, you can effectively moisturise your hands and cuticles, promoting healthy and vibrant nails while minimising the potential damage caused by gel nail polish.
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Avoid using nails as tools
Gel manicures are hardier than conventional polishes, but they are not indestructible. Filing or clipping nails with a gel coat can destroy the seal between the polish and the nail, making the nails more prone to damage and wear and tear.
To keep your gel manicure looking ace, avoid using your nails as tools. Nails are not meant to open soda cans, remove staples, or peel stickers. These habits can make a huge difference in how long your gel manicure stays perfect.
Treat your nails like jewels. Avoid using your nails for hard work like opening cans or typing aggressively. Keep your nails away from harsh chemicals, even cleaning products, as they can damage your gel manicure. If you can't avoid household chores, wear gloves to protect your nails.
If you chip or lift a nail, get it fixed by a professional. Don't pick or peel, as it can damage your natural nails.
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Minimise hand sanitiser use
If you want your gel nail polish to last, it's best to minimise the use of hand sanitiser. Hand sanitisers contain alcohol, which is a common solvent for removing paint. The alcohol in hand sanitisers can weaken the bond between the gel nail polish and your natural nail, causing the polish to lift and chip sooner than it usually would.
If you work in a role that requires you to use hand sanitiser frequently, consider switching to regular nail polish, as gel nail polish doesn't fare well with constant sanitising. Regular polish can also be affected by hand sanitiser, but you may find it less upsetting if your manicure doesn't last as long.
If you want to stick with gel nail polish, try to wash your hands with soap and water instead of using hand sanitiser where possible. This will help to preserve your manicure for longer.
In addition to minimising hand sanitiser use, it's important to care for your nails and skin by using a high-quality hand moisturiser at least once per day. This will help to counteract the drying effects of hand sanitiser and prevent your skin from becoming dry and brittle.
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Frequently asked questions
If your gel nail polish starts to peel, resist the urge to pick at it. Instead, book an appointment with a professional to get it fixed.
To care for your gel nail polish, keep your nails dry and clean. Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning to protect your nails from water and chemicals. Moisturize your hands regularly, but avoid the nail surface and only apply lotion or oil to the surrounding skin and cuticle area.
It is recommended to leave cutting or filing your gel nails to professionals to avoid throwing off the balance and structure of your nails.
