Liam Carter
Tanning beds can cause gel nails to turn yellow. This is because certain ingredients in lower-quality nail coatings can turn dark brown or yellow when exposed to UV light. To prevent this, you can apply a UV top coat to your gel nails, which acts as a protective layer against UV rays. Alternatively, you can cover your nails with nail savers or plastic bandages to protect them from discolouration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gel nails turning yellow in a tanning bed | Yes, UV gel nails can turn yellow in a tanning bed due to UV exposure. |
| Prevention | Use a UV protective top coat or nail polish. Use nail savers or plastic bandages to cover the nails and protect them from UV rays. |
| Gel nail polish | Some gel nail polishes may not cure under a tanning bed bulb, depending on the spectrum of light emitted by the bulb. |
| UV nail lamps | Heavily used UV nail lamps may need bulb replacement every three months, while moderate use may require replacement twice a year. |
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What You'll Learn
Gels that don't yellow are available but are pricier
While the yellowing of gel nails is a common occurrence, it is purely a cosmetic issue and does not indicate any harm to the nails or health risks. This yellowing is caused by the UV light from the sun reacting with the chemistry of the nail application, altering its colour. Artificial tanning, chlorinated swimming pools, hair dyes, some makeup products, household cleaning products, cooking spices, and hand sanitisers can also cause discolouration.
To prevent this, you can opt for higher-end gel nail polishes that incorporate "optical enhancers" or "optical stabilisers" into their formulations. These enhancers are designed to counteract the yellowing effect, ensuring that the product remains clear even after curing. Gels that don't yellow are available but are pricier, however, they are becoming the standard at higher-end salons. These premium gel nail polishes are crafted with high-quality ingredients to maintain their colours for the entire lifetime of the application, typically two to three weeks.
If you are unable to access these higher-end gel nail polishes, there are other ways to prevent yellowing. Firstly, cover your nails if you are spending a lot of time in the sun or a chlorinated pool, and if you are handling dyes or other chemicals. Gloves are an excellent way to protect your nails. Additionally, you can apply a UV topcoat, which acts as sunscreen for your manicure. These UV topcoats are easily available and can be applied at home, providing an extra layer of protection against discolouration.
If your nails do turn yellow, there are several methods to reverse the discolouration. For mild and recent yellowing, try washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. You can also fill a bowl with water and mix in lemon juice and baking soda, then soak your nails for 10 to 15 minutes. These natural cleansers may help correct the discolouration. Applying a small amount of rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover with a Q-tip can also be effective, but be careful not to use too much or rub too hard.
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Use a UV topcoat to protect your gel nails
If you're planning on using a tanning bed, it's important to take steps to protect your gel nails from turning yellow. One effective way to do this is by using a UV top coat.
A UV top coat is a type of nail polish that is designed to be cured under a UV or LED light, which hardens the polish and creates a durable, high-gloss finish. This type of top coat can be applied over gel nails to provide an extra layer of protection and help prevent yellowing and chipping.
There are several UV topcoats on the market that are specifically designed to protect nails from discolouration and damage. For example, Revel Nail's Tack-Free Gel Topcoat offers a high-gloss shine and can be cured in 90 seconds under a UV/LED lamp. It's important to note that this product requires a 36-48 WATT UV/LED light to cure properly. Other options include Backscratchers’ Ice, Entity’s UV Top Coat, Bio Sculpture’s UV Gel Top Coat, and LeChat’s Pro-Tec.
When applying a UV top coat, it's important to follow the instructions on the product. In general, you'll want to apply a thin layer from the base of each nail to the tip, making sure to coat the entire nail. Wipe away any excess gel that gets on your skin before curing, as it will be difficult to remove later. Then, place your hand under a UV or LED light to cure the topcoat, following the recommended timing guidelines provided with the product.
It's worth noting that while a UV top coat can help protect your gel nails from turning yellow, it may not be a foolproof solution. The type of light emitted by tanning bed bulbs can vary, and some may emit higher intensities of UVA, UVB, or UVC light, which could still cause discolouration. Additionally, some tanning lotions contain chemicals that can also be found in nail polish removers, which could potentially affect the integrity of your gel nails.
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Avoid tanning lotions with dibutyl adipate and dihydroxyacetone
Tanning beds emit UVA, UVB, or UVC rays at a higher intensity than nail lamps, and this can cause gel manicures to turn yellow, dry out, or lift. Some tanning lotions can also cause yellowing and lifting, especially if they contain dibutyl adipate and dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA is a ketotriose monosaccharide commonly used as the active ingredient in sunless tanning agents (fake tan). It is also used in nail polish removers, which is why your nails might become sticky or tacky after using them.
To avoid yellowing, you can apply a UV topcoat to your gel nails, which acts as sunscreen for your manicure. These are available at most drugstores and can be applied like regular nail polish. You can also try painting your nails with regular nail polish before tanning, although this might cause problems if you plan on removing the polish and going back to your gel manicure.
If you want to avoid DHA-based tanning lotions, look for DHA-free options, which are widely available. DHA is also known as glycerone or 1,3-dihydroxypropan-2-one, and it is the only FDA-approved agent for sunless tanning. It is important to note that DHA self-tanner does not provide sun protection, and it is still necessary to use sunscreen and sun-protective clothing.
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Cover nails with nail savers or plastic bandages
If you want to protect your gel nails from turning yellow when using a tanning bed, you can cover them with nail savers or plastic bandages. Nail savers are individual finger tips that protect your nails from UV rays. They are made of a rubber/silicone material and are designed to stretch, ensuring a snug fit. They are reusable, easy to slide on and off, and come in a convenient resealable ziplock bag. Nail savers are available on Amazon and Tanforless, with prices ranging from $10 to $15.
Another option is to use plastic nail bandages, such as the SuperNail Nail Bandage, which can be purchased on Amazon. These bandages have a self-adhesive backing and a clear finish, allowing for fast application and discreet protection for natural or artificial nails. The kit includes a cushioned emery board, 30 clear adhesive tabs, and 30 nail bandages. To use, simply clean the damaged nail area, choose an adhesive tab that matches the size of the damaged area, and apply the nail bandage. The bandages can be used on bare nails or over/under polish.
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Opt for solar nails instead of acrylic nails
If you're a fan of a manicure, you may have heard of solar nails. Solar nails are a type of acrylic nail. They are applied in the same way as regular acrylics, with a mix of powder and liquid monomer applied to either nail tips or the natural nail. They are also known as 'Solar UV Gel' nails.
Solar nails are longer-lasting than gels, which need to be completely replaced every few weeks. Solar nails simply need to be filled to stay looking their best. This involves filling in the regrowth area near the cuticle to maintain a seamless look. Solar nails are also more natural-looking than gels, which are typically chosen by those who want to add strength and length to their nails.
Solar nails are often more expensive than regular acrylics, due to the premium products used. However, they are a good option for those who want to avoid the hassle of frequent salon visits.
If you're considering getting a manicure and want to tan afterward, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is not recommended to tan with gel nails, as the emulsifiers and chemicals in tanning lotions can cause the nails to become sticky, tacky, or even lift. Additionally, the UV rays from a tanning bed can cause gel nails to yellow. To avoid this, you can ask your nail technician for gels that don't yellow, or apply a UV top coat.
So, if you're looking for a longer-lasting, natural-looking option that won't break the bank, solar nails are a great alternative to acrylics. And if you're planning to tan, be sure to take the necessary precautions to protect your gel nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, gel nails can turn yellow in a tanning bed. This is due to the UV exposure from the tanning bed.
There are several options to prevent your gel nails from turning yellow:
- Use a UV topcoat.
- Cover your nails with nail savers or plastic bandages.
- Use a higher-quality gel that is less likely to yellow.
In addition to discolouration, tanning can cause your gel nails to dry out, crack, lift, or chip.
