Caleb Foster
Gel manicures are a popular choice for those wanting long-lasting, chip-free nails. However, the process of applying and removing gel nail polish can be tough on nails. So, will your nails be ruined after four gel manicures? Not necessarily, but it's important to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to minimise them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Durability | Gel manicures can last for up to 4 weeks without chipping |
| Protection | Gel manicures provide a harder layer of protection over the natural nail, which can result in increased nail growth |
| Health Risks | Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, cracking, and weaken nails |
| Skin Risks | Gel manicures require exposure to UV light, which can contribute to skin damage and increase the risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands |
| Removal | Improper removal can damage the outer layer of the nail plate, creating white spots and an uneven nail surface |
| Aftercare | It is recommended to apply a moisturizing product to nails and cuticles between polishes to minimize brittleness and prevent chipping |
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What You'll Learn
Gel manicures can weaken nails, making them prone to splitting
Gel manicures can have a weakening effect on nails, making them more prone to splitting and breaking. This is because the removal process can be tough on nails, with improper removal causing damage to the topmost layer of the nail plate. Every time you peel off the gel, you risk stripping away one or more layers of your nail, resulting in peeling, flaking, and white spots. This can leave nails fragile and susceptible to breakage from daily activities.
To avoid this, it is recommended that you have gel nails removed by a professional. One expert advises that you should first gently file the top of the polish to remove the shine, which allows acetone to penetrate and dissolve the gel more easily. You should then only soak your fingertips in acetone, protecting the surrounding skin, or use cotton balls and foil to ensure only your nails come into contact with the acetone.
It is also important to space out your manicures, as getting gels too frequently can cause nail dehydration and lead to breakage. One celebrity manicurist explains that "by getting gel nails every two weeks consistently, the nail plate gets extremely suffocated". Experts recommend a break of at least a few days or even a few weeks between manicures, during which you can apply a moisturising product to your nails and cuticles to prevent brittleness and chipping.
However, some sources claim that gel manicures can actually aid in strengthening your nails if proper removal and application procedures are followed. One nail artist recommends adding an overlay to prevent bends and breaks, and seeking out reputable salons that use high-quality, tested products.
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Improper removal can damage nails and cuticles
Improper removal of gel manicures can cause damage to the topmost layer of your nails, resulting in peeling, flaking, and white spots. This is because, when you peel off a gel manicure, you are scraping off one or more layers of your nail plate, which weakens the nail plate and makes nails more prone to breakage. Nails are susceptible to extreme dryness because they lose moisture very quickly.
To avoid this, it is recommended that you have your gel manicure removed by a professional nail technician. If you are unable to go to a salon, you can remove the gel manicure yourself by first gently filing the top of the polish to remove the shine, which allows the acetone to penetrate and dissolve the gel more easily. Only soak your fingertips in acetone, or use cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrap small pieces of aluminium foil around your fingertips. This will ensure that only your nails come into contact with the acetone.
In between gel manicures, it is important to give your nails downtime to breathe and recuperate. You can also apply a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily to minimise brittleness and help prevent your nails from chipping.
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Hard gels are more damaging than soft gels
Gel manicures can be tough on nails and repeated use can increase the risk of nail damage and even skin cancer. Hard gel nails are more damaging than soft gel nails due to their complex application and removal process.
Hard gel nail polish is known for its durability and strength, making it the preferred choice for those seeking a resilient and enduring manicure. The gel hardens under UV or LED light, resulting in a viscous consistency that can withstand significant wear and tear. Unlike soft gels, hard gels cannot be soaked off and must be filed for removal, which can be time-consuming and potentially damaging to the natural nail if not done properly.
Soft gels, on the other hand, are applied like standard nail polish, with each layer cured under LED or UV light. They are still durable but tend to be more flexible and prone to chipping, resulting in a shorter-lasting manicure. Soft gels can be easily removed by soaking them in acetone, a process that is generally quicker and gentler on the natural nails.
The complex application and removal process of hard gel nails also makes them more expensive than soft gel nails. Additionally, the strength and durability of hard gels can be a disadvantage, as they form an inflexible layer that can make them less comfortable and more prone to breakage.
To maintain nail health, it is recommended to space out gel manicures and allow nails to rehydrate between applications. Taking a "nail polish holiday" for one to two weeks or longer can help prevent nail dehydration and breakage. It is also important to have a professional assess nail health and determine if a break from polishes is needed.
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UV light exposure during gel manicures can cause skin damage
Gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, but they can also be tough on nails. The process of removing and applying gel nail polish can cause a lot of wear and tear on your nails, and repeated use can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.
The light boxes used to cure polish during gel manicures emit ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation, which is associated with a higher cancer risk. While the level of UVA exposure associated with a gel manicure every two weeks is probably not high enough to increase the risk of skin cancer significantly, it is still wise to be aware of the issue.
To protect your skin during a gel manicure, you can apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands before the procedure. This will help block the intense UVA rays emitted by some of the lamps and prevent skin cancer and premature skin aging. Another option is to wear dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips snipped off before your nail polish is applied.
Additionally, it is important to space out your manicures and give your nails downtime between gel applications. By getting gel nails consistently every two weeks, the nail plate gets extremely suffocated, which can lead to nail dehydration and eventual breakage. Taking a nail polish holiday for one to two weeks or longer can help keep your nails healthy.
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Proper aftercare can prevent nail damage
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. However, proper aftercare can prevent nail damage.
Firstly, it is important to space out your manicures and not get gel nails every two weeks consistently. This is because the nail plate gets extremely suffocated, which can lead to nail dehydration and, eventually, breakage. Therefore, it is recommended to take a break of at least a few days between gel manicures to give your natural nails time to breathe and recuperate. In addition, you should try not to wear nail polish for one to two weeks or longer between polishes.
Secondly, the removal process can cause a lot of wear and tear on your nails, so it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and not mix different brands. Improper removal can potentially weaken or damage your nails, as a layer of the nail gets stripped off together with the polish. Therefore, it is recommended to have gel nails removed by a professional manicurist, who will first gently file the top of the polish to remove the shine, which allows the acetone to penetrate and dissolve the gel more easily.
Thirdly, to prevent nail damage, it is important to prepare your nails properly before a gel manicure. This involves gently buffing the surface and pushing back the cuticles, and applying the gel polish in thin and even layers to prevent a thick buildup. Avoid getting the polish on the skin as much as possible, as this may irritate your skin.
Finally, to strengthen your nails and prevent damage, you can apply a nail strengthener or serum containing ingredients like biotin and keratin. In addition, you can rehydrate your nails by applying a moisturising product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily. This will minimise brittleness and help prevent your nails from chipping.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on a few factors. Firstly, the type of gel manicure—soft gels are less damaging than hard gels. Secondly, the removal process—improper removal can lead to nail damage. Thirdly, the frequency of manicures—it is recommended to space out gel manicures and allow nails to breathe in between. Lastly, the use of UV light during the manicure process can contribute to skin damage. Therefore, it is important to consider the potential risks and take proper precautions to minimize any negative impact on nail health.
It is recommended to leave a gap of at least a few days between gel manicures. This allows the nails to recover and reduces the risk of damage.
It is generally advised to remove gel manicures after two to three weeks, with a maximum duration of four weeks. This helps to prevent damage to the natural nails.
The safest way to remove gel nail polish is by a professional. However, if you are removing it yourself, you can follow these steps:
- Gently file the top of the polish to remove the shine.
- Soak your fingertips in acetone or apply it using a cotton ball and secure it with foil.
- After about 10-15 minutes, the gel polish should come off easily.
