Gel nail manicures have gained immense popularity among women due to their long-lasting results and the elegant appearance they provide. Beautifully manicured nails enhance the overall aesthetics of your hands, prompting many to schedule regular appointments for gel nail polish treatments, wouldn't you agree?
However, the unfortunate truth is that frequent use of gel nail polish may not be as beneficial for the health of your nails as you might believe. While these polishes can quickly give your nails a sleek and polished look, their long-term effects can be detrimental. Are you curious about how this happens? Well, let's delve into the specifics.
If your nails have already suffered damage from gel nail polish and you're seeking ways to restore their health, we have some effective solutions to share with you as well.
So, let’s explore the potential downsides of gel nail polish on your nails and offer some essential tips for maintaining nail health.
What Exactly is Gel Nail Polish?
Gel nail polish is a specialized nail care product formulated from a unique soft gel base that dries rapidly when exposed to UV or LED light, typically in just 30 seconds to 1 minute. Not only can it be used to extend the length of your nails, but it also boasts a remarkable durability of 14 to 21 days without chipping, breaking, or losing its shine.
Unlike standard nail polishes, which often require a lengthy drying period of around 30 minutes, gel nail polish allows you to walk out of the salon with immaculate nails almost immediately. However, it’s important to note that removing gel polish requires careful technique and cannot simply be peeled off impulsively.
Is Gel Nail Polish Detrimental to Your Nails?
While gel nail polish is composed of acrylic monomers and oligomers, and does not contain explicit harmful chemicals, it is often misleadingly perceived as harmless due to its resemblance to traditional nail polish. Unfortunately, this assumption is incorrect.
Although gel nail polish may seem protective, the entire process of applying gel manicures can be quite harsh on the nails. From the initial preparation to the curing process under UV light, and finally the removal of the polish, each step can lead to brittleness, roughness, and overall poor nail health.
In What Ways Does Gel Nail Polish Harm Your Nails?
Before applying gel nail polish, the practice of scraping nails with files can roughen their surface. While the application itself is generally safe, the necessity of using UV light for curing is a significant concern. Repeated exposure to UV light, even for short durations, heightens the risk of nail breakage, and in rare cases, could potentially lead to skin cancer.
Moreover, leaving artificial gel on your nails for extended periods can create undue stress, resulting in weakened and brittle nails. The act of peeling off gel nail polish can also damage the keratin layer of the nails and cause mechanical injuries, such as tears. Additionally, gel polish can dehydrate nails and cuticles, exacerbate allergies, and lead to the formation of spots and grooves.
Essential Safety Tips for Gel Nail Polish Users
If you can't part with your gel nails, here are some crucial tips to help maintain their health and prevent damage.
1. Protect Against UV Damage
One of the primary sources of damage to nails during gel manicures is the use of UV light. This not only harms the nails but can also accelerate skin aging and increase cancer risk. To mitigate this, apply a generous amount of broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen, wear UV-resistant gloves with openings for the nails, and limit exposure to UV lamps to no longer than one minute.
2. Keep Your Cuticles Healthy
During a manicure, it's common practice to push back or even remove cuticles entirely, but this should be avoided. Cuticles play a vital role in maintaining nail health, so instead of cutting them, focus on keeping them moisturized and in good condition.
3. Ensure Tools are Well-Sterilized
Gel manicures involve various tools, and with salons catering to numerous clients daily, it’s imperative to ensure that your nail technician uses well-sterilized instruments to prevent infections, which can be quite persistent and troublesome.
4. Resist the Urge to Peel Off Gel Polish
While the allure of peeling off gel nails can be tempting, it's crucial to resist that impulse. Peeling can inflict mechanical damage on your natural nails below. Instead, seek the assistance of a professional for safe removal or follow proper techniques for at-home gel polish removal as discussed in guides on this topic.
5. Limit Acetone Exposure
As an effective yet dehydrating agent, acetone should be used sparingly. When removing gel nails, apply acetone only to the nail beds, avoiding the cuticles and surrounding skin. You can protect those areas with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
6. Care for Your Nails Between Sessions
After removing gel nails, apply a rich moisturizer and use cuticle oil to nourish the skin around your nails. If you notice your nails becoming thinner or more brittle, consider taking a break from gel manicures for a while. There are plenty of alternatives available, like non-toxic gel-effect polishes and press-on nails.
General Tips for Maintaining Healthy Nails
Regardless of whether you prefer regular nail polishes, acrylics, or gel manicures, here are essential tips for keeping your nails in great condition. For additional nail care tools for women, check out our recommendations.
1. Prioritize Nail Hygiene
Nails can easily fall victim to bacterial and fungal infections, which can be stubborn and difficult to treat. Maintain nail cleanliness by washing your hands regularly and consider using a toothbrush to gently scrub your nails and the surrounding skin.
2. Trim Nails Properly
Avoid experimenting with unusual shapes or overextending your nails. Instead, cut them in a straight line with slightly rounded edges to prevent painful ingrowth. Utilize sharp nail scissors or clippers for precise cuts.
3. Consider Protein Supplements
If your nails are weak and prone to damage, consider taking protein supplements that contain biotin. Keratin treatments can also be beneficial, as these supplements improve not only your nails but also your hair.
4. Stay Hydrated
While prolonged exposure to water can be harmful, staying well-hydrated is essential for nail health. Regularly drink water to ensure your nails receive necessary hydration from within.
5. Follow a Nutrient-Rich Diet
While supplements can help, nothing compares to the nutrition obtained from a balanced diet. Incorporate fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods like eggs, legumes, fish, and kiwis to promote healthy nails.
