The Lowdown on Gel Polish: Does It Harm Your Nails?
Ready for the scoop on gel nails? Let's dish about the potential pitfalls - yes, they can cause snags, from brittleness to chemical exposure, but we've got the lowdown on how to maintain those fabulous gel manis.
Your fingertips are the ultimate fashion statement, from French manis to glitzy nail art. Dreaming of a mani that lasts? Gel's ya gal, promising up to 3 weeks of no-chip, glossy perfection!
But, are gel nails damaging your locks? And could they harm your overall health? Check this out!
Is gel mania Michief for your manis?
It's a matter of usage. The hardcore nature of gel polish can play rough with your natural nails, but occasional application and removal by pros shouldn't do lasting harm to your nail health.
Watch for these warning signs around your nails:
- Flaky dryness?
- Brittleness?
- Cracking and breaking?
- Inflammation of the nail fold?
- A-hem infection?
Real talk: Is gel a jeopardy to your manis? Peep the science
One of the longest studies on the scofflaws of gel nail polish involved 2,118 respondents. Over half reported side effects while applying or wearing gel, with possible hiccups during application or wear including:
- Ow! pain and burning
- Itchy discomfort
- Redness, swelling, or discoloration
- Nail changes
Only 1% encountered rashes on hands or body, eczema, or swollen lips.
The removal dance is risky business
That study also found that nearly three-fourths experienced side effects after removing their gel digits, with troubles such as:
- Brittle, weakened nails
- Splitting nails
- White spots on the nails
- Rut-ruts on the nail plates
- Color changes
- Onycholysis (yeah, it's nail bed detachment)
- Changes in nail shape
- Under-the-nail scales
But not all removal methods are equally risky; the study found these side effects were more likely when participants performed the manicure themselves.
Is gel a creep for your health? Check the toxins
Walk into a nail salon, and the pungent petrichor of chemicals wafts through the air. Not all of these substances are a threat, but watch out for potentially sketchy stuff in gel polish like:
- Dibutyl phthalate (DBP): Flexibility's bestie, used as a plasticizer.
- Triphenyl phosphate (TPHP): Another plasticizer, an endocrine-disrupter with eyebrow-raising hopefully.
- Toluene: Makes the hues even, but can lead to skin irritation and inflammation.
- Formaldehyde: Linked to certain cancers and plays the role of hardener.
Even though there's still debate about whether these chemicals are toxic, avoid formaldehyde—the EPA has linked it to cancer, and it can cause contact dermatitis with sensitive skin.
What these chemicals mean for your bod
Some research even suggests that these chemicals in nail polish can intoxicate your body.
In a 2015 study, researchers tested the pee of 26 women after painting their nails. Compared to placebo manis (wearing gloves and fake nails), TPHP levels jumped like crazy in every woman wearing actual nail polish! remember, TPHP is an endocrine-disrupter, which messes with your hormones.
Avertin' these yucky chemicals?
Worried about those icky chemicals? Seek out less toxic alternatives. Keep an eye out for labels like 3-, 5-, or 10-free, indicating the elimination of those numbers of harbingers of ill.
For instance, 3-free means the company claims their formula's free of formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate. Most brands are 3-free already.
But beware—the DOT remonstrated that many 3-free products were found to contain toluene, dibutyl phthalate, or both. Also, wiping toxic chemicals out doesn't guarantee the remaining ingredients are safe.
Are LED lamps lethal?
Once your nails get a splash of gel, they'll bask in the glow of an LED lamp to toughen up and set.
The LEDs emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation – think dappled sunshine rather than a nuclear calamity. Over time, exposure to UV radiation can damage your skin, leading to premature wrinkles and age spots, and potentially even skin cancer.
But a 2013 study suggested that the UV exposure at a nail salon isn't a big concern. These LED lamps are generally thought to be safe as long as they're used as directed by the FDA.
PSA: If your skin's sensitive or if you've got a condition or medication that ups your sensitivity to UV, you might want to sidestep this exposure.
What goes down in a gel nail ceremony
Gel nails usually require an hour or so, but it depends on the health of your nails and whether you already have gel polish on when you arrive.
Step 1: Prep
Your tech will prepare your nails first. They'll shove the cuticles backward with a hand sanitizing treat to keep em from drinking those nails (oils are nice for your cuticles, but use 'em later).
Next, they'll snip away any excess cuticle, and shape your nails. Then, they'll wave goodbye to bacteria and alkaline with alcohol, prepping the nail bed for that gel to stick.
Step 2: Base Gel
The base gel is a primer that helps the actual gel adhere to your nails. This also blocks the color from staining your nail beds (again, ugly as sin). You'll then bend your fingers under the lamp for around 15 seconds, depending on the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 3: Topcoats
Shimmy time! Typically, you'll get two coats of color followed by a cure under the lamp for each, about 30 seconds apiece.
Then comes the topcoat (keep the shine intact—thank you, m'am) and another hug under the lamp.
Usually, gel polishes leave a sticky goop behind that your tech will wipe away with alcohol.
Step 4: Cuticle pamper
Wow, shimmering like a unicorn! Before you jetset, your tech will bathe your nails in cuticle oil to keep 'em looking swell.
Gel mishaps to steer clear of
All glitz, no grit! Fresh gels are Miley Cyrus sexiness, but keeping your naturals looking minty fresh?
- Failing to use cuticle oil: Healthy nails need a tad of pampering for flexibility and durability. Cuticle oil keeps em from drying out, leading to brittle nails that chip easily.
- Wearing gel too long: It's hard to resist a polish that looks brand spanking new, but gel nails should come off after 3 weeks max to prevent nasty nail bed and cuticle damage.
- Wearing damaged gel: If the gel chips, begins to lift, or gets compromised, there's an open invitation for moisture, bacteria, and fungus. Best to remove compromised gels.
- Removing gel self-style: It's tempting to take matters into your own hands and remove worn-out gel, but let professionals handle it – they're more gentle and know their stuff.
Less damaging substitutes
Traditional nail polish still does the trick, or check out the newbies on the block with longwearing formulations that blend the best of both worlds.
If you need a dazzling mani for a special occasion, consider press-on nails. Gone are the days of humongous plastic-looking extensions – today's press-ons are realistic, available in various designs, and can last a week. Plus, you can reuse 'em if they don't fall off! A sensible choice for nail biters!
Wrap-up
Gel nails are safe for most gals, especially if you spare your fingers for special occasions.
Look for nontoxic products if possible, as nail polish, including gel, can include chemical baddies.
Also, overdoing the mani-pedis can lead to dry, brittle, and broken nails. Irresistibly desire perfect nails at all times? Consider using traditional polish or press-on nails between gel manis to put less stress on your digits.
- The removal process of gel nails can lead to brittle, weakened nails, splitting nails, white spots on the nails, nail plate deformities, onycholysis, changes in nail shape, and under-the-nail scales, according to a study.
- The chemicals dibutyl phthalate (DBP), triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), toluene, and formaldehyde are potentially harmful substances found in some gel polish.
- Removing gel nails by oneself increases the likelihood of experiencing side effects compared to professional removal.
- In a 2015 study, researchers found that TPHP levels in the urine of women wearing nail polish significantly increased compared to those wearing placebo manis (wearing gloves and fake nails), indicating potential absorption and possible endocrine disruption.
