Gel manicures: Tips for healthy nails (2024)

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      Gel manicures: Tips for healthy nails

      Although 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 for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands. To keep your nails healthy before, during, and after gel manicures, dermatologists recommend following these tips.

      Although 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 for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.

      To keep your nails healthy before, during and after gel manicures, dermatologists recommend the following tips:

      1. Be proactive with your manicurist. Ask if tools are sterilized, and look around to make sure he or she is cleaning and disinfecting tools after every client. In addition, never let your manicurist push or cut your cuticle, as this could lead to inflammation and infection.

      2. Consider traditional nail polish instead of gel polish. This is especially important if you experience recurring nail problems or are allergic to acetone, as acetone is required to remove gel polish.

      3. Wear sunscreen. Before getting a gel manicure, apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands to prevent skin cancer and premature skin aging. This will help protect your skin from the ultraviolet radiation used to seal gel nail polish to the nail. Another option is to put on dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips snipped off before your nail polish is applied.

      4. Don’t pick gel nail polish. When the color begins to come off, don’t pick at the polish or use other nails or tools to remove it. Instead, make an appointment with your manicurist to have the polish removed.

      5. Only soak your fingertips in acetone. When having the nail polish removed, only soak your fingertips in acetone instead of your whole hands or fingers to protect the surrounding skin. Another option is to use cotton balls to remove the polish. Soak the cotton balls in acetone and apply them to you nails by wrapping small pieces of aluminum foil around your fingertips. This will ensure that only your nails come into contact with the acetone. After about 15 minutes, the nail polish should come right off.

      To care for your nails in between gel manicures, dermatologists recommend the following:

      1. Take a nail polish holiday. Try not to wear nail polish for one to two weeks or longer. This will allow your nails time to repair.

      2. Rehydrate your nails. Between polishes, apply a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily. This will minimize brittleness and help prevent your nails from chipping.

      As is the case with most things, moderation is the key when it comes to gel manicures. Consider getting a gel manicure for special occasions only, and see a board-certified dermatologist if you notice any unusual changes to your nails or have a persistent nail problem.

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      Gel manicures: Tips for healthy nails (2024)

      FAQs

      Gel manicures: Tips for healthy nails? ›

      Choi and Holford agree — all three recommend keeping your nails au naturel for at least a few days after sporting a gel. If you really need to keep them polished, use a nail strengthener as a base coat, suggests Holford. You can also look for a color that contains strengthening ingredients.

      How do you keep your nails healthy with gel? ›

      Choi and Holford agree — all three recommend keeping your nails au naturel for at least a few days after sporting a gel. If you really need to keep them polished, use a nail strengthener as a base coat, suggests Holford. You can also look for a color that contains strengthening ingredients.

      How can I make my nails healthy again after gel? ›

      Use a Cuticle Cream or Oil

      Moisture loss is a common symptom of gel nail damage." Lippmann concurs: "Using a cuticle oil softens and hydrates your cuticles. Every drop softens cuticles with jojoba and coconut oils while protecting them with vitamin E. Spend a full minute massaging the oil into the cuticle.

      Should I let my nails rest between gel manicures? ›

      While it's true that constantly wearing nail polish without giving your nails a break can potentially lead to issues like dehydration and weakening, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that nails need time without polish to “breathe.” In fact, going polish-free for extended periods may not necessarily benefit ...

      What is the best manicure to keep your nails healthy? ›

      Overall, Dip Powder Manicures are a great way to get a healthy manicure that will protect and strengthen your nails without causing any damage. Just like any nail treatment, you do have to make sure you properly remove it to keep your nails safe and healthy – Don't pick at your manicure!

      Why are my nails so thin after gel? ›

      Paper-thin nails after acrylics are another common issue. Gel and acrylics cause the nails to lose moisture and become brittle, flaky and peeling. This can also be caused by improperly peeling the gel and removing the nail plate.

      What not to do with gel nails? ›

      First off, never pick at your gel nails. It's not just bad for the look—it can also damage your natural nails underneath. Tempting as it might be, steer clear of using your nails as tools. They're not meant to open soda cans or peel stickers.

      What happens if you do gel nails too often? ›

      Although 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 for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.

      How often is it safe to get a gel manicure? ›

      You should wait about two to three weeks between getting gel manicures. This time is important because the process of putting on and taking off gel polish can be hard on your nails. If you do gel manicures too often, your nails might become thin and weak. Taking a break helps your nails get stronger again.

      Does vaseline help damaged nails? ›

      Vaseline pure petroleum jelly has more skin care and beauty uses than the majority of products on the market. Most people grew up with it when they were a baby. Vaseline was used for diaper rash and to sooth chapped lips. However, the cure-all salve can reduce dry and brittle nails plus relieve dry cuticles.

      How often should I take a break from gel nails? ›

      While we don't quite literally mean you should have a set of gel nails on for the rest of eternity, we do mean that there's no need for you to take extended breaks from them. It's a pretty common misconception that you need to let your nails 'breathe' or have time without any polish on to keep them healthy.

      Is it OK to get back to back gel manicures? ›

      Adigun encourages patients to avoid back-to-back gel appointments to prevent lasting damage. "I always tell my patients to go on a gel 'honeymoon,'" says Dr. Adigun. "This break will allow their nails to rehydrate and repair."

      Is it bad to redo gel nails every week? ›

      Kang recommends taking a break for at least a few days in between gel manicures as this gives your natural nails time to breathe and recuperate. However, with proper gel removal and overlay application, regular gel manicures can actually aid in strengthening your nails.

      What is the new alternative to gel nails? ›

      BIAB Nails Are the New, Longer-Lasting Alternative to Gel and Shellac. We tested the trending manicure—and got this surprising result. Watch out, gel and shellac, because there's a new, extremely durable manicure option that doesn't do as much damage to your healthy nails: BIAB nails.

      Is dip or gel better for your nails? ›

      Gel Nail Polish is formulated to restrict the growth of microbes, so you can rest easy knowing there's no cause for concern. Whilst the durability of a dip manicure may seem desirable, it can actually come as a detriment to your nail health.

      What are 3 ways to keep your nails healthy? ›

      Tips for healthy nails
      • Keep nails clean and dry.
      • Cut nails straight across.
      • Keep nails shaped and free of snags by filing with an emery board.
      • Do not bite fingernails or remove the cuticle.
      • Do not use your nails as a tool, such as opening pop cans.
      • Trim toenails regularly.

      Do gel nails damage your nails? ›

      Although 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 for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.

      What weakens gel nails? ›

      If you or a manicurist scrapes the gel to detach it from your nail beds or files too much (with an electronic file or a regular emery board), the top layer of the nails will be compromised — sometimes badly enough that you'll have to wait for the damaged portion to grow out.

      How often should gel nails be done? ›

      You should wait about two to three weeks between getting gel manicures. This time is important because the process of putting on and taking off gel polish can be hard on your nails. If you do gel manicures too often, your nails might become thin and weak. Taking a break helps your nails get stronger again.

      Is gel or dip better for your nails? ›

      Gel Nail Polish is formulated to restrict the growth of microbes, so you can rest easy knowing there's no cause for concern. Whilst the durability of a dip manicure may seem desirable, it can actually come as a detriment to your nail health.

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