How Do They Do Gel Nails

7 Things You Should Know Before Getting a Gel Manicure

Gel manicures offer a long-lasting, mega-watt smoothen. But are they condom? Practice they destroy your nails? Here's what to know.

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Are gel manicures good for your nails?

Opting for regular nail smoothen sometimes seems like a waste since the color easily chips off. Ane alternative, gel manicures, lasts much longer and generally costs more than, too. It could be worth the investment if y'all avoid common mistakes and remember these things earlier your kickoff gel manicure. At abode, you can get healthy, gorgeous nails with these tips.

woman's hands with nails painted iStock/ollinka

The benefits of gel nails

"The perks of a gel manicure include its longevity (often x days or more!)," says Mabelyn Martin, creative manager at Paintbox nail studio in New York. Dissimilar regular polish, which can chip after two to three days, they're borderline indestructible, which makes them ideal for weddings, special occasions, and vacations. Plus, gel manicures cure in seconds, Martin explains, so you can leave the salon without worrying nearly smudging your manicure. She as well adds that while the gel is on your nails, information technology's like wearing a layer of protective armor that keeps your nails from breaking.

hand in an ultraviolet light device iStock/MoustacheGirl

Be wary of UV low-cal with gel manicures

The application of gel is not totally unlike from the application of a traditional polish, with the exception of the curing process nether the UV-emitting lamps, according to Chris One thousand. Adigun, MD, a lath-certified dermatologist and nail specialist in Chapel Hill, Northward Carolina. And therein lies the potential problem. "These lamps are not to exist underestimated, even though the exposure times are brief," Dr. Adigun says. "They are very powerful and are emitting UVA rays far more powerful than those emitted by the sunday." She recommends purchasing a UVA-blocking sleeve, such every bit the YouVeeShield, and bringing it to the boom salon to wear while your gel polish is curing. LED lights are actually no safer than traditional fluorescent UV lamps. In fact, according to Dr. Adigun, they emit exponentially more than powerful UVA rays, which is why the curing times are shorter. And forgetting to shield your hands is one of the sunscreen mistakes we all brand.

manicurist painting a person's nails iStock/gilaxia

Gel nails need to be applied properly

Information technology's not just the UV calorie-free that'due south potentially damaging. While an experienced nail tech will always brand sure the correct lamp is used with the proprietary gel smoothen for the recommended amount of time, it'due south piece of cake to mess up the steps. "Any alteration in these variables tin can atomic number 82 to smooth that is over-cured to the nail plate that becomes very difficult to remove," explains Dr. Adigun. "A properly applied gel should literally 'float' off the nail with the acetone soak. However, when a gel is not properly cured, it volition not come up off, and needs to be manually chipped off, which is very traumatizing to the nail plate."

shaping nails with a manicurist's tool iStock/beemore

Gel manicures may weaken your nails

There is evidence to suggest that the gel manicure process tin lead to dehydration and thinning of the blast plate. "In ane study, blast plate thickness was measured both before and after a gel manicure, and thinning of the nail was observed," notes Dr. Adigun. She says that acetone is known to thin the nail plate but the gel polish may contribute to the thinning besides. People guilty of these everyday habits are also wrecking their nails.

hand with nails wrapped in foil iStock/Kameleon007

Remove gel shine gently

Removing gel polish doesn't accept to hateful complete nail destruction. For the most part, nail technicians remove soft gels with an acetone soak-off process. "Gently file the surface of the nail to initiate the suspension down of the outer coat of the gel," says Jin Soon Choi, founder of Jin Soon Paw & Pes Spa, New York. Next, identify a small piece of acetone-soaked cotton and cover with tin foil. Pro tip: Placing nails into a nitrile glove will speed upwards the procedure. After 7 to 10 minutes, the gel should be crinkling up. Finally, take a cuticle pushing stick and gently push back the debris.

close up of a manicurist working on a customer's nails iStock/skynesher

Don't get gel manicures too frequently

According to Dr. Adigun, it's absolutely fine to become gel manicures every once in a while. "I but recommend to my patients that they accept gel manicure detoxes intermittently to allow their nails to rehydrate and repair."

manicurist spraying a substance on customer's nails iStock/gilaxia

Moisturize your nails mail service-gel manicure

"Y'all need to do major moisturizing afterwards yous remove a gel manicure," Choi says. "Soak your nails in a warm lotion that contains vitamin E and use cuticle oil equally ofttimes as possible." Choi besides suggests indulging in a salon paraffin handling to aid in recovery. This will help repair any harm and strengthen nails. Proceed the rehab process with these 10 surprisingly easy ways to grow potent, beautiful nails.

Sources

Mabelyn Martin, creative director of Paintbox nail studio, New York City.
Chris G. Adigun, MD, board-certified dermatologist and nail specialist, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Jin Soon Choi, founder of Jin Soon Mitt & Foot Spa, New York City.
Periodical of Cosmetic Dermatology: "Smash damage from gel polish manicure"

Medically reviewed past Jessica Wu, Dr., on March 30, 2020