Are you a fan of gel polish but worried about its effects on your nails? You’re not alone. Understanding how long gel polish can damage your nails is essential for maintaining their health and appearance.
In this easy-to-follow guide, Jensnails Columbus delve into the question, how long does gel polish damage nails? From the duration of damage to practical solutions, we’ve got you covered. Let’s explore how you can enjoy beautiful nails without compromising their well-being.
How Long Does Gel Polish Damage Nails?
While removing gel nails may seem similar to removing acrylics, it’s crucial to note the slight differences, making it unwise to attempt removal at home.
You understand that a gel manicure typically lasts for about two weeks before needing removal to avoid potential harm to the natural nail. When reaching the 14-day mark, it’s essential to soak off the gel polish properly. After removal, you have the option to either reapply a fresh gel coat or leave the nails bare.
Gel nail polish hardens in the salon using an LED lamp or UV light. Further hardening happens post-application when exposed to UV light, such as sunlight. As the polish hardens, it adheres more firmly to the nail, making removal tougher.
Nail damage can occur from picking at the gel or excessive filing during the curing process. Gel manicures typically last two to three weeks before causing damage to the nail plate.
How Can You Prolong Gel Nail Wear?
It’s best to schedule a follow-up appointment with you about two weeks after applying their gel manicure to avoid over-curing and potential nail damage. You can also offer some helpful tips for them to maintain their nails at home following their gel manicure.
Keep Gel Nails Away From Excessive Moisture
If you take good care of your gel nails, their shiny appearance will last as long as it did on the day you got them done.
Wearing rubber gloves when dealing with water-related tasks is crucial to maintain your gel manicure and prevent peeling.
Moreover, using lukewarm water instead of hot water during showers helps to avoid lifting and chipping of the gel polish.
The misconception that gel manicures damage your nails stems from improper removal techniques. It’s important to note that nail polish remover doesn’t effectively remove gel polish.
It’s important to advise that you should against trying to remove gel polish on their own. This DIY approach often leads to nail damage, especially with gel nails.
Instead, suggest that they come back to the salon after two weeks of wearing gel polish for professional removal and reapplication if they wish.
Apply Cuticle Oil Often
Cuticle oil is a powerhouse for moisturizing not only the cuticles but also the nails themselves. Crafted from a blend of oils, essential vitamins, and citric acid, this formulation deeply nourishes and hydrates the areas it’s applied to.
The cuticle region is particularly vulnerable to external factors such as harsh soaps, chlorine from swimming pools, prolonged sunlight exposure, and chilly weather conditions. In such environments, the skin around the nails can become dry and cracked.
However, the regular use of cuticle oil can work wonders in restoring moisture and smoothness to these areas, leaving behind a luxurious silky sheen.
Keep The Edges Smooth
Maintain smooth and well-filed edges for your nails to avoid tears. Smooth edges reduce the risk of chipping and gel cracking, preventing the gel from coming off when your nails snag or tear.
Once you’ve smoothed out any rough edges, apply a top coat to keep your gel nails sparkling brilliantly.
Ditch The Alcohol
These days, you might notice using hand sanitizer more frequently. The alcohol in it can dull your nail polish if left on too long.
While it kills germs, it can also harm your manicure. Besides hand sanitizer, alcohol is present in perfumes and cocktails. So, be mindful of your manicure as you enjoy your favorite fragrances and drinks.
Be Careful With Suncare
Sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, but it’s best to avoid getting it on your nails. This is because the chemicals in sunscreen can cause nail polish to lose its shine.
After applying sunscreen, make sure to clean your nails with an alcohol-free makeup remover wipe or wash your hands thoroughly. If you have gel nails, mineral SPF is a safer option as it won’t affect them in the same way as traditional sunscreen.
Avoid Peeling Gel Nails
Peeling off even a tiny piece of lifted gel from your nails might feel satisfying, but it’s harmful. This act strips off the top layer of your nail, leading to months or even years of damage, depending on your nail growth rate.
It’s essential for a nail technician to remove the gel after two weeks. Professional removal at the salon will maintain the health and strength of their natural nails.
Proper Gel Nail Removal
To ensure the safety of your nails, it’s essential to approach gel polish removal with caution. Using acetone is key in this process. Begin by saturating cotton balls with pure acetone and placing one on each nail after gently buffing away the top coat. Without removing the top layer, the gel won’t budge.
Next, wrap each nail carefully in aluminum foil and let them sit for a minimum of 15 minutes. Afterward, unwrap them one by one to check if the gel has loosened enough to slide off easily. If needed, soak the nails again.
Once the gel is fully removed, proceed with cleansing, moisturizing, and applying either a fresh coat of gel polish or fulfilling alternative manicure request. This meticulous approach safeguards your nail bed from damage.
Summing It Up
In short, we cover you on the questions, how long does gel polish damage nails? Gel polish keeps solidifying even during wear, making removal challenging beyond this period. Excessive curing of the gel is the reason why it should be taken off within this timeframe to avoid harming the nails.
There are numerous methods through which your nail can extend the lifespan of their gel manicure between salon appointments. As the expert nail technician, it’s your responsibility to furnish with the necessary post-care guidance.
Happy sharing!