While gel polish itself doesn't damage your nails, it's essential to use proper application and removal techniques, practice good nail care, and choose the right products to maintain their strength and health.
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.
Dip powder works best. Dip powder stays shiny, does not lift, keeps nails in great condition, and lasts three weeks. Gel does all things above, except it lifts at the free edge. Gel lasts two weeks. Acrylic works, but dries the nail bed, weakens nails, and causes them to snap. Acrylic lasts one week.
Application: If the gel polish is applied too thickly or if the nails are not properly prepared (eg, not buffing the surface), it can lead to lifting and breakage. Frequent Use: Regularly using gel polish without giving your nails a break can prevent them from recovering and lead to long-term weakness.
Gel manicures should ideally be kept on for around two to three weeks, maximum four before requiring removal in order to prevent damage to your natural nails. “Any longer would cause the nails to be more prone to breaking due to the wear and tear from the past weeks”, advises Widjaya.
Unlike traditional techniques like acrylic or gel, dip powder nails do not require any UV light exposure. This eliminates the potential harm caused by UV lights, making dip powder a healthier choice. Moreover, dip powder nails are known to be highly resistant to chipping and peeling, ensuring longer-lasting manicures.
As a starting point, Choi recommends taking a break from gel for at least two weeks to a month to start seeing a real difference. "For painful, more intense damage from repeated picking and peeling, it can take anywhere from four to eight weeks to grow the nails back out," says Reynosa.
Apply hand cream at least three times a day (or when you remember it) and massage oils or specially formulated cuticle balm nightly. Keep your nails unpolished for this intense hydration period or use breathable polishes.
Dip Powder Manicure
Dip powder is a great alternative to gel. It also provides long-lasting results without the need for UV curing. Pros: Dip powder manicures offer a durable finish and can last up to four weeks. They are less harmful than some gel manicures and require fewer chemicals for removal.
Gel polish can help nails grow by strengthening the nails. If your nails are weak, they can become brittle and prone to breaking off or splitting. This is not conducive to healthy nail growth. When paired with good nail care, gel polish will help your nails thrive.
Applying a nail hardener might help strengthen nails. Ask your healthcare professional about biotin. Some research suggests that the nutritional supplement biotin might help strengthen weak or brittle nails.
The Russian nail method is a dry process of filing, cutting, and removing the cuticle with electric drill bits entirely for a clean look and feel. The Russian manicure can prevent the dry cracking of cuticles or hangnails, thus extending the longevity of the manicure.
However, repeated exposure to UV nail lamps does increase your risk. "Potentially repeated exposures over many years can lead to skin cancer on the nail, around the nail bed, around the fingers," says Dr. Marchbein.
Builder in a Bottle (BIAB) manicures are famous for their exceptional strength and durability. The specialized formula used in BIAB products creates a sturdy protective layer on the natural nail, reducing the risk of breakage and chipping.
Downside of gel nails
If you get them often, they can make your nails weak or thin. This is because taking off the gel is tough on your nails. You have to soak your nails in acetone, which makes them dry and brittle. Also, when you file your nails to remove the gel, it can make them thinner over time.
People typically go between gel manis every 2 to 3 weeks, depending on how long the polish lasts (our gels last up to 3 weeks) or whether they want to switch up the colour. This means most people are only using a nail lamp about 1-2 times per month, which is considered safe.
Both gel and dip powder nails are highly durable, but dip powder nails tend to be more chip and scratch-resistant. On average, gel nails last two to three weeks and dip powder nails last two to four weeks, but these results can vary from person to person.
If you have strong natural nails, shellac is a top option that will be kind to your nails on removal, with a beautiful natural finish. If you're looking for something that will last for a longer period, say a honeymoon or holiday – go for gel. If you have weak nails, or want some drama – go for acrylics.
According to a Today article, it's recommended to take a one-week break from gel nails at least every eight weeks. This interval is necessary to give your nails time to rehydrate and undergo natural repair. Some beauty professionals also generally suggest pausing after you've had two or three gel manicures in a row.
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!
Vaseline can protect against moisture loss, help prevent dryness plus at the same time heal cracked skin. You can also add further protection for your cuticles by rubbing a small amount straight onto the nail-bed and fingernails before going to sleep.
"Prolonged use of gel manis ... dehydrates your nails, making them dry, brittle, and fragile," says manicurist Jin Soon Choi, founder of Jinsoon nail polish and salons.
"The technique originated in Russia," explains Kamola Malikova, founder of Los Angeles-based nail salon Minx Nails. "The Russian manicure has moved into places like Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. In these countries, it has gone so mainstream that traditional methods are no longer used."
Do I really need to let my nails breathe? Nails don't take in oxygen from the air, so you don't need to give up polish to keep them healthy.