Are Gel Manicures Really Bad for You? Here’s the Truth

Gel manicures are a go-to for long-lasting, chip-free nails, but are they damaging in the long run? While they deliver flawless, glossy nails, frequent gel manicures can weaken the nail plate, irritate cuticles, and expose your skin to UV light. Here’s what you need to know before your next salon visit.

The Risks of Gel Manicures

1. Gel Polish Can Weaken Nails

While your nails may look strong, gel manicures can actually thin the nail plate, making them more prone to breakage and irregular growth.

• A 2012 study in The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that gel polish removal especially when peeling off polish can make nails thinner and more fragile.

• Repeated exposure to acetone during removal can also dry out and weaken nails over time.

How to protect your nails: Never peel off gel polish get it professionally removed with an acetone soak.

2. Nail Polish Chemicals May Irritate Cuticles

Some ingredients in gel polish may cause skin irritation around the nails, especially if you have sensitive skin.

• Irritated cuticles can affect future nail growth, leading to weaker, uneven nails.

• Your nail matrix (where new nail growth starts) is located under the cuticle, so keeping this area healthy and hydrated is key.

How to protect your nails: Moisturize your cuticles daily and avoid picking at them.

3. UV Light Exposure From Nail Lamps

Gel manicures require UV light to cure the polish, raising concerns about potential skin damage.

• A 2020 review in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found no direct link between gel manicures and skin cancer, but repeated UV exposure over time could pose a risk.

• Melanoma rates have not increased significantly among regular gel manicure users, but dermatologists still recommend wearing SPF on your hands before UV exposure.

How to protect your nails: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen before getting a gel manicure or wear UV-blocking gloves during the curing process.

4. Picking and Peeling Gel Polish Causes Damage

If you’ve ever picked at chipped gel polish, you may have noticed flaking or thinning nails underneath.

• Peeling off gel polish removes layers of the natural nail, making it more brittle and prone to splitting.

• Letting gel polish grow out too long can also make nails more vulnerable to cracks and lifting.

How to protect your nails: Schedule proper gel removal every two weeks and avoid picking at chipped polish.

How to Keep Your Nails Healthy With Gel Manicures

Gel manicures aren’t off-limits, but following these simple steps can help prevent damage:

Get professional removal – No picking or peeling!
Take breaks between gel applications – Let nails breathe for a week or two.
Hydrate nails and cuticles – Use cuticle oil and hand cream daily.
Wear gloves – Protect nails when cleaning, washing dishes, or gardening.
Apply sunscreen – Reduce UV exposure on hands during manicures.

The Bottom Line

Gel manicures can weaken nails over time, but they’re not inherently bad if you care for your nails properly. Taking breaks between applications, keeping nails hydrated, and protecting your hands from UV exposure can help maintain nail health while still enjoying a long-lasting manicure.

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