Anyone else out there completely addicted to gel manicures? They look great, stay put, stay shiny and have an all-around awesome reputation for curing the problem of chipped mani’s. So what’s the real scoop? Are these gleaming manicures helping or hurting your nails? Staying chip-free for more than two weeks, gel manicures are really all the rage right now, but some concerns have definitely been raised. Whether you’re on the fence or you’re an addict, here’s the lowdown on gel manicures – are they really wrecking your nails?
The Lowdown on Gel Manicures
Pro’s
Gel manicures are notorious for being the go-to solution for anyone with a packed schedule. They often look good for more than two weeks (sometimes three!), making squeezing in all those nail appointments so much easier.
- The look is trendy, shiny and pretty much solves that problem of walking out of the salon and immediately denting your freshly painted nails.
- The light used during the application process helps to set and harden the polish – making them pretty much un-dentable for days on end.
- Between a huge array of color choices and the long-lasting nature of the polish, gel manis are a real bonus for anyone looking to make it last. Whether you’re at the office or at the beach, the staying power of gel polish is pretty incredible.
Cons
As with anything, gel polish has con’s that make some do a double-take when deciding whether to go gel or stick with a traditional manicure. From the UV light to the LED light option, knowing what you’re getting into when it comes to gel polish is the name of the game. First of all, moderation should be practiced with all manicures, not just of the gel variety.
- Giving your nails some time off from polish every few weeks, will help them to rejuvenate, get a little oxygen and even shake any remnants of polish or polish remover that’s been hanging on.
- The U.V. lights used to harden the polish may be cause for some concern, but the risk is extremely low. Opt for a salon that uses LED lights or give your hands a quick coating of sunscreen before going under the light.
- The main and biggest concern really should be the gel removal process. The chemicals and scraping have the ability to damage nails – causing them to become thinner than normal – and often, the regrowth process can be tough. No matter how much you’re tempted, skip picking off the gel polish as it starts to grow out and wait to have it removed by a professional. Picking it off can easily peel off the top layer of your nail.
The bottom line is this: Moderation is the name of the game. Alternation gel manicures with traditional manicures and even give your nails a few weeks to breathe here and there. What’s your preference? Gel or traditional polish?
