More women are making the switch from conventional nail polish to gel nail polish due to the rising demand for long-lasting nail color. Because of gel polish’s durability, you can maintain your nail art or manicure for weeks without chipping, which means that you can definitely save money by choosing this type of polish. Before booking a nail appointment to get a gel manicure, there are a few things that you should know to keep your nails beautiful, healthy, and in top condition. Here’s everything you need to know before switching to gel nail polish.
Give your nails a break between gel manicures
Gel nail polish has become a favorite because it’s glossy, almost indestructible, and you can do anything right after your manicure since it dries in no time at all. However, dermatologists say that frequent gel manicures can be tough on nails, as they make them prone to brittleness and cracking. To keep your hands and nails healthy, give your nails a two to three-week break between gel manicures, and brush on a nail hardener or strengthener during your polish holiday to prevent nails from cracking or splitting. You may also want to apply cuticle oil daily to nourish your nails before your next gel manicure.
It can cause premature aging on the skin of your hands
Getting a gel manicure increases the risk of premature skin aging on the hands, since a UV lamp is used to cure the gel polish. To set the polish, you’ll have to place your hands under a UV lamp for 30 seconds to a few minutes, depending on the quality of the device. While this may be a benefit for busy women who don’t have time to sit around while waiting for their polish to dry, using a UV lamp may result in having wrinkles or sun spots on the hands. To protect your hands from UV ray damage, apply a lotion with an SPF of 30 or higher before your gel manicure; then wait for at least 20 minutes before using a UV lamp. You can also wear fabric gloves with the tips cut off so that only your nails are exposed during the curing process.
Don’t remove the polish yourself
Once your gel manicure starts to chip, resist the urge to pick at your polish, or you may rip off a few layers of your nails. To take off gel polish safely, head to the salon, where a nail technician will soak your nails in acetone pads wrapped in foil. Afterwards, any excess polish will be scraped from your nails using a file. Once the gel polish has been removed, rehydrate with a rich cream or a nail mask to nourish your nails and cuticles.
Getting a gel manicure is an easy and affordable way to have beautiful nails in an instant. Consider these tips to keep your nails in good condition during and after your manicure, and remember to take a breather from gel polish every few weeks or so for strong and healthy nails.
About the author;
This article was written by guest author Sara Zipf.
