UV Gel Nails - Benefits, Drawbacks, and Precautions

Introduction:

Gel nails are artificial nails used for their long-lasting ability and realistic appearance of the nails. They are usually set by curing under ultraviolet light. Since the nails get set after curing, the duration for drying is also reduced. These nails are more recommended than other nails because of their durability. There are two types of gel nails such as soft and hard gels. Soft gels are used as a polish, while hard gels aid in the extension of the nails.

How Are Gel Nails Fixed?

• Filing and shaping of nails.

• The cuticles present at the bottom edge of the nails are removed.

• A cuticle pusher is used to push any cuticle extending from the nail plate.

• Any dirt, debris, or oil is removed from the nail plate with acetone.

• A thin layer of the base layer is applied to the nails and allowed to dry.

• The nails are coated with the color gel completely.

• The curing of gel is done under ultraviolet light for 3 to 4 minutes.

• After the curing process, debris around the nails may be removed using a cotton ball soaked in isopropyl alcohol.

• The process is finished by the application of cuticle oil on the nails.

How Are Gel Nails Removed?

• Filing of the top layer of the gel nail is done.

• The cotton soaked with acetone is used to wipe away the gel nails.

• A tin foil is wrapped around the nails with the cotton in place.

• The tin foil is removed from the nails after 15 minutes.

• The cuticle oil is applied to the nails to hydrate them.

How Are Gel Nails Beneficial?

• Long-Lasting: The soft gels used as polish are long-lasting. They do not chip easily or smudge like other nail polishes.

• Saves Time: The setting of other artificial nails, such as acrylic nails, takes longer. But a gel nail completely takes a few minutes to set as they are cured using ultraviolet(UV) light or Light Emitting Diode(LED) light.

• Protects the Nails: They protect the nails by masking the weak nails and preventing them from breaking. They form an added layer to strengthen the nails. They act as barriers against dirt and pollution.

• Natural Look: These gel nails are flexible and look like natural nails, which is not valid with rigid acrylic nails.

• Available in various forms: They are available in various colors and designs, giving a lump of options.

What Are the Disadvantages of UV Gel Nails?

• Expensive: Gel nails are usually costly because of their long-lasting ability. But different salons may offer them at different prices.

• Irritability: To fix the gel nails, the natural nails are trimmed to a certain extent, often leaving the natural nails looking weak and dull. Besides looking dull, they also irritate the nails and skin surrounding them.

• Infection: If the gel nails are not fixed under sterile conditions, it may lead to severe infections. The cuticle is usually trimmed before fixing the nails, which may also pave the way for infectious microorganisms to enter.

• Ultra-violet Rays: The ultraviolet light used to cure the nails often leads to premature signs of aging. This happens only on repeated exposure due to frequent manicures. These rays pass through the superficial layers of the skin and then go deeper into the skin to degrade collagen and elastin, which causes wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays shows the risk of skin cancer.

• Acetone: It is commonly used in the removal process. The fingers are kept soaked in acetone for the gel to come off. However, they often lead to the skin, nails, and cuticles drying. In addition, they make the nails brittle and prone to breakage and affect the cuticle by allowing it to peel or get irritated.

• The Temptation to Remove: If the superficial layer of gel gets removed, we tempt to pull off the remaining, which sometimes can cause breakage of the natural nails since they are already weak.

• Maintenance: The need for hydrating your nails arises. Maintaining of gel nails will only lead to a successful, long-lasting natural look.

• Recovery Period Is Long: After removing gel nails, it would take around six weeks to continue using the standard nail colors and other products.

What Are the Precautions to Be Taken While Getting a UV Gel Nail Manicure?

• Check whether the instruments used are sterilized before starting the procedure.

• Ask the manicurist not to cut the cuticle as it paves the way for infection.

• Consider switching from gel nails if you are allergic to acetone.

• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen before exposing your hands to ultraviolet light to prevent skin shrinkage.

• Wear opaque gloves with fingertips cut off to prevent ultraviolet ray exposure.

• Ask for a Light Emitting Diode(LED) light to cure the nails instead of getting exposed to ultraviolet light.

• Do not pull off the gel nails by yourself. Instead, please book an appointment with your manicurist to remove it.

• Ensure you only expose your fingertips to acetone rather than your whole hand.

• Use cotton balls soaked in acetone to remove the gel nails to minimize the exposure of acetone to the skin.

• Hydrate your nails with cuticle oil or petroleum jelly to prevent nails from becoming weak and brittle.

• Refrain from getting your nails done frequently.

• Once your gel nails are removed, allow your natural nails to recover until your next appointment. Then, allow your nails to be free for at least six weeks after removing the gel nails.

Conclusion:

The feel of good nails sometimes enhances and boosts your confidence levels. Women especially feel respected when they present themselves well. Women most commonly utilize gel nails to mask the unattractive appearance of nails. They also want a natural real-time appearance of nails that gel nails can successfully achieve. However, they may have some adverse effects, which are only due to frequent treatment of your nails. Therefore, regularize your nail care and allow your nails to breathe.