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.

What Are the Types of Gel Nails?

There are two types of gel nails: soft and hard gels.

• Soft gels, also called soak-off gels, are used as nail polish. They can be easily removed by soaking in acetone. They are applied as usual nail polish but cured under a UV lamp.

• Hard gels aid in nail extension. They are applied in layers and sculpted on the nail to create extensions. They are also cured under a UV lamp.

How Are Gel Nails Fixed?

The gel nails can be applied at home. The steps for gel nail application are as follows:

• First of all, the nail filing and shaping are done.

• 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 completely coated with the color gel.

• The curing of the gel is done under ultraviolet light for three to four 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 applying cuticle oil to 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?

The benefits of gel nails are as follows:

• 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 only takes a few minutes to set, as it is 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?

The disadvantages of UV gel nails are as follows:

• Expensive: Gel nails are usually costly because of their long-lasting ability. However, 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, they may lead to severe infections. The cuticle is usually trimmed before the nails are fixed, which may also allow 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 is commonly used in the removal process. The fingers are kept soaked in acetone for the gel to come off. However, this often leads to drying of the skin, nails, and cuticles. In addition, it makes the nails brittle and prone to breakage and affects the cuticle by allowing it to peel or get irritated.

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

• Maintenance: The need to hydrate the nails arises. Maintaining gel nails will only lead to a successful, long-lasting natural look.

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

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

The precautions to be taken while getting a UV gel nail manicure are as follows:

• 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 the person is allergic to acetone.

• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen before exposing the 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 exposing them to ultraviolet light.

• People should not pull off the gel nails by themselves. Instead, please book an appointment with the manicurist to remove it.

• Ensure that only the fingertips are exposed to acetone rather than the whole hand.

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

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

• Refrain from getting the nails done frequently.

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

Conclusion:

The feel of good nails sometimes enhances and boosts 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 the nails. Therefore, regular nail care should be done, and nails should be allowed to breathe.