For the past fifteen years or so, gel polish has taken the manicure world by storm. Its long lasting wear, flawless finish and mirror shine have quickly won over anyone who dreams of a professional result at home. But one question keeps coming up: is gel nail polish bad for your nails? Let us take a closer look at what can weaken the nail and how to keep it healthy.
What is gel polish?
A nail polish that seems to have it all
At first glance, gel polish feels like the perfect nail polish with nothing but benefits:
- It is just as easy to apply as regular polish, ideal for a DIY manicure at home.
- It dries in just a few minutes under a UV or LED lamp.
- It is ultra resistant and can last two to three weeks without chipping.
- It delivers a gel effect and mirror shine we all love.
So far, everything sounds perfect. Yet when you start looking more closely at the formula, doubts can appear and you may start wondering, is gel polish bad for your nails after all?
Gel polish, the ideal solution for a flawless manicure at home?
Controversial ingredients
In Europe, cosmetic products are governed by Regulation EC No 1223 2009. This regulation bans or restricts many substances considered risky in cosmetics sold within the EU, especially substances classified as CMR, meaning carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction. By choosing products made in Europe, you benefit from strict standards and formulas free from problematic ingredients.
If you are having a gel manicure in a beauty salon or purchasing gel polish manufactured outside the EU, always check the ingredient list carefully. Make sure it is HEMA free, TPO free and does not contain other restricted substances such as DBP, toluene, formaldehyde, xylene or camphor.
Removal can pose risks
Removal is often the most delicate step of a gel manicure and the moment when damage can occur. In salons or at home, gel polish is frequently removed using a nail drill, a nail file or an acetone based remover. When used incorrectly, these methods can damage the nail plate and dry out the cuticles.
A poorly handled nail drill can cause lasting damage to the nail plate.
How does gel polish affect nail health?
Not all nails react in the same way to gel manicures. It depends on your nail type, how often you apply gel polish and the techniques used. This is often where the question arises: do gel nails damage your nails or does gel polish ruin your nails? The most common effects include the following.
Risks linked to UV lamps
UV or LED lamps are essential to cure gel polish and make it harden. Their ultraviolet rays differ from those of the sun. When used reasonably, meaning not too frequently, with a power below 48W and by respecting the recommended curing time, these lamps do not present a specific danger.
UV lamps require a longer curing time than LED lamps and can sometimes create a warming sensation, especially on sensitive nails. It is therefore advisable to choose LED lamps, which are more efficient and less energy intensive, and to apply sunscreen beforehand if you have sensitive skin or are undergoing a photosensitizing treatment.
Apply sunscreen to sensitive skin before your manicure to avoid any reaction to UV light from drying lamps.
Alteration of keratin layers
The nail is made up of 90 percent keratin, a fibrous protein that builds up and hardens in layered sheets. Removing gel polish by filing or drilling can gradually alter this structure, especially if the technique is not mastered.
The result can be a thinner nail plate and nails that feel soft, dull, split or brittle. Over time, nail growth may be disrupted and ridges can appear on the surface. You might also notice that polish no longer adheres as well as it once did.
Dehydration around the nail
Another common removal method involves using an acetone based remover. Acetone is a powerful solvent that dissolves the natural oils in the nail. As a result, cuticles become dry and the nail loses its natural protective barrier against external aggressors, increasing the risk of infection.
Increased sensitivity
Redness, inflammation or even allergic reactions can be warning signs that your nails are weakened or have come into contact with an allergenic ingredient. This often happens when gel manicures are repeated back to back without a break or a proper care routine in between.
It can be tempting to switch colors with every mood, we completely understand. Still, it is wise to wait one to two weeks between gel manicures. Use this time to adopt a nail care routine that allows you to enjoy gel polish while keeping your nails healthy.
Instead of applying gel polish back to back, take a break and give your nails the care they deserve.
How to enjoy gel polish and keep your nails healthy
Avoiding damaged nails after a gel manicure is absolutely possible. If you have ever asked yourself, is gel nail polish bad for your fingernails, the answer often lies in how it is applied, removed and how well your nails are cared for in between. Here is a step by step guide to a manicure that respects the health of your nails.
Care for your nails before, during and after your gel manicure
A flawless and safe manicure starts long before you apply color. It relies on a few essential habits:
- Nourished and hydrated nails every day with a nourishing oil for nails and cuticles such as the Nourishing Cuticle Oil. This blend of six botanical oils, including sweet almond, walnut, coconut, passion fruit, baobab and kukui, helps regenerate the nail and its contour while supporting healthy growth.
- Well prepared nails, meaning nails that are carefully filed into a harmonious shape, cuticles gently pushed back to free the nail plate, a lightly buffed surface to open the keratin layers and a perfectly cleansed nail plate.
- A precise application protocol by following the four coat rule: one layer of base coat, two thin layers of color and one layer of top coat. Each coat should be applied thinly, without touching the cuticles, and cured under a UV or LED lamp for the recommended time.
- From application to removal, continue to hydrate daily with a dedicated nail oil to maintain flexibility and shine.
A successful and safe manicure relies on the right techniques.
Discover a safer alternative
Green Flash™ is a new generation LED gel polish range designed to combine performance with gentle care. It is an ideal solution if you are wondering do gel nails wreck your nails and looking for a cleaner alternative.
A non toxic gel polish. Even before certain ingredients were officially restricted in Europe, the Green Flash™ formula was already free from molecules considered risky for health.
A vegan formula that is up to 84 percent plant based, where petrochemical ingredients are replaced with plant derived alternatives that are safer and more sustainable.
An innovative KeraHCE plus technology contained in the Green Flash™ Vitamin Base Coat, combining hexanal, vitamin C and vitamin E. This makes Green Flash™ the first gel polish that helps strengthen and protect the nail beneath the color.
With Green Flash™, choose a plant based gel polish formula and technology that protects the nail.
Customizable long lasting wear to suit your needs:
- Intense color and mirror shine for up to 12 days with the Green Flash™ Top Coat.
- Extreme shine, a plump gel effect and ultra pigmented color for up to 21 days with the Top Coat Xtrem Flash™.
Gentle removal without filing or acetone. With the Green Flash™ Gentle Remover, formulated without acetone and enriched with castor oil, the polish can be removed using a peel off method, without filing or scraping. The nail remains intact, protected and hydrated.
A gel polish that lasts up to 21 days and removes gently. This is the Xtrem Flash™ effect.
Remove your gel polish gently
As mentioned earlier, removal is often the step that raises concerns such as is gel nail polish bad for your nails. The key is to avoid aggressive techniques.
With Green Flash™, there is no need for harsh solvents. Simply place a cotton pad soaked in Green Flash™ Gentle Remover on each nail and secure it with a removal clip. Wait one to two minutes for a Green Flash™ manicure and ten minutes for an Xtrem Flash™ manicure. The polish softens and can be gently peeled away with an orange stick.
Once removed, clean away any residue with a little remover and apply a drop of Nourishing Cuticle Oil, massaging it into each nail to restore hydration.
Before your next manicure, treat your nails to a complete reset with the Healthy Glow Duo, which combines intense hydration with the Complete Serum and a natural glow boost with Active™ Glow Raspberry.
After removing your gel polish, focus on care with Nourishing Cuticle Oil and the Healthy Glow Duo.
Frequently asked questions
How can you remove gel polish without damaging the nail?
Avoid removing gel polish with a drill or acetone based remover. Choose gel polish formulas designed for gentle removal, without acetone or scraping, to preserve the integrity of the nail plate.
What are the side effects of gel polish?
Side effects are generally linked to poor manicure practices, such as applying gel polish too frequently or using aggressive removal methods. Common warning signs include dehydrated cuticles, soft or brittle nails, disrupted growth, increased sensitivity or allergic reactions.
Is gel polish dangerous for nails?
Gel polish is not inherently dangerous. However, excessive use or incorrect techniques can explain why some people feel that gel polish damages their nails. By respecting rest periods, choosing gentle removal and maintaining a dedicated nail care routine, it is entirely possible to enjoy long lasting color and healthy nails at the same time.
