As Mamamia’s resident Style and Beauty Editor, I often act as an agony aunt to the team.
On a daily basis I’ll get asked anything from ‘How do I get nail polish off my leather bag?’ to ‘Nic, do I need these ridiculous but fabulous shoes?’ (To which the answer is nearly always yes.)
But I was disturbed this week when two of the team separately asked me if getting a gel manicure was meant to “fry” their nails, and since it was “like a tanning bed for my nails”, should they apply sunscreen first or is it pointless since you rinse your hands during a manicure anyway.
As it’s been a while since the research came out, I figured it was worth a revisit as some of you might have the same questions.
First, in case you’ve had a similar experience, no – a frying or burning sensation on the nail bed is not supposed to happen. And yes, dermatologists recommend you apply a (water-resistant) sunscreen 20 minutes prior to getting a gel manicure.
Up until last year, the link between skin cancer and UV-cured gel manicures was inconclusive, but since then it has been found that there is low yet “not insignificant” risk of skin cancer.
This is why dermatologists recommend you apply a “broad spectrum” sunscreen that protects against both UV-A and UV-B rays, since nail drying lights emit UV-A rays and not all sunscreens protect against those.
Top Comments
I'm a Beauty Therapist and to be honest, applying sunscreen is pointless. To apply gel nails we have to use dehydrating solutions for the gel to even work anyway. This will remove any sunscreen that is on the tips of the fingers and nails. When getting gel or acrylic put on, the therapist/technician should, in a gentle way, tell you that these treatments aren't necessarily good for you nail and skin health. Using a block or drill to grind down the nail plate isn't good for it. There are better ways to do it, but a lot use quicker, cheaper, dodgier methods as it's cheaper and quicker.
Don't get me wrong, I apply gel to myself for occasions and have a few clients that love their gel. I now use and promote a product (CND Vinylux) that lasts a week, dries in 10 minutes and doesn't require a lamp.
I would be more concerned about the amount of disease and fungus that people are getting from nail technicians that have lax hygiene standards. I have never seen clean or sterilized implements that are one use only in shopping centre nail places. Consumer beware.
I've always like the sound of gel as I'm tired of the whole base-coat-two-colour-coats-top-coat routine only for it to chip a couple of days later. However I have pretty decent natural nails and I don't want them to go really weak and brittle from the gel removal. Can anyone tell me how gel and its removal affects nails? Thanks!