The major risks of gel manicure and how to prevent them

We all love a good gel manicure – it’s the perfect way to get long-lasting, chip-free nails that look salon-perfect.

But as with all good things in life, there are risks involved. Most of the time, these risks are minor and easily avoidable, but it’s still important to be aware of them.

In this post, we’ll be taking a look at the major risks associated with gel manicures, as well as some tips on how to avoid them.

So before you book your next gel nail manicure, make sure you read this first!

First of all, what is a gel manicure?

Before we get into the potential risks, let’s first take a look at what gel manicures are. Gel manicures are a type of nail polish that is applied and then cured under UV light. This process makes the polish much tougher and more durable than regular nail polish, which is why it’s so popular for long-lasting manicures.

Now that we know a little bit more about gel manicures, let’s take a look at the potential risks involved.

The risks of a gel manicure

The major risks of gel manicure include:

1. Allergic reaction
2. Damage to the nails

Damaged nails

One of the most common risks associated with gel manicures is damage to the nails. This can happen for several reasons, including over-scraping, over-buffing, and improper removal of the gel once it’s grown out. While most of the time this damage is minor and will eventually grow out, it can sometimes lead to more serious problems like brittle nails or even fungal infections.

To avoid damaging your nails, be sure to only go to a reputable salon that uses high-quality products and has experienced technicians. Also, make sure they don’t over-scrape or over-buff your nails during the prep process, and be gentle when removing the gel once it’s time for a new manicure.

Allergic reaction

Another common risk associated with gel manicures is allergic reactions. This is usually caused by one of the chemicals in the gel, such as monomers or polymers. If you have sensitive skin or are allergic to any of the ingredients in gel polish, please let your technician know before they start the manicure.

If you experience any redness, swelling, or itching after your gel manicure, please see a doctor immediately.

Preventing damage during a gel manicure

The best way to avoid damaging your natural nails during a gel manicure is to take prevention measures before the manicure even starts.

Here are 4 tips on how to prevent damage to nails:

1. Choose a reputable salon – This is probably the most important tip. Make sure you go to a salon that uses high-quality products and has experienced technicians. Ask around for recommendations, or look for online reviews before booking an appointment.
2. Use a base coat – This will help protect your nails from the gel polish and make it easier to remove when it’s time for a new manicure. Without a base coat, the gel polish can adhere too tightly to your nails and cause damage when it’s removed.
3. Be gentle – During the prep process, your technician will need to file and buff your nails. Ask them to be gentle so they don’t over-scrape or over-buff your nails, as this can damage them.
4. Don’t pull off the gel – Once the gel has grown out, don’t try to pull it off yourself. This can damage your nails. Instead, go back to the salon and have it removed by a professional.

So there you have it – the major risks of gel manicures and how to avoid them. Now that you know what to watch out for, you can enjoy your gel nails worry-free!

Did your gel nails damage your natural nails? Try this

If you didn’t take precautionary measures before your gel manicure and your nails were damaged as a result, don’t worry – there are still things you can do to help them heal.

Here are some tips for repairing nails that have been damaged after a gel manicure:

• Give them a break – Take a break from gel nails for a few weeks to give your natural nails a chance to recover.
• Moisturize – Keep your nails and cuticles well-moisturized to help them heal. You can use a cuticle cream or oil, or even just plain ol’ Vaseline.
• File carefully – If you need to file your nails, be very careful not to overdo it. Filing too aggressively can further damage your already fragile nails.
• Use a protective base coat – When you do start wearing gel nails again, make sure to use a base coat to protect your nails from the gel polish.
• Take your time – Don’t rush the removal process when it’s time to take your gel nails off. Take your time and be gentle so you don’t damage your nails further.

Gel manicure alternatives

If you’re looking for a way to get the gel nail look without damaging your natural nails, try using press-on nails instead. They come in all different shapes and sizes, so you can find a set that fits your nails perfectly.

And since they’re not glued or polished onto your nails, there’s no risk of damage when you take them off.

Alternatively, you could try getting your nails done with acrylics or solar nails. These are both artificial nails that are glued or polished onto your natural nails.

While there is a risk of damage when these are removed, they usually don’t cause as much damage as gel manicures because they’re not as tightly bonded to your natural nails.

Book a gel manicure near me

If we haven’t scared you away from gel manicures entirely, then it sounds like you’re ready to book an appointment!

Use our home beauty booking platform to find a mobile beauty therapist near you that offers gel nails. Just enter your location, select your desired service and appointment date/time, and we’ll do the rest!

Or if you’re not sure which type of manicure you want, check out our article on the different types of manicures to help you decide.

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