I have done a gel manicure that is suppose to last for 3 weeks, it is still looking fantastic after 2 weeks, and I wonder if it is a bad idea to do it for your toes? Show 13 answersNails are nails and it doesn't matter whether you are applying gel to hand- or toenails. As long as application and removal are performed correctly, there should be no problem at all. Search Treatwell for Gel Nails Manicure near you NAILSBYMETS Hello Victoria, it's definitely not a bad idea. I use Gelish on my clients and they usually have it on their toes for 1 month before they decide to change the colour. Regular use of CND Solar oil (twice daily) helps keep your nails moisturised and nourished under Gelish / gel-polish nails. In fact this is a FAB idea for your toes! MariannaVegh Dear Victoria! I used to have it for my toes, and i can tell You, it was excellent for 1 month or more. So, do it! SkinDeepBeauty Go for it - remember to Solar Oil the nail regulaly to prevent dehydration. sometimes its also easier to make toes really funky and it will last for ages!! fantasia no its not a bad idea in fact its the perfect end result to a relaxing pedicure LumeRetreat I would have thought it wouldn't matter which nails you apply to as long as everything is sanitised well first so there is no risk of bacteria being underneath the gel. Especially if the gel is on for 3 weeks.. sue54 well i'm not actually trained on gel nails. but having had them myself on my hands i really cant see there would be a problem for your toes to be done. BrightonBelles Hi Victoria! IconixBeauty I would always recommend Shellac for both nails and toenails - the resullt lasts briliantly and there is absolutely no damage to the nail as the removal is so kind. Alicja78 Hello! This is absolutely fine to do your toes as well! tink10 Nails are nails what works for your fingers should work for your toes too :-) tigerlilypeach Not bad for your nails at all IF removed correctly.I Shellac my nails and they last 2 weeks and when I remove it,my nails have grown and look really healthy. MissPink25 Why do you think its a bad idea? Gel manicures and pedicures may stay shiny and chip free longer than traditional ones, but they may be riskier, too. At the American Academy of Dermatology' Summer Academy Meeting, Richard K. Scher, a dermatologist at Columbia University in NYC raised some red flags, explaining that the ways in which the gel is applied and removed may be hazardous. "They require regular exposure to ultra violet light, and there have been a couple of articles which suggested that damage of the digits around the nails has occurred," says Scher. Other dermatologists are treading carefully with this trend, too: "I heard about gel manicures and thought what a great idea—until I got one and realized how much exposure to UV light the skin surrounding the nail is actually getting," says Heidi Waldorf, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in NYC. "That could increase your risk for squamous-cell carcinoma in the area." We've touched on this before—in the March 2011 issue of Allure, we reported on concerns over the UV dryers at nail salons after reports that two women who regularly used them were diagnosed with skin cancer on their fingers. And along with UV exposure, Scher points out that acetone can be a culprit, too: To remove gel polish, women dip their nails—or entire fingers—into acetone. If you're getting a manicure every two to three weeks, he says, this can dry out the nail and even cause inflammation to surrounding skin. It's enough to make me think twice. Will you keep getting gel manicures or will you wait for more research? Nails are the ultimate accessory. From French manicures to glittery nail art, your fingers can certainly make a statement. Want a manicure with staying power? Gels can last up to 3 weeks and provide a glossy finish without chipping or peeling. Plus, the durable gel means you can wash dishes without worrying about ruining your nail job…. but could it be ruining your natural nails? And can nail gels affect your overall health? Here’s what you need to know. One of the most extensive studies to date looking at the side effects of gel nail polish took place in a survey, involving 2,118 respondents. In the self-reported questionnaire, almost half reported side effects while applying the gel nail polish, and 1 in 5 while wearing it. Potential side effects during the application or wearing gel nail polish include:
Less than 1 percent of folks reported a rash on their hands or body, eczema, or swollen lips. Gel removal is the most likely stage to cause damageThe study above also found that 3 in 4 people experienced side effects after removing their gel manicure, including:
But not all removal methods were as likely to cause probs. The study found that these side effects were far more likely to happen when participants performed (and removed) the manicure themselves. One of the first things that usually hits you when you walk into a nail salon is the strong chemical smell. Not all of these substances are necessarily harmful, but many gel polishes can contain some potential nasties like:
There’s still some debate about whether these chemicals are considered toxic, but formaldehyde is particularly concerning. The Environmental Protection Agency says that research associated it with certain cancers, and it can also cause contact dermatitis, especially if you have sensitive skin. What these chemicals mean for your healthSome research even suggests that some chemicals in nail polish can leach into your body. In a small 2015 study, researchers tested the pee of 26 women who had recently painted their nails. Compared to placebo manicures wearing gloves and fake nails, TPHP levels increased sharply in every participant in the active nail painting group. Remember, TPHP is an endocrine-disruptor, which means it messes with your hormones. After your nails get a coat of gel paint, they’ll bask in the glow of an LED nail lamp to harden and set. The LED bulbs emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation — but think sunlight rather than Chernobyl. Over time, exposure to UV radiation can damage your skin, leading to premature wrinkles and age spots, and could even lead to skin cancer. But a 2013 study suggested that the limited exposure you’d get at a nail salon isn’t a big deal. These LED nail lamps are generally considered low risk by the FDA as long as they’re used as directed. FYI: If you’re more sensitive to UV radiation (because of a condition or medication, for example) you may want to pass on this exposure. Gel nails typically take a little longer than a regular manicure. You can expect to spend about an hour, but it does depend on the state of your nails and if you’re already wearing gel polish when you arrive. Step 1. Nail prepFirst, your manicurist will prep your nails. They’ll push back your cuticles with a hand sanitizing product to keep the nails from absorbing oils. (Yes, oil is good for your cuticles, but save it for after the manicure.) Next, they’ll trim away any excess cuticle, and shape your nails. Then, they’ll cleanse your nail bed with alcohol and a product to balance the pH to ensure that gel sticks. Step 2. Base gelThe base gel is a base coat that helps the real deal gel stick to your nails. This also prevents the pigments in the gel from staining your nail beds (which is never a great look). You’ll then pop your nails under the nail lamp for around 15 seconds, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. Step 3. TopcoatsNow for the good stuff. Usually, you’ll have two coats of color applied, with a cure of 30 seconds under the nail lamp for each. Then, you’ll get a topcoat applied to keep the color looking slick and shiny. Again, this will be cured under the lamp. Most gel polishes leave a sticky dispersion layer behind after curing, which your nail tech will wipe away with alcohol. Step 4. Cuticle oilOoh! Look at those nails shining like no one’s business! At this point, your nails are complete and shinier than a new car. But before you leave, your manicurist will apply a layer of cuticle oil to keep them looking tip-top. Fresh gels look sexy AF, but how do you keep them that way? Here are some things to avoid when you’re rocking gel nails to keep your natural nail as healthy as possible.
Although it’s not as on-trend and certainly not as durable, traditional nail polish still does the job. In addition, there are tons of new products entering the market with long-lasting formulas designed as a hybrid between classic and gel polish. If you want a fresh looking manicure for an event, there are always press-on nails to fall back on. Gone are the days of thick, plastic-looking extensions that wouldn’t fool anyone. Nowadays, press-on nails look realistic, come in various designs, and can even last up to a week. And providing you don’t lose any, you can reuse them. Plus, they’re a great option for nail biters. Gel nails are safe for most people, especially if you save them for special occasions when you and your nails need to shine. Look for nontoxic products if you can, as nail polish, including gel, can include chemical nasties. Also, if you go overboard on the mani-pedis, your nails can become dry, brittle, and broken. So, if you want your nails looking on-fleek at all times, consider using classic polish or press-on nails in between gel manicures. How long can you leave gel on your toes?You're leaving gel polish on too long.
Since gel nail polish can be worn for weeks on end without even the tiniest chip, stretching the life of your manicure is tempting. However, Hadley suggests removing a gel manicure after two to three weeks maximum to avoid damaging nail beds and cuticles.
Is it safe to get a gel pedicure?Exposure to UV light
But an occasional gel manicure or pedicure is very unlikely to cause problems as the area of skin exposed is small, the exposure is for short amounts of time, and the UV dose is low; the equivalent of only a couple of minutes' sunlight exposure.
Is gel on toes better?A gel nails pedicure doesn't cost much more than your regular pedicure, but the outcome is ten times more effective. Treat yourself to a gel pedicure! Not only will you save time and money, but your feet will most certainly thank you for it.
How often should you get gel toes redone?Most gel clients can easily go 3-4 weeks between fills. However, it can be beneficial to start out with 2-week intervals until you see how she is adapting to her nails. As time progresses the intervals can be extended to 3 or 4 weeks.
|