Are you planning to get a manicure? Who wouldn’t want one, especially those that last long while staying shiny and drying within seconds? That’s why many people opt for gel nail polish, a kind of manicure that continues to grow in popularity!
However, I’m sure there are a lot of questions people wonder about gel nail polish, particularly the benefits it offers. Some people have questioned, “does gel nail polish make nails stronger?”
Read on to find out!
What is a Gel Manicure?
Before anything else, let’s talk about what gel manicures are, for those unfamiliar with the term.
Gel nail polish is made of acrylic monomers and oligomers, which would bond together when they are placed under a UV light. It undergoes a process known as curing, and after a few seconds, the gel that was once liquid will turn into a tough and chemical-resistant coating!
While you can use LED lights, it will take a bit longer (up to two minutes), while UV lights take only less than 45 seconds. It can’t be dried without these lights, as it requires UV or LED to form the hard layers. These can last for 2-3 weeks, longer than your typical manicure.
Does Gel Nail Polish Make Nails Stronger?
Gel nail polish has a lot of benefits, from its long-lasting beauty down to how easy and quick it is to apply. However, do they really make the nails stronger, or is this just a myth?
Based on Dr. Chris Adigun, a dermatologist focusing on nails, gel nail polish is actually worse than one would think! She says that the manicure process may lead to dehydration and the nail plate thinning.
Furthermore, the longer that the nail polish stays on may actually be harmful. This is because you don’t see what’s going on under all the nail polish. However, if you apply gel nail polish for an appropriate amount of time (no longer than 3 weeks), and give your nails time to “breathe”, then it won’t hurt your nails. While it won’t strengthen them, proper nail care will keep them looking great and healthy.
Besides this, picking your nail with gel polish will make your nails even weaker, harming them and peeling away from your natural nails. Again, that’s where proper nail care AND gel polish removal comes along.
To avoid making your nails weaker from gel nail polish, be sure to follow the proper removal techniques. You may have to soak your nails in acetone for a few minutes to loosen the hardened gel polish from your nails, then remove them using cotton balls.
Also, don’t forget your hands! Since they will be exposed to UV light, be sure to use physical blocking sunscreen and/or UVA-protective gloves, just to be safe.
Do you want to learn more about gel nail polish and what it can do for your nails? Check out this informative video:
Wrapping It Up
When it comes to gel nail polish, it shows a lot of promise, especially because of how long it lasts without chipping. However, it won’t do much good for your nails if you continue using them in the long run. Fortunately, you can prevent your nails from weakening with the proper nail care and gel nail polish removal techniques.
I hope that this article answered your question, “does gel nail polish make nails stronger?” Now that you know the answer, do be wary about the way you care for your nails and what you apply to them!
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