Gel manicures are one of the most popular ways of beautifying nails these days. Women are addicted to things that make them stand out, gel manicure makes your nails stand out.
There have been misconceptions about gel manicures, how safe they are, and how long they last, which leads us to the query “How long should you wait between gel manicures?”
For safety and for long-lasting nails, you should wait about a week or 2 weeks at least every 8 weeks you have your gel nails on. This allows the natural nails to grow back and healthy and repair the nail beds.
Why Your Nails Need a Break From Gel Manicures
Gel manicures are a great alternative to polish if you want your nails to look shiny and perfect for a week without having to maintain them. For many women, this is the best of both worlds, a nail that looks salon-worthy without having to drop $40 every seven days. But it’s not all great news. A lot of side effects come from constant gel manicures, thus, there are several reasons why you should give your nails a break:
1. Gels can be bad for your nails
If you have weak or brittle nails, gel manicures can be a bad idea. They restrict your nails’ ability to flex and breathe, which can lead to cracking, peeling, and other stress on your nail beds. If you already have damaged or weak nails, gel manicures should definitely be avoided.
2. They can cause infections
You may also want to stay away from gels if you’re prone to nail-related illnesses like athlete’s foot or fungal infections. The chemicals used in gels can make these ailments worse or even give you an infection in the first place if they aren’t completely cleaned off after each use. You’ll want to make sure your hands are clean before you apply the polish because bacteria can get trapped under the top coat and cause trouble later on.
Side Effects of Back-to-Back Gel Manicures
1. Dehydration
Because gel manicures last so long, you probably tend to keep your hands out of the water as much as possible, which means that the skin on your hands isn’t getting the normal amount of hydration it needs. The result is that your nails are now dry and brittle, and you may notice peeling or flaking.
2. Calluses
A second common side effect is that in order to maintain a fresh, untouched look, you’re more likely to paint over chips and cracks rather than filing them down and starting over. This can lead to calluses on your fingers at the base of your nails.
3. Allergic reaction
A third side effect could be an allergic reaction or irritation from the chemicals in the gel polish (especially if it’s not applied correctly). This could include things like blisters or a rash under the polish after a few days. It could also lead to general skin sensitivity around your nail bed area.
4. Infection
Well-executed gel manicures can last for two weeks or more, and the gel formulation is odorless and doesn’t damage nails. But frequent use of this product can weaken the nail’s natural barrier function and make it more prone to infection.
Onycholysis is a condition characterized by the separation of the nail from the nail bed. It has been reported in people who get gel manicures. The exact cause of this infection is unknown, but repeated use of polish removers containing acetone is thought to be a potential cause.
It may also be caused by a fungal or bacterial infection. Treatment generally consists of allowing time for the nail plate to grow out so that it covers the affected area of the skin. This may take several months, so dermatologists recommend not getting repeated gel manicures if you have this problem.
How to Make Your Nails Last Longer
1. Keep Them Moisturized
The importance of nail moisturization can’t be overemphasized. As mentioned above, cuticle oil or olive oil can be used. Your cuticle is the end part of your skin that gets exposed to all the chemicals from gel nails. To moisturize your nails, dip them in cuticle oil religiously and you can change your gel nails every day if you like
2. File Them and Put a Top Coat
You should get a file in your bag and file your nails regularly. Also, put on a top coat, this makes your nails shine and makes them last longer too
3. Ensure Your Nails Are Dry
When your nails get wet and the water seeps into the nail, this can cause an undergrowth of bacteria which deteriorates the state of your nails. It makes them prone to swelling and has long-term side effects.
How Often Do Gel Nails Need to Be Done?
Gel manicures are easy and affordable. But it is important to decide how often you want to get them done. Like other nail treatments, gels only last a certain amount of time before they need to be replaced. The time between gels varies depending on the individual, but most people find that they need to get gel manicures once every 1 to 2 weeks.
How Long to Wait Between Nail Polish Coats?
Opinions vary, but in general, it's best to wait at least a half hour between coats of nail polish. Nail polish is composed of a solvent that evaporates the longer you leave it on before applying the next coat, and if you apply too many coats too close together, your nails may become brittle or crack. Even though the first coat may not feel dry while you're waiting for the second to dry, that doesn't mean that your nails are prepared to handle another coat, it's better to be safe than sorry.
Conclusion
Keeping cute and well-polished nails is a serious business you shouldn’t joke with. For variety and multiple choices of manicure nail polish for your nails whenever you need them, here are the top-ranking nail polish you can count on when you are out of a gel manicure.
