Gel manicures have been an absolute hit with women around the world. Having suffered through years of chipped nail polish and frequent reapplication, women seem to love the idea of a manicure that lasts for weeks without chipping or fading.
If you are on the fence about whether to get a gel manicure done at a salon, or if you’re wondering whether it is possible to do a gel manicure at home, then read on.
What’s Gel Manicure?
A gel manicure involves the application of colored gel to the nails. Following each coat of the gel, your hands are placed under a UV or LED light to ‘cure’ the gel. Curing is the process where the gel hardens and sets when it comes under the UV or LED light.
Are Gel Manicures Really Chip-Resistant?
Yes, when compared with regular manicures, gel manicures last a lot longer without chipping. This is because the gel hardens and sets really well when it is cured and so is not susceptible to chipping or fading, unlike regular nail polishes that tend to chip after a couple of days.
Can You Achieve Salon-Like Results At Home?
Let’s get real. Salons have trained nail artists and high-end equipment to ensure the best results. So while achieving such great results may not be possible at home, you can still achieve pretty good results with gel nail polishes. Gel nails will let you go for over a week without having to retouch it. So if you are interested in doing a gel manicure at home, we say go for it!
What You Need To Know About Gel Manicure Before Taking The Plunge
There are some things you’d do well to know about gel manicures before you decide to get one done.
There have been a lot of controversies surrounding the use of UV light. People claim that it causes skin damage and even leads to skin cancer. Although these claims are yet to be proven without a doubt, it has led to some apprehension. But the use of LED lights, which are relatively harmless, instead of UV lights has taken care of this concern.
Before getting a gel manicure, know that it can be quite expensive. Not only will you be paying for the manicure, but you will also be shelling out money when it is time to remove the gel nails, as that can only be done in the salon. There are some DIY gel nail removal guides on the internet that you can follow, but be warned that trying to remove a gel manicure at home by yourself can damage your nails.
Dermatologists warn that getting gel manicures on a regular basis will affect the health of your nails. It has been observed that women who get gel manicures done regularly tend to have nails that are peeling and damaged. This could also leave you more prone to infections. So it is advisable to always leave sometime between manicures to allow your nails to breathe.
Gel manicure, like any other beauty routine, comes with its share of pros and cons. Whether or not the pros outweigh the cons depend on each individual’s needs and preferences. If you like the idea of not having to constantly check your nails to see if their chipped and do not mind spending the money, then a gel manicure is a good idea. Alternatively, if you cannot afford to spend so much on a manicure or are concerned about how safe gel manicures really are, then you might want to steer clear of them.
Source: fashionlady.in