It’s happened to just about every woman: you splurge on a fresh manicure, only to smudge it minutes after leaving the salon—or worse, see it chip within days.
Thankfully, there’s now a longer-lasting solution. Gel and shellac manicures have become a go-to option at salons across the country. They dry quickly (thanks to UV light), resist chips and smudges, and offer a glossy finish that’s tough to beat. Best of all, they last—gel manicures can hold up for two weeks, while shellac sometimes stays pristine for up to four.
For anyone who loves the look of just-done nails, they seem like a no-brainer. But before you get hooked on this trend, it’s worth asking: are gel manicures really safe?
How Do Gel Manicures Work?
Traditional manicures involve a base coat, two layers of polish, and a top coat—but they’re vulnerable to daily wear and tear. Dishwashing, typing, opening packages—all of it adds up, and polish starts to peel within days.
Gel manicures take a different approach. The process begins with a nail dehydrator and a primer gel, followed by several coats of colored gel polish. Each layer is hardened under a UV lamp for one to three minutes. Shellac (a specific brand of gel polish) is applied similarly but involves even more steps—sometimes six or seven layers in total.
That time under the UV lamp is what gives gel manicures their durability. But it also comes with potential risks.
Are UV Lamps Safe?
The UV lamps used in gel manicures aren’t as intense as tanning beds, but they still emit UVA rays—the kind linked to skin aging and an increased risk of skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, just 8–14 gel manicures over two years can deliver enough UV exposure to pose a significant risk.
If you get monthly gel manicures, you’re increasing your exposure. And if you have a family history of skin cancer or are taking photosensitizing medications, the risks rise further. In extreme cases, UV exposure combined with these meds can even lead to nail bed damage or detachment.
Even without a cancer diagnosis, frequent UV exposure on the hands can lead to premature aging—think age spots and wrinkles. Not exactly the beauty treatment you signed up for.
Hidden Dangers of Gel Polish
UV exposure isn’t the only concern. Since gel polish lasts for weeks, it can mask underlying issues, like nail infections caused by unsterilized tools. And as your nails grow, the polish lifts—trapping moisture and creating the perfect environment for bacteria or fungus.
There’s also the temptation to pick or peel the polish as it starts to separate, which often damages the nail underneath. Removing gel polish improperly can strip layers from your natural nails, leaving them weak, brittle, and slow to recover.
Even professional removal isn’t without risks. Soaking nails in acetone for 20 minutes can severely dry them out, leading to flaking and breakage.
Healthier Alternatives for Beautiful Nails
So, are long-lasting manicures off the table forever? Not necessarily.
If you do opt for gel, protect your hands by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen before exposure to the UV lamp. Keeping your cuticles moisturized—using something like jojoba oil—can help minimize brittleness and damage. And whatever you do, resist the urge to pick!
That said, limiting gel manicures is wise. Give your nails time to recover between treatments. Consider skipping polish entirely for a few days at a time to let your nails “breathe” and regain their strength.
You can also invest in quality at-home manicure tools. With a little practice, you’ll be surprised how professional your DIY nails can look—without the risks or the salon prices.
Bottom Line
Gel manicures may look flawless, but they come with trade-offs. From UV exposure and premature aging to nail damage and infections, the risks are real. While the occasional gel session is probably fine, frequent use could do more harm than good.
In the end, healthy nails are more than just shiny polish—they’re a reflection of your overall well-being. And that’s always worth protecting.
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General Health Magazine 