For around fifteen years, gel polish has become hugely popular. Its long wear, flawless finish and mirror shine quickly won over perfect-manicure addicts who want a pro-like result, even at home. But one question comes up often: what are the side effects of gel polish on our nails? Let’s take a closer look to better understand what can weaken nails and how to protect them.
Key takeaway:
- Gel polish offers a mirror shine and long-lasting wear (2 to 3 weeks).
- The risks mainly come from aggressive removal or applications that are too frequent.
- A nail-friendly manicure starts with preparation, hydrating care and gentle removal.
- Check the ingredients: choose bio-based, vegan, HEMA-free, TPO-free nail polishes without controversial substances.
What is gel polish?
A nail polish that seems to have it all
At first glance, gel polish is the ideal nail polish, with nothing but benefits:
- It is as easy to apply as classic nail polish, ideal for a DIY manicure at home.
- It dries in just a few minutes under a UV or LED lamp.
- It is ultra-resistant and can last without chipping for two to three weeks.
- It delivers a gel effect and mirror shine we love.
So far, gel polish seems to have it all, but when you look at its composition, doubts start to creep in.
Gel polish: the ideal solution for a perfect manicure at home?
Controversial ingredients
In Europe, cosmetic products are subject to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. This regulation prohibits or restricts the use of many substances considered risky in cosmetics sold in the EU (including substances classified as CMR — carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction). By buying nail polishes made in Europe, you are therefore guaranteed products free from problematic ingredients.
And if you get a gel polish manicure at a beauty salon or buy gel or gel polish products made outside the EU online, do not hesitate to check the composition of these products. Make sure they are HEMA-free (without methacrylate monomers), TPO-free and do not contain other prohibited substances such as DBP, toluene, formaldehyde, xylene, camphor, etc.
Removal that carries risks
Removal is undoubtedly the most delicate step of a manicure, the one that puts your nails to the test. In a salon or at home, gel polish is often removed using a nail drill, nail file or acetone remover. If not used correctly, these techniques can permanently damage the nail plate and dry out cuticles.
An improperly handled nail drill can cause lasting damage to the nail plate.
The effects of gel polish on nail health
Not all nails react in the same way to gel polish applications. It all depends on their nature, the frequency of applications and the techniques used. The most common effects are:
Risks associated with using UV lamps
UV or LED lamps are essential for curing gel polish and hardening it. Their ultraviolet rays differ from the UV rays emitted by the sun. When used reasonably (not too often, at a power below 48W and following the indicated curing time), these UV/LED lamps pose no particular danger (you are not at risk of skin cancer!).
With a longer curing time than LED lamps, UV lamps can cause a warming sensation, especially on sensitive nails. It is therefore advisable to choose LED lamps, which are more effective and use less energy, and to apply sunscreen before your manicure, particularly for sensitive skin or if you are undergoing photosensitising medical treatment.
Apply sunscreen to sensitive skin before your manicure to avoid any reaction to UV from curing lamps.
Alteration of keratin layers
The nail is made up of 90% keratin, a fibrous protein that builds up and hardens into overlapping layers. Removing gel polish by buffing or filing can eventually alter this structure, especially if the technique is not fully mastered. The result: the nail plate becomes thinner and the nail becomes soft, dull, split or brittle. In the longer term, nail growth may be disrupted and ridges may appear on the surface. When it comes to manicures, polish also finds it increasingly difficult to stay put.
Dehydration around the nail
Another gel polish removal method is using an acetone-based nail polish remover. The issue is that acetone is a harsh solvent that dissolves the nail’s natural oils. The cuticles dry out and the nail loses its natural shield against external aggressors, increasing the risk of infection.
Risk of nail sensitisation
Redness, inflammation or even allergic reactions: these are the warning signs your nails send when they are weakened or come into contact with an allergenic product. This happens when you follow one gel manicure after another, without giving your nails a break or caring for them between applications. While it may be tempting to change your nail polish colour to suit your mood (we get it!), we recommend waiting one to two weeks between each gel manicure. Take the opportunity to adopt a new routine that combines gel polish and healthy nails.
Instead of applying gel polish back to back, take a break and pamper your nails.
How can you combine gel polish and healthy nails?
Avoiding nails damaged by gel polish applications is possible—and it’s not difficult! We’ll guide you step by step towards a manicure that respects the health of your nails.
Care for your nails before, during and after applying gel polish
A perfect, safe manicure starts long before colour and relies on several essential steps:
- Nourished and hydrated nails every day with a nourishing nail and cuticle oil such as Green Oil, a complex of 6 plant oils (sweet almond, walnut, coconut, passion fruit, baobab and kukui oils) that regenerates the nail and its surrounding area and promotes healthy growth.
- Well-prepared nails: in other words, filed nails for a harmonious shape, pushed-back cuticles to clear the nail plate, a buffed surface (to open the keratin scales) and degreased.
- A proper application protocol followed: by following the 4-coat rule (1 coat of base coat, 2 coats of colour, 1 coat of top coat), applied in thin coats, without flooding the cuticles, and cured under a UV/LED lamp for the indicated time.
- Just after application and until polish removal, continue to moisturise with an oil specifically designed for nails and cuticles.
A successful, risk-free manicure requires the right techniques.
In summary:
- Prepare your nails: file, push back the cuticles, buff and degrease the nail plate.
- Hydrate daily with Green Oil (6 plant oils) or a suitable serum.
- Follow the 4-coat rule: 1 base coat, 2 colour coats, 1 top coat, curing under a UV/LED lamp.
- Take breaks of 1 to 2 weeks between each application to allow your nails to regenerate.
Discover safer alternatives for your manicure
Our LED gel polishes are designed to combine performance with gentle care. An effective solution for enjoying the benefits of this type of polish without experiencing its drawbacks. Here’s how:
✅A non-toxic gel polish: even before the European Union banned them, the Green Flash™ polish formula was free from any molecules that pose a health risk.
🌿A vegan, bio-based formula of up to 84%, in which petrochemical-derived ingredients have been replaced with plant-based alternatives that are safer and more sustainable.
🔬An innovative KeraHCE+ technology, found in the Green Flash™ Vitamin Base Coat, combines hexanal, vitamin C and vitamin E, making Green Flash™ the first gel polish to strengthen and protect nails beneath colour.
To create this routine at home with the essentials, you can start with a Green Flash™ gel polish kit
With Green Flash™, choose a bio-based gel polish formula and technology that protects the nail.
⏱️Long-lasting wear that can be tailored to your needs:
- Intense colour and mirror shine for 12 days with Green Flash™ Top Coat.
- Extreme shine, a plump gel effect and ultra-pigmented colour for 21 days with Top Coat Xtrem Flash™.
💦Removal without filing or acetone: with Green Flash™ Gentle Nail Polish Remover, formulated without acetone and enriched with castor oil, the polish removes peel-off style, without filing or scraping. The nail remains intact, perfectly protected and hydrated.
A gel polish that lasts up to 21 days and removes gently: that’s the Xtrem Flash™ effect!
Remove your polish gently
As seen above, gel polish removal is potentially the most dangerous step for your nails. Fortunately, there are much gentler removal methods that respect the integrity of the nail. With Green Flash™, there is no need for harsh removers: an acetone-free nail polish remover is all you need.
Simply apply a cotton pad soaked in Green Flash™ Gentle Nail Polish Remover to each nail, held in place with a removal clip. Wait 1 to 2 minutes to remove a Green Flash™ manicure and 10 minutes to remove an Xtrem Flash™ manicure, and you're done! The polish softens and peels off peel-off style with an orange wood stick. All that is left is to clean away any polish residue with a little gentle remover and apply a drop of Green Oil, massaging each nail to hydrate it.
Finally, before thinking about your next manicure, first give your nails a refresh with the Healthy Glow Duo, which combines intense hydration with the Complete Serum and a revived natural glow with Active™ Glow Raspberry care polish.
After removing gel polish, it’s time for care with Green Oil and the Healthy Glow Duo.
In summary:
- Green Flash™ formula, vegan and up to 84 % bio-based, gentle on nails.
- KeraHCE+ technology in Green Flash™ Vitamin Base Coat: strengthens and protects the nail beneath the colour.
- Customisable wear time:
- 12 days with Top Coat Green Flash™
- 21 days with Top Coat Xtrem Flash™
- Gentle removal without acetone or filing with Green Flash™ Nail Polish Remover.
- Hydrate nails and cuticles after every manicure with Green Oil.
Frequently asked questions
How do you remove gel polish without damaging the nail?
We strongly recommend avoiding removing your gel polish with a nail drill or acetone remover. Choose gel polish formulas that remove gently, without acetone or scraping, while preserving the nail plate.
What are the side effects of gel polish?
The side effects of gel polish are generally linked to inappropriate manicure practices: applications that are too frequent and/or harsh removal methods. The most common warning signs are dehydrated cuticles, soft or brittle nails, disrupted growth, more sensitive nails, and even allergic reactions.
Is gel polish dangerous for nails?
Gel polish is not dangerous in itself, but intensive or poorly supervised use can explain why gel polish damages nails. By allowing rest periods, using gentle removal and following a suitable care routine, it is possible to combine a long-lasting manicure with healthy nails.
