Nail care has evolved from the frequent sight of chipped polish to durable manicures thanks to advancements like gel and semi-permanent polishes. While these treatments can offer long-lasting results, concerns about nail health arise. Expert dermatologists emphasize that proper application and removal techniques are crucial to prevent damage. Choosing skilled technicians and allowing nails to breathe are essential for maintaining nail integrity while enjoying modern nail technologies.
The Evolution of Nail Care: From Chipped Polish to Long-Lasting Manicures
In the past, chipped nail polish was a common sight, often leaving our nails looking less than perfect after just a few days. Fortunately, in today’s world, it’s becoming increasingly rare to encounter nails with remnants of old polish. This transformation can be attributed to the rise of innovative nail technologies, such as gel nails and semi-permanent polish, which have gained immense popularity over the years.
These advanced techniques offer the promise of immaculate nails for several weeks, providing a significant time and cost advantage. No longer do we need to constantly buy new nail polishes or spend time reapplying them weekly to maintain a flawless manicure. However, this leads us to an important question: what impact do these chemical and plastic products have on our nails? To shed light on this topic, we turn to expert dermatologists.
Assessing the Safety of Gel and Semi-Permanent Nail Treatments
Many of us have experienced the disappointment of removing gel nails or polish only to find our natural nails feeling soft and brittle. This situation raises concerns about the potential damage caused by gel applications. According to dermatologists, these treatments can be harmful, but only if they are not applied correctly and if we neglect to allow our nails to breathe. Dr. Jenny Liu explains that occasional applications, along with proper removal techniques and regular breaks for our nails to recover, will not harm them.
Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky further clarifies that the products used in these nail treatments are not inherently dangerous. In fact, all nail technologies available in France adhere to stringent European regulations, which prohibit harmful substances like lead from being included in these products. The real concern lies in the application process, making it crucial to choose a skilled nail technician.
Identifying Quality Gel and Semi-Permanent Nail Applications
If the core issue stems from application techniques, it’s essential to understand what constitutes a good gel or semi-permanent polish application. While a proficient nail technician can produce excellent results, continuous application without breaks can lead to weakened nails. Nail technician Joséphine Perrin emphasizes the importance of monitoring the application process. A high-quality application should never cause pain or excessive heat.
Perrin notes that a professional application typically takes about an hour, and whether or not acetone is used, it should be handled delicately to promote the health of the nails. Additionally, she advises against the use of drills for removal, recommending instead to finish with a file to avoid damage. These guidelines apply to both salon and home removal. The key is to be patient, work methodically with the file, and never forcibly remove gel or semi-permanent polish.