Gel Nails: Is Shellac Harmful To Nails?

Is Shellac the perfect manicure?

If you want color on your fingernails, you have to be one thing above all with conventional nail polish: patient. Because it takes a while for the base coat, paint layer and top coat to dry. And the reward for these efforts usually lasts two to three days. With some varnishes maybe up to a week. The promise made by Shellac and other gel varnishes sounds nice: zero drying time, flawless shine, absolute scratch resistance – for up to four weeks. Does this mean that we are all now switching to Shellac and saving ourselves the weekly manicure?

Are gel polishes gentler than artificial nails?

Gel varnishes are hardened using UV or LED lamps. After brushing and drying, the varnish is not only immediately dry and scratch-resistant, but also firmly attached to the nail. This method is similar to modeling for artificial nails in nail studios: Here, however, the nail is additionally roughened before painting. As a result, the lacquer and nail surface bond so strongly that the color has to be filed down later.

Gel varnishes, on the other hand, can be removed with a nail polish remover. One reason why many manufacturers advertise their products as being much gentler. A controversial statement. Because to remove the varnish, the fingertips have to be wrapped around a pad soaked in a remover for around ten minutes. Many of these products contain acetone or other strong solvents that remove fat from the nail and dry out the skin. "Cleaning with acetone attacks the nail more than filing down," says Tanja Krotki, training manager at Douglas. In addition, paint residues that cannot be removed in this way must be scraped off with a wooden spatula.

LED light or UV lamp?

For a while, you could only have gel nails done in cosmetic studios. In the meantime, there are also lamps for home use. When buying, you should definitely pay attention to the type and certification of the device. LED lights are harmless, unlike UV lamps: "With intact quality tubes, UV light is no greater stress for the skin than normal daylight. Outdated or inferior tubes, on the other hand, harden with UVB rays, the light responsible for sunburn. These rays can cause cell changes in the skin and, in the worst case, even cancer, "said Dr. Helger Stege, chief physician of dermatology at the Lippe hospital.

Shellac for brittle nails?

Many women with brittle nails choose Shellac or other gel polishes. The hope: not having to repaint and repaint as often, because Shellac lasts for weeks. A fallacy: Removing these varnishes can quickly make the nails even more sensitive. In addition, there is a risk of inflammation if the nail plate and skin are attacked – germs are then easy to play.

So if you're flirting with Shellac, you should definitely give your nails a little break afterwards. Rich nail care with nourishing oils is then a must! Therefore there is Care oilsthat can be applied with a brush, but also practical Nail care pens on the go.

Our tip: It is best to use conventional varnishes for cracked nails. They may not last that long, but they are a lot gentler. Here we show you the current nail polish trends for great paints and patterns!

If you want to treat yourself to an extra dose of care, we have just the right thing for you: With us you will find out step by step how you can permanently get beautiful fingernails – as if by magic! Also: the best tips for a flawless manicure and for nail polish removers.

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