There are dangers to getting the gel manicure.
Gel manicures may not be the infalible answer to successfully avoiding chipped nails and scratched nail polish. As a gel manicure recipient myself, I was a bit skeptical when I overheard the potential dangers of what seemed to be a harmless way to improve my nails. But after some extensive Google searches and even advice from local manicurists, I felt it appropriate to spread the word via my Lovely blog.
So what are these not-so-good health risks found in gel manicures? Well, for one, cancer. Yes, skin cancer. A 2009 medical journal found two women who they believe got cancer from the UV light used in gel manicure drying. The UV light emitted from the drying machine used to set the gel polish is similar to the lights used in tanning beds (which are always a BIG no-no). Not only that but, these machines aren't regulated so users don't know how much exposure they're getting to the rays. Similar side effects to tanning have been found with gel manicures including sunburns and pre-mature aging around the hands. And, not to mention, the acetone used to remove the gel polish has also been under fire for making nails considerably more brittle than those of regular manicures. Brittle nails, and sunburned fingertips, sexy, right?
Until the medical community finds evidence otherwise, I would highly recommend (in my non-medical opinion) slathering sun block over your hands if you decide to get a gel manicure. And for the nail brittleness and breakage? Well, gel at your own risk.
