Gel polish during pregnancy: can it be done, application features and precautions

Author of the article

Svetlana Pavlikhina

Reading time: 5 minutes

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A neat manicure is the desire of any woman. However, the question often arises about whether gel polish can be used during pregnancy. The answer from experts is ambiguous. As a result of research, it was found that high-quality shellac brands do not cause side effects or allergic reactions.

General information

Gel polish coating is a popular procedure in all beauty salons.

This manicure is durable, neat and safe. But it can also cause harm to the body. After being near an ultraviolet lamp for a long time, the general condition of the body may worsen, and allergies often develop from the smells of the products used.

To understand whether pregnant women can paint their nails with gel polish, you need to consider the pros and cons of the product.

Advantages

The main advantage of this coating is practicality and durability. It can last 3 weeks, and when using quality products - 4 weeks.

Additional benefits include:

1. Health safety . During coating, toxic substances do not enter the body of a pregnant woman, and there is no need to worry about her health.
2. Benefits for nails . Before applying shellac, the master does not cut off the top layer of the nail plate, which is why its structure is not destroyed. After removing the gel polish, a woman will have to deal with brittle nails and use expensive restorative drugs.
3. Under a durable layer of product, you can grow your own nails without using additional care products.

Shellac does not contain formaldehyde, so it is safe to cover the nails of a pregnant woman.

Flaws

The main disadvantage of shellac is the mandatory presence of special equipment to help fix the coating. A durable and neat manicure can only be done by a trained person.

You won’t be able to get the desired result on your own without proper preparation and experience.

Other disadvantages:

1. Allergic reaction or intolerance to components in manicure products. During pregnancy, the female body undergoes hormonal changes, due to which the body begins to react differently to quite familiar things.
2. Master's incompetence. A specialist without the appropriate qualifications may apply the coating incorrectly and damage the nail plate, which contributes to the development of fragility of the stratum corneum. After removing the coating, you need to use restorative agents.

The durability of the manicure depends on the professionalism of the master. Due to the dishonest attitude of beauty salon employees, the coating may peel off the nail after 3-5 days of wear.

Manicure during pregnancy

You can do a manicure in absolutely any condition of the body - file the free edge of the nail, push back or cut the cuticle, polish the nail plate, take baths. You can refrain from hygiene procedures for only one reason - nail diseases, when there are fungal infections or other defects. In such a case, you need to consult a doctor, and hand care will be different, therapeutic.

A neat manicure that suits pregnant girls

During pregnancy, you can apply gel polish to your nails:

• the material is applied to the dead cells of the nail, because the plate itself “lives” and is formed in the matrix - under the skin, closer to the first phalanges of the finger. This area should not be injured under any circumstances, then the nail may become deformed or even stop growing, but gel polish does not affect the matrix;
• all synthetic components of the varnish “cling” only to the upper layers of the plate. There are about a hundred such plates in the nail, and interaction occurs only in a few zones.

With changes in the body, for example, during pregnancy, the nail plate to which the material “clings” can change properties. Nails begin to become thinner and flake, and the moisture content of the keratin layers also increases. Gel polish is often blamed for these changes, but you need to monitor both health and coating technology.

Is it possible to do this at the beginning of pregnancy with toxicosis?

But during toxicosis, the woman’s condition changes dramatically. The body is poisoned by substances that it produces itself. This happens during the restructuring of the immune system, because the fetus is perceived by the body as something foreign, new, and in order not to reject it, the body changes.

The manicurist works safely, wears gloves and a mask

If it’s very bad, then it’s better to postpone your visit to the manicurists. In addition to gel polish, accompanying substances are used - degreasers, disinfectants with fragrances. If, nevertheless, beauty comes first, you should inform the master about your condition, as well as:

• wear a disposable mask, it will protect against dust and fumes;
• do not use chemicals - choose a wet water manicure without skin softeners, or a dry combined or hardware one;
• do not use cosmetic degreasers - only alcohol;
• Do not use an acidic primer to prepare your nails.

Important! When dealing with toxicosis, it is best to take care of your own body and get more rest. If you have the opportunity to be patient with the procedure, it is better to postpone it. But if your health allows, you can apply gel polish.

Is it possible to dry your nails with a lamp?

A manicure with gel polish can only be fixed using an ultraviolet lamp.

Experts say that minor exposure not only does not cause any health hazard, but also has certain benefits for the expectant mother. Therefore, pregnant women can dry their nails under a lamp.

An important rule: expose yourself to the lamp no more than once a week.

The manicure machine must be in good condition; it is best to use LED lamps, which reduce the drying time.

Gel polish during pregnancy: doctors' opinion

There is no consensus among doctors regarding the safety or danger of gel polish for pregnant women. The restriction applies only to the first 12 weeks of gestation, when the baby’s body is being formed. During this period, doctors agree - it is better to avoid using gel polish. In subsequent weeks, the use of this type of coating is allowed. Important conditions are the normal course of pregnancy and the use of high-quality and safe materials.

What components can cause harm?

The composition of manicure products depends on the manufacturer, cost and many other factors. There are gentle varnishes that contain fewer chemicals.

However, any product contains toxic substances that can cause disruptions in the body at any stage of pregnancy.

These include:

1. Formaldehyde . The component helps increase the shelf life of the product, which is why it is considered a harmful preservative. In large quantities it can cause destruction of the plate and the occurrence of allergic reactions.
2. Toluene . The substance has a negative effect on the nervous system of a pregnant woman, causing headaches, fatigue, and nausea.
3. Dibutyl phthalate . The element negatively affects the functioning of the respiratory system and the condition of the skin.

To create a safe coating, you must contact trusted beauty salons that use high-quality materials for manicure.

Is it possible to paint your nails during pregnancy with shellac?

It is allowed to coat the plates with shellac, since the composition extremely rarely contains harmful chemicals that can negatively affect the well-being of the mother and child. Another advantage of this composition is that it can be removed very quickly and easily using ordinary liquid. Here it is important to ensure that the nail polish remover does not contain acetone, since its vapors are extremely harmful to the body of the expectant mother.

The master is unlikely to be able to guarantee that shellac will stay on the nails for a long time. The thing is that due to changes in hormonal levels, the composition may lose its stability, remaining on the plates for only 1-2 weeks.

It is better to carry out the procedure in a trusted salon, but coloring at home, in a well-ventilated area, will not be harmful to the health of the expectant mother.

Luxurious shellac

Allergy to shellac

Allergies can be congenital or occur due to hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy.

A woman with hypersensitivity to some components in shellac should avoid using it or be careful when choosing coating products. It is worth notifying the specialist about the presence of allergies, who should select the most gentle products.

If your health worsens during a manicure, the procedure must be stopped.

Symptoms of adverse reactions include:

• redness of the skin;
• changes in the structure of the nail plate, redness of adjacent tissues;
• profuse lacrimation, sneezing, coughing.

In cases of allergies, you must consult a doctor who will prescribe appropriate treatment.

Pros and cons of the procedure for pregnant women

A manicure done with gel polish has a lot of positive aspects:

1. aesthetics and durability of the coating (this manicure can last on the nails for up to 3 weeks, so a pregnant woman will not have to resort to the procedure often);
2. during the application of modern high-quality gel polishes, virtually no toxic substances enter the air;
3. the coating makes the nail durable, preventing brittleness and delamination of the plate;
4. When applying shellac to nails, it is not necessary to remove the top layer, so after removing the coating, a woman will not have to restore the structure of the nail plate with expensive means.

Disadvantages of using gel polishes for manicure during gestation:

• to remove shellac, chemical solvents are used; they are very volatile and have a pungent odor, which negatively affects a woman’s condition, causing nausea, dizziness and allergies;
• the changed hormonal background of a pregnant woman affects the duration of wearing such a manicure; for some, peeling occurs after just a few days;
• the procedure takes longer (2-3 hours) than when painting nails with regular varnish, since each layer must be dried in an ultraviolet lamp.

Rules for the procedure

To avoid negative consequences, it is necessary to extend nails in conditions that are safe for the health of a pregnant woman.

These include:

1. Ventilation of the room in which the procedure takes place. To avoid intoxication of the body, it is necessary to periodically open the windows. The main condition is positive temperature outside the window, absence of drafts .
2. Using a protective mask. If it is not possible to ventilate the room, it is necessary to use special masks that protect against the evaporation of toxic components.
3. Notification about the manufacturer and properties of the product that will be used by the master to create a manicure.
4. Using a vacuum cleaner. In order not to breathe dust from microparticles of the gel that enter the air when cutting it down, you need to use a desktop vacuum cleaner to eliminate harmful elements.

If a woman’s condition worsens sharply during the procedure, it is necessary to stop the process and go out into fresh air.

Removing shellac

Removing gel polish during pregnancy requires caution, using auxiliary components. The procedure uses medications that contain calcium, minerals and vitamins.

To avoid harm to the nail plate, it is recommended to have the coating removed by an experienced specialist.

Gel polish during pregnancy - is it possible or not?

Carrying a baby involves a huge burden on a woman’s body. The little man takes from his mother all the vitamins and minerals necessary for full development. The lack of nutrients affects not only a woman’s well-being, but also the condition of her skin, hair and nails. Often pregnant women note that the nail plates begin to peel and become more brittle. A way out of this situation may be to apply gel polish to your nails. But is this procedure safe? Will gel polish during pregnancy harm the baby developing in the womb?

Gel polish in early pregnancy

The first weeks of expecting a baby are associated with increased danger for the developing baby and the course of pregnancy in general. The placenta has not yet been formed and all the substances that somehow enter the woman’s body “go to” her child. Although some toxic elements can penetrate the placental barrier. When coating nails with gel polish, all evaporations of chemical compounds enter the woman’s bloodstream through the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx and skin. To avoid the risk of negative consequences for the child, in the first weeks of pregnancy it is better to avoid manicures using gel polishes (and traditional varnishes as well).

Is gel polish harmful during pregnancy - dangerous coating components

Before using a substance, you must ensure its safety. This statement applies even more to expectant mothers. In the process of covering the nail plates with gel polish, a woman involuntarily inhales vapors of chemical compounds. What components of gel polish pose a threat to a toddler developing in a woman’s womb?

• Formaldehyde (another name is formalinum).

The substance has a noticeable unpleasant odor and is used to improve adhesion between the varnish and the nail plate. The compound enters the human body through the respiratory tract. Penetrating into cells, it irritates the mucous membranes, provokes headaches, tachycardia, and affects the central nervous system. Formaldehyde can also have a negative effect on the baby’s body - causing developmental defects, allergic reactions, disorders in the immune system and damage to the central nervous system.

• Toluene (methyl benzol).

The compound is designed to speed up the drying of the nail coating and extend the life of the varnish. It also penetrates into the body's cells through the respiratory system. The substance is a strong solvent, and therefore can have a teratogenic effect on the fetus.

• Camphor.

Volatile ether compound, natural plasticizer. The compound enters through the mucous surfaces of the respiratory system. Despite the fact that this substance is widely used in medicine, its use during pregnancy is not recommended. Camphor affects the functioning of the cardiovascular system; in pregnant women it can cause an increase in uterine tone.

• Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA).

A preservative that can provoke the development of cancer.

Before a manicure using gel polish, be sure to find out the composition of the coatings that will be used. Avoid the presence of the ingredients listed above.

Useful tips

To prevent the development of side effects, you must use special recommendations:

1. Before applying gel polish, you need to study the composition of the product: it should not contain formaldehyde and toluene.
2. Before drying under an ultraviolet lamp, apply a protective agent to the skin of your hands. Such measures help retain moisture and not dry out the skin.
3. Focus on the smell of the product used. If a pungent aroma appears when opening the bottle, it is unacceptable to use gel polish. Strong odors indicate a low-quality, cheap product.
4. Ensure the sterility of instruments. Before covering nails with shellac, the master must disinfect the devices.

You shouldn't skimp on manicures during pregnancy. A visit to a trusted beauty salon will ensure complete safety for your health.

How does gel polish affect pregnancy?

When deciding on the issue of covering nails with gel polish while carrying a child, a woman is primarily concerned with the problem of the influence of the products used during the procedure on the course of pregnancy and the health of the child.

• Substances applied to the nail plate do not enter the woman’s body through it.
• At the same time, the volatile components of the chemical compounds used during gel polish manicure penetrate through the respiratory tract into the blood of the pregnant woman, and therefore into her child. Therefore, do not be shy and find out the composition of all drugs used to treat nails.
• Pay attention to the aromas floating in the beauty salon. Even if substances with toxic elements are not used when working with a pregnant woman, this does not mean that such compounds are not used in the salon at all. The room must have good ventilation.
• High-quality gel polishes do not have a particular effect on pregnancy directly, but even they can lead to a deterioration in the woman’s well-being (nausea, dizziness).
• Failure to take the manicure procedure using gel polish seriously, or the use of toxic or unknown materials can negatively affect the development of the baby, causing various types of abnormalities.

Allergy to gel polish during pregnancy

If the expectant mother is prone to allergic reactions, she should approach this type of manicure very carefully. The long service life of gel polish is ensured not only by the coating itself and the technology of its application, but also by the use of other chemical compounds.

• Any component of cosmetic products (both gel polish, base or top) can cause a hypersensitivity reaction.
• The coating is fixed under the influence of ultraviolet light. If a woman is allergic to the sun, after the gel polish procedure she is almost guaranteed to experience irritation on her skin.
• Improper storage of materials can lead to a deterioration in their quality and a negative effect on a woman’s nails and skin.

Most often, an allergic reaction, if it develops, affects the nail plate (the area where gel polish is applied) and the skin around it. Symptoms of general intoxication - nasal congestion, tearing, sneezing are rare.

Is it harmful to do gel polish during pregnancy - rules for a safe procedure

Following simple rules will help to minimize the possible risks of gel polish while carrying a child:

• Contact trusted manicure salons. Make sure that the technician sterilizes the instruments and uses high-quality materials.
• The air in the room where manicure is performed should not be stuffy or have pungent, irritating odors.
• If you feel unwell, stop the procedure immediately.
• Protect your hand skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. Before going to the salon, cover your hands and fingers with sunscreen.
• A relatively safe alternative can be coating with high-quality original shellac in a professional salon. If it is not possible to carry out the procedure in this way, it is better to refuse it.
• Be sure to take breaks between gel polish treatments so that the nail plate can “rest.”

general information

During pregnancy, it is recommended to use nail polish for manicure that does not contain a substance such as formaldehyde. It is also advisable to select products that do not contain camphor and toluene. These components have a toxic effect on the body that can affect the condition and development of the fetus.

Formaldehyde and other substances can provoke a negative reaction in the mother’s body:

• headache;
• nausea;
• increased heart rate;
• increased blood pressure;
• and others.

There are also risks of developing pathologies and reducing immunity in the fetus. This is due to the effect of chemicals on the nervous system.

Each component has side effects that you should be wary of during pregnancy.

1. Formaldehyde. Improves the connection of the product with the nail plate. Its pungent smell causes dizziness and nausea.
2. Toluene. Necessary for air drying. Penetrating through the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, it has a carcinogenic effect.
3. Camphor (essential oil). Gives shine and a certain consistency to the coating. Can cause uterine tone.

Before purchasing (using) nail polish during pregnancy, you must carefully study the composition of the product. Rare use of conventional varnish coatings does not cause significant harm to the body, but with frequent use, care should be taken to ensure the safety of the health of the mother and child.

Recommendations for manicure

In order to reduce the possible negative impact of manicure products, you should follow several rules during pregnancy. These recommendations are given by specialists who have experience in manicure and know what side effects nail polish can cause.

1. Do not use nail polish more than once a week.
2. Before applying the product, apply a base coat to the nail plates.
3. It is not advisable to use aggressive colors (red, black, etc.).
4. The room should be ventilated before and after the procedure. If possible, it is better to open the windows or turn on the air conditioning.
5. Removing varnish should be done with a product that does not contain acetone.
6. After removing the coating, you should use nail oils.

Of course, the ideal option would be to completely avoid using nail polishes during pregnancy. But not every woman agrees to exclude the possibility of having a beautiful manicure. Even if the expectant mother uses nail polish, she should choose a special product, or try to paint her nails only on rare occasions. In this way, it will be possible to avoid the possibility of developing side effects of the cosmetic product.

Nail extensions: is it acceptable?

During pregnancy, many women's nails begin to peel and break. The weakening of the nail plates is associated with changes in hormonal levels and vitamin deficiency. One way to solve this problem is nail extensions. But this procedure is not safe for the body during pregnancy. Just like when using simple varnishes, there are certain risks when using gel or acrylic coatings.

1. Gel polish and acrylic are not natural substances, therefore they cannot be safe.
2. When applying nail extensions, products are used that emit a chemical odor that can cause headaches and nausea during pregnancy.
3. Extended nails will have to be removed before giving birth.

The extension is carried out over a long period of time, which can affect the psychological and physical state during pregnancy, especially in the later stages.

There are also advantages to this procedure.

1. Rarely held.
2. The substances included in the preparations do not penetrate into the blood.

There is a lot of debate about the dangers of nail plate extensions, however, experts recommend not resorting to this procedure. It is advisable to paint your nails during pregnancy with regular varnishes using protective agents.

Despite the existence of different views on nail extensions performed during pregnancy, you should first consult with a specialist.

If there are risks, then it is better to refuse to apply gel polish or acrylic. The health of the child should come first.

Adviсe

During pregnancy, it is advisable to prevent any influence of negative factors on the body. This also applies to the use of varnishes. It is better to do a manicure with varnishes only when an event is planned. In everyday life during pregnancy, it is recommended not to paint your nails, especially with colored varnish. They can be replaced with medicinal products that also add shine to the nail plates, but eliminate the possibility of side effects.

Before using regular or gel polishes, including acrylic, during pregnancy, you should consult your doctor. If the pregnancy is progressing normally, then perhaps the specialist will give his consent to the procedure. But in cases where there are even the slightest risks, it is worth sacrificing beauty for the baby’s health.

Is it possible to get nail extensions?

It is very tempting to grow nails that will not break, flake, crumble with varnish, or turn yellow. However, during pregnancy you should not experiment with extensions, especially using acrylic. Not only solvents are aggressive, but also the polymer itself. In addition, pregnant women’s nails already suffer due to the huge expenditure of calcium on the formation of the baby’s skeletal system.

Extending nails during pregnancy

Varnish removers

Once regular polish or gel (acrylic) coating is applied to your nails, it will need to be removed after some time. To remove regular products, you should choose products that do not contain a substance such as acetone. It is acetone that has a harmful effect on the body of the child and mother. It is very important to avoid using regular nail polish remover during pregnancy, as the smell of acetone affects the nervous system.

In cosmetic stores you can easily find products that do not contain acetone. In addition, such liquid often contains vitamins that are beneficial for nails after removing polish.

Removal of extended nails is carried out with a special liquid, but this product itself does not contain acetone, therefore it is harmless during pregnancy. However, liquid for removing gel polishes (acrylic) should not remain on the nail plates for a long time, as it can cause nausea.