The benefits of shellac and its harm to nails. Pros and cons of modern nail plate coating

and why don't I use it at work?

Natalia went to a beauty salon in the center of Voronezh for three years, where her nails were covered with Shellac. The coating lasted 7 - 10 days, and then began to chip and peel off. Natalya got used to this, and thought that this was how it should be. One day she urgently needed to update the covering, but there was no free window in the salon. On the same day she made an appointment with me for a manicure. I covered Natalya’s nails with gel polish, and we said goodbye.

Three weeks later, Natalya came to me again to update the coverage. She was very surprised that the coating lasted more than two weeks without chipping or peeling. I explained to Natalya that shellac was not suitable for her because she had a thin nail plate. She also explained the differences between gel polish, regular nail polish and shellac.

What is gel polish

Gel polish is a hybrid of varnish and gel, which contains photoinitiators. Under the influence of UV radiation from a special lamp, gel polish turns into a solid polymer. In everyday terms, any polymer is plastic. Obviously, a layer of plastic on natural nails is an unusual phenomenon. However, you should not rush to conclusions about the dangers of gel polish for health.

What does it consist of?

There are hundreds of brands offering nail coatings on the shelves of online and offline stores. In most cases, the composition of these products is identical and includes the same components.

The most common ingredients in gel polish include:

1. Monomers. Hidden on the label under the combinations of Hydroxypropyl Acrylate and Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate. Monomers are used to harden the coating when exposed to ultraviolet rays;
2. Photoinitiator - Hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone. Absorbs ultraviolet rays and starts the polymerization process. Depending on the manufacturer, the amount of photoinitiator varies, which affects the speed of solidification;
3. Pigment is a substance that provides a color coating. The composition is marked with an abbreviation, for example CI 8965;
4. Solvents. Used to facilitate polymerization that occurs when entering into a chemical bond with monomers;
5. Fragrances. To give the product an unobtrusive aroma of fruits or flowers.

The listed components are the basis of the gel polish, which allows it to create a dense coating on the nails with an increased wear time. In addition to the basic components, the composition also contains auxiliary ones - they are the ones that pose a health hazard.

What components of gel polishes and other coatings should be avoided:

• Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde. The most dangerous component that has been discussed from the first day of its addition to the varnish. Formaldehyde is a preservative that promotes long-term storage of the product and prevents the growth of bacteria. The component is allowed for use in nail polishes, but it is prohibited for contact with skin. Formaldehyde often causes allergies to gel polish coating. Manufacturers often hide the presence of formaldehyde in the composition and use non-standard names on the label - Aldehyd mravenc, Bfv, Methanal. Despite the danger, formaldehyde is actively used by manufacturers. Only in the USA a restriction has been introduced allowing the use of no more than 11% of it in the composition;
• Formaldehyde resin. May lead to skin inflammation and dermatitis.
• Toluene, Toluene is a substance from the group of solvents. Also referred to on the label as methylbenzene, methylbenzene, methane. Toluene is a toxic component, the vapors of which in high concentrations cause disorientation. Naturally, varnishes use a minimal amount of the substance, but even this is enough to cause irritation or an allergic reaction. Prohibited for use in all countries within the European Union;
• Dibutyl Phthalate, DBP - a component that protects the coating from cracking. It allows the gel polish to plasticize. Dibutyl phthalate has a negative effect on women's health, hormonal levels and provokes problems with reproductive function. In Europe, the component is prohibited for use in cosmetics;
• Methylisothiazolinone is a preservative that increases the shelf life of the product. Even in small quantities, the component disrupts the functioning of the central nervous system and also negatively affects brain function;
• Camphor, Camphor - used to add gloss. It is a relatively safe component, but with prolonged use it causes allergies. Inhalation of camphor provokes headache and nausea;
• Xylene, Xylene, is another component from the group of solvents that often causes allergic reactions. In addition, xylene may cause side effects such as dizziness, nausea and vomiting;
• Triphenyl phosphate is a plasticizer. It tends to be absorbed through the cuticle and accumulate in the body. Affects the hormonal system. Research by American scientists has proven that triphenyl phosphate has a negative effect on the endocrine system;
• Parabens are sulfate preservatives that mimic estrogen production. Studies have shown that exposure to parabens can trigger the development of breast tumors;
• Ethyl tosylamide. May cause severe allergic reactions, destruction of liver cells;
• Acetone, Acetone - when inhaled, can cause inflammation and sore throat.

Some tips for craftsmen

Masters are several times more susceptible to side effects from using toxic products than their clients. To make work safe, and also not to encounter the development of diseases, it is recommended to follow several tips:

1. Use only high-quality products - this will affect the quality of your manicure and protect you from allergies, headaches and other side effects;
2. Wear gloves. Yes, it will be uncomfortable at first, but by protecting your hands, you will save your skin from contact with harmful substances of the composition;
3. Use a mask to reduce the amount of fumes and dust you inhale.

Personal protective equipment for a manicurist - all types of harmful effects in the salon and how to protect yourself

Is there any benefit

The benefits of gel polish coating are contained in many aspects:

• It looks luxurious. Conventional varnishes and topcoats do not provide the same shine or matte effect as those containing gel components. Products for “long-lasting” coating are more varied in shades and other effects.
• It lasts 3-4 weeks. Manicure saves time; you can forget about filing or tinting your nails for the entire period. And this, in turn, protects them from additional mechanical stress. Conventional varnishes wear off much earlier; they have to be washed off with solvents and a new layer applied, which is not beneficial.
• You can grow long nails if you had problems with this before. Gel polish involves the use of several layers of products that prevent the plate from breaking off if there is a crack. They are also protected from moisture and household chemicals.
• You can fix a broken nail and correct external defects. This will not work with ordinary varnishes; dents and bumps will still remain noticeable.

In addition, the manicure procedure itself has a positive effect on the nervous system. A woman feels well-groomed, feels that she is devoting time only to herself, and this is also relaxation. And there is an element of creativity in it.

Is it harmful because of the composition: myths and reality

The composition of gel nail polish is not harmful if it contains only the following substances:

• Pigments. They can be made from natural ingredients. But even if their origin is purely chemical, there is no need to be afraid.
• Photoinitiator. This is the component that absorbs light radiation from the lamp. Thanks to it, the coating dries. And it does not have a negative effect on the body.
• Film former. A component that gives the coating hardness, but also maintains elasticity. The film former prevents it from cracking and pulling on growing nails.
• Solvents. This can be ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, butyl acetate and other components that maintain the liquid consistency of the composition.
• Stabilizers. The substances give the gel polish thickness. The group includes trimethylolpropane, the mineral bentonite, and silicon dioxide. They also do not affect health.

But the opinion about the negative impact of coating on nails and the body as a whole is by no means a myth if the gel polish contains:

• Formaldehyde. This is a known preservative, but it is also a toxic component and tends to accumulate. The substance can reduce immunity, cause allergies, and have a bad effect on the respiratory system. The effect does not weaken as long as formaldehyde is on the nails.
• Toluene. This is also a solvent with a pungent odor, resulting from oil refining, and has a cumulative effect. Its negative effect is mainly on the kidneys, liver and muscle fibers. The substance can also damage your nails.
• Dibutyl phthalate. Another toxic solvent that can interfere with the functioning of the endocrine and reproductive systems.

Fortunately, not all gel polishes contain these components. Newly emerging products do without them, which does not prevent them from being bright and remaining on the nails for a long time.

Contraindications to shellac

The application has a number of contraindications; people who have at least one of the above problems should refuse manicure:

• weakened, brittle, peeling nail plates;
• nail diseases (fungal and non-fungal);
• allergies, individual intolerance to one of the components of the nail polish or nail polish remover;
• thin sensitive cuticle;
• skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis, etc.);
• medical nail extension;
• white spots on the plates, indicating a lack of vitamins and body malfunctions;
• immediately after treatment of fungal diseases, the infection may reappear

Other groups of people can get a manicure without fear, sometimes giving their nails a break from constantly wearing the coating.

Manicure stages

The step-by-step instructions for creating a manicure using shellac look like this:

1. Get a hygienic manicure, skipping the stage of final moisturizing your nails with care products.
2. Degrease your nails very thoroughly - the strength of the manicure depends on this.
3. Apply shellac in a very thin layer (but without gaps), dry for 2 minutes.
4. You need to cover your nails with another layer of color and dry for the same amount of time.
5. Apply topcoat to your nails and dry for 2 minutes.
6. Soak a cotton pad in nail polish remover or a special liquid to remove the sticky layer.

Shellac manicure is ready.

The decor is applied to a colored or transparent background. If we are talking about a foil or velvet design, there is no need to cover it with a top coat. And if you decide to decorate your nails with glitter, stones, liquid stones or paint with acrylic paints, you can apply the top in 2 layers to properly fix the design.

Consequences due to drying

Negative consequences from a professional manicure may arise due to the use of a lamp to dry the coating:

• The appearance of problems such as thinning of the plates, increased fragility, and dehydration of the skin. This is caused by overdrying of tissues and evaporation of nutrients from them. Nails peel or begin to crumble. And peeling and hyperpigmentation may occur on the skin.
• Ultraviolet radiation can damage the epidermis, upper and germ layers of the nails. Burns and soreness in the area of ​​the fingertips may occur. After all, even LED devices that are positioned as absolutely safe contain harmful radiation. And the more powerful the device, the more there is.
• Both previous problems can cause onycholysis. This is the separation of the nail plate from the bed. It occurs as a reaction to constant traumatization by light radiation and overheating of tissues.
• The lamp increases the risk of skin cancer and melanoma. It has been proven that if you are exposed to radiation frequently and without interruption, changes occur in tissues at the cellular level.

However, some scientists refute the last statement. And they say that even if you renew the coating weekly, a high-quality lamp will not harm your nails and skin.

How to quickly restore nails after shellac

If after such a manicure your nails are damaged and weakened, then they will need special care. The following recommendations will help you quickly restore your nail plates:

1. To moisturize, you need to take baths regularly. A mixture of medicinal herbs is perfect for these purposes. In a small container, move mint, thyme and sage. Pour in boiling water and let the product brew. After this, add a little olive oil into it. You need to keep your hands in the warm broth for 10 minutes. At the end of the procedure, blot the remaining product with a napkin.
2. Nourish your nails and the skin around them with special creams. They must be applied regularly at any time of the year.
3. Procedures using lemon will help saturate your nail plates with vitamins. To do this, cut the lemon into two halves. Dip your nails directly into the citrus pulp. Hold for about five minutes. Such sessions should be carried out once a week.
4. Baths with sea salt will help strengthen your nails. You can add various essential oils to them. The duration of one session is about 10 minutes. Such procedures are carried out once a week.
5. Today, pharmacies offer a wide range of different medicinal nail coatings. They are enriched with vitamins and minerals. Apply like regular nail polish. Most often they are colorless and add only a slight shine to the nails.
6. The beauty salon can offer you a Japanese manicure. This procedure has a beneficial effect on the condition of the nails. A special paste is applied to the hands, which fills the nail with nutrients. As a result, you will get a neat, shiny manicure.
7. Perform paraffin therapy periodically. To do this, purchase paraffin enriched with nourishing oils at the pharmacy. It is melted and applied to the nails. You need to leave this mask on for at least half an hour.
8. You can strengthen your nails with a berry mask. To prepare it, you need to chop 15 grams of black and red currants, as well as gooseberries. Add 20 grams of flour and 15 grams of high-fat cream into the resulting slurry. All components must be thoroughly mixed. The resulting mask must be applied in a thick layer. Leave it for at least 20 minutes. To enhance the effect, you can wear cotton gloves on your hands.
9. On weekends, you can apply a light iodine mesh to the nail plates. To do this, soak a cotton swab in iodine and make a few strokes on each nail.

If you take proper care of your hands, the harm from shellac will be minimal. Take baths and nourishing masks regularly, and your nails will shine with health.

Shellac is a durable, modern coating. If you approach such a procedure wisely and do not get carried away with it, then the harm to health can be minimized.

Does it spoil your nails?

Gel polish spoils your nails if:

1. Perform hygienic manicure too carefully. A well-processed cuticle looks attractive, but deep penetration of a cutter or pusher under the skin can cause injury to the matrix. Nails will begin to grow wavy or with permanent cracks. And this is a favorable environment for infections to enter and inflammation to begin. A fungal disease, panaritium, may occur.
2. Re-wear the coating, that is, do not go for correction 3 weeks after the manicure. In this case, the load on the regrown edge of the nail increases. As a result, blood circulation in this area is disrupted and the matrix weakens. And onycholysis may occur. And it is especially undesirable to over-stretch for a long length, since the plates can break “into meat”.
3. Apply thick layers of polymerizing agents each time. This requires prolonged drying in a lamp, as a result of which the tissue overheats. This is manifested by a burning sensation. And then the nails may become lumpy or, on the contrary, thin out and begin to peel off from the bed.
4. Use unsuitable materials. For each type of nail, you need to choose the right base and top coat. Soft ones need a product like strong or other types of strengthening. Applying a rubber base will increase their mobility, that is, increase the risk of breakage and delamination. If the nails are quite strong and hard, they need a softer base. A product marked strong will tighten the plates, which can cause them to crack and break.
5. Use low quality products. As a rule, they contain the harmful components mentioned earlier. They dry out the nails and corrode the top layer. As a result, the plates become lumpy, change color, fade, flake and break.

Everything you need for a lasting manicure

Once you buy everything you need and spend not too much money, you can do a reliable, durable and beautiful manicure at any time convenient for you. The components of the basic set will last for 4-6 months, and the lamp will last even longer, although this depends on how often you change the design.

To get started you will need:

• Ultraviolet lamp. For home use, 14 watts of power will be sufficient.
• Shellac of any color you like, when choosing, examine the layout, try painting the suggested tip or your own nail. You can buy several at once - it’s more convenient to experiment.
• Top coating.
• Nail polish remover.
• Food foil (needed for removing manicure).
• Orange stick, buff and file.

This is enough to create a brilliant manicure in the literal and figurative sense of the word. If you want to make any decoration, buy everything you need for it. And don't forget about the hygienic manicure kit.

Is it possible to do this manicure during pregnancy?

The interesting position of a woman becomes the reason for increased sensitivity to most external influences that have at least some impact not only on themselves, but also on the growing baby.

• Of course, pregnant women cannot be refused and, if they wish, the use of shellac is allowed. But this must be done taking into account all, even minor rules, as well as with special caution and literacy.
• Before the procedure itself, it is necessary to apply a high-quality sunscreen to your hands, with an optimal SPF level of at least 30. It will significantly reduce the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.
• In no case should there be any toxic components in the composition of the varnishes used. All bottles must have the inscription “5 free”.
• It is better to alternate gel-based varnishes with simple enamels. But, ideally, it would be good to just leave your nails to rest.
• The process itself must be carried out in the fresh air, or in a well-ventilated room. This will significantly reduce the entry of harmful vapors into the body of a pregnant woman.
• In general, in this position you do not need to constantly wear a gel or even a regular coating. Of course, all women at any age and position want to look attractive and well-groomed. But due to hormonal changes, the nail plates already become dull and brittle, and you will also overload them with chemicals.
• Yes, sometimes this will help, on the contrary, to make your nails stronger while wearing the polish. But our advice is to use strengthening products to maintain your nails.

How long can you wear without harm?

In any case, there is some harm from gel polish, but much depends on the duration of contact between the nail plate and the coating. You can usually wear a manicure for no longer than two weeks. Under the influence of daylight or natural ultraviolet rays, the coating gradually becomes more dense.

It will be more difficult to remove when visiting the salon. The longer gel polish is left on the nails, the more damage it causes and the greater the risk of injury when removed.

How to reduce the harm of gel nail polish on healthy hands

Gel polish has improved the modern concept of manicure and is an incredibly stylish and durable product. Gel coating guarantees less harm to healthy nails.

Tips to reduce the harmful effects of gel polish:

· Do not use gel polish on nails with fungal diseases.

· Do not buy gel polish with a pungent chemical smell. The harmful substances contained in such products accumulate in the body and can cause cancer.

· Do not use gel polish after the expiration date. Closed varnish is stored for 3 years, open – 2 years.

· On weak nails that have become brittle and dull, do not use gel coating. To eliminate the causes of fragility, you should consult a specialist and undergo a course of treatment. Usually, medications with calcium and other substances that are lacking in the body are prescribed.

· If your nails were previously artificial, you should give them rest and time to recover.

· The periungual area needs to be properly nourished and moisturized so that the overall manicure looks beautiful.

· During pregnancy, it is better to abandon gel polish in favor of regular nail oils. Excessive chemical exposure to the mother’s body will definitely affect the baby’s health. The pharmacy sells medicinal products that will carefully preserve the beautiful and neat appearance of your nails.

· The UV nail drying lamp may be dangerous if purchased without inspection and warranty. The bulbs inside the lamp itself need to be replaced periodically. They are coated with a protective coating that disappears over time. The manufacturer indicates information about the lamp and its expiration date on the packaging; do not neglect this factor and do not skimp on your health.

· If you have moles or melanomas on your hands, then it is better to avoid gel polish. Drying nails in a lamp provokes skin aging and the development of melanomas. To reduce the harmful effects, use special cotton gloves with open upper phalanges. It may be recommended to apply a protective nourishing cream.

What is more harmful - regular polish or gel polish?

It’s difficult to answer unequivocally. Both products are of synthetic origin. Both can be of high quality or not. The difference is that regular polish has to be removed frequently (sometimes daily), which actually, and not mythically, injures the nails.

At the same time, it can be applied to a treatment base, doing both the beauty of nails and their restoration.

Gel polish dissolves rarely, once every few weeks, and there is always a non-chemical version of “sawdust”, but the bases for it are often ordinary. Strengthening becomes a separate ritual.

However, among gel polish brands there are manufacturers who offer color-matched restorative bases. Thus, gel polishes win with a slight advantage.

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How to choose a safe gel polish

You can determine the safety and quality of gel polish at first glance at the composition, but for this you will have to:

1. Go to the official website of the manufacturer;
2. Find information about the composition;
3. Make sure that the composition contains hydroxyethyl methacrylate. The component is sometimes replaced by the abbreviation HEMA. It allows for good adhesion of the coating to the nail, while ensuring easy removal;
4. Also look for the Free mark on the label - it indicates that the varnish does not contain some toxic substances.

If one of these words is found in the composition, you have a professional and safe product. Please note that the presence of these substances does not guarantee that the varnish will wear well and will not crack or chip. Finding the ideal product will only be possible through trial and error.

Expert advice

Manicure and pedicure experts share some recommendations that significantly reduce the possible harmful effects of shellac. And not only on the surface of the nails and skin, but also on the entire state of the body.

• It is prohibited to use varnish with a gel base for those who have cracks, fungus or any damage to the nail plate. It is also not recommended to apply gel polish to those whose nails are very flaking.
• You should take a course of medications or vitamins if your nails have a dull and faded appearance.
• It is advisable to enrich the cuticle with nourishing oils, because they contain quite a lot of vitamin components. And this helps nourish the nail itself.
• It is necessary to systematically cover your nails with a colorless nourishing varnish, which can be purchased at any pharmacy or specialty store. Take a break from gel polish at least once every six months.
• To ensure that wonderful and well-groomed nails are always neat and elegant, you should choose only a professional and certified nail technician. If you are practicing or planning to apply the gel yourself, then study each step.
• If you use dark colors, apply a thicker layer of base. This will prevent the plate from staining.
• Do not remove polish with acetone. Prolonged contact has a detrimental effect on nails.
• Be sure to pay due attention to the varnishes themselves. They must be of high quality and not have the harmful additives that we wrote about above.

We also offer you a list of harmless gel polishes

• The well-known brand Kodi contains natural oils that have a beneficial effect on our nails. But this company is loved by users for its rubber base, which allows air to pass through and allows them to breathe.
• Ibd varnishes also feature natural ingredients and a complete absence of harmful additives. Moreover, the opaque bottle also protects the contents from ultraviolet rays. Just keep in mind that this all concerns the original, and not the Chinese analogue.
• The Entily brand has already firmly established itself as a durable coating that reliably protects against chips. Moreover, it contains olive and argan oils. And they even additionally nourish the nails. By the way, some varnishes from this company also include natural mica, which more saturates the color and adds a pearlescent touch.
• Irisk varnishes are considered a hypoallergenic product. They do not contain harmful additives. But there are various oils for nourishing the nail, which even help with delamination. By the way, these varnishes also stand out for their quick-drying properties.
• Gels from InGarden can be safely used even for problematic nails that flake or often break. After all, natural resins, silicones and nutritional components will help take care of your nails.
• And it is worth highlighting the Axxium OPI brand, which contains natural substances. But most of all I liked it because there was no need to cut off the top layer of the plate. And this is another plus for strengthening nails.

Shellac for nails: pros and cons

Content

If you've ever read the ingredients in a confectionery product and been surprised to find a mysterious ingredient called shellac, don't worry - no one added nail polish to food. That shellac is just a natural resin that is used to create glazes and a number of household items (for example, vinyl records).

Another thing is hybrid gel polishes, which received the common name “shellac” thanks to the CND brand. Their appearance in 2010 created a sensation: Shellac CND was the first hybrid coating that combined the functions of a gel and a classic varnish. In addition to ease of application and high shine, it has excellent durability and no unpleasant odor.

Most people continued to call gel polishes of other brands shellacs - the same fate affected diapers (they are also diapers in honor of the Pampers brand) and photocopiers (Xerox is just a brand).

Gel polishes do not contain the resin of the same name - but there are many other components that have both pros and cons.

Pros of shellac:

Good durability compared to regular varnish

This is the main advantage of this coating - hybrid gel polishes, as a rule, apply in a thinner layer and last up to two or three weeks without chipping. Classic gels are more durable, but the coating will be thicker and more noticeable, which will definitely not appeal to lovers of naturalness.

Another undeniable plus is the uniform glossy finish and resistance to scratches and abrasions.

Protection for your nails

Of course, gel polishes do not have healing or restorative properties, but they will still help you grow your nails. Thanks to substances called “film former” and “photoinitiator”, the coating becomes hard when exposed to UV waves. It protects the nail plate from cracks and delamination.

Everyone knows that in order for gel polish to dry, special manicure lamps are used. But you won’t be able to dry it under the sun: despite the fact that the rays also contain UV waves, they polymerize shellac unevenly and for a long time. But the product in the jar can completely spoil - that’s why they are produced in opaque packaging.

Relatively safe composition

Manufacturers of gel polishes assure that hybrids do not harm the nail plate. Some products are even produced with the “7free” mark: this means that the composition does not contain toluene, dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde and other harmful components that are often present in both gels and ordinary varnishes. Some of them not only damage the nail plate, but can also affect the functioning of the liver and kidneys, cause unwanted skin reactions or even chemical burns.

Pregnant women and allergy sufferers should find out about the presence of this particular mark, or even better, consult a doctor and find out whether it’s worth applying gel polish at all.

Space for imagination

If you like a manicure with a design, then gel polish is your option. All kinds of glitter, rubbing powder, stickers and 3D elements go well with the hybrid coating due to its plasticity and reliability after drying. An additional plus is a rich palette of shades and the ability to mix them (for this it is better to use gel polishes of the same brand).

You can get inspired by the latest manicure ideas with designs here.

Cons of shellac:

Difficult to use at home

Of course, you can buy a lamp, degreaser, buff (if you don’t know what this is, take our quiz), liquid for removing the sticky layer and other tools, but not everyone will be able to do a high-quality manicure at home.

In addition, the need to remove gel polish with liquid or a device forces you to visit a beauty salon more often. Although professional removal is what all shellac manufacturers recommend - to avoid damage to the nail plate.

Shellac is not for everyone

If your nails are too thin or brittle, shellac coating will not save them. On the contrary, its durability will be worse - a manicure can last less than a week. In addition, this coating is contraindicated for those who have nail fungus or diseases that require antibiotics. In this case, the body will reject everything foreign and artificial, and the shellac may begin to peel off.

The coating can harm the nail plate

Firstly, all gel polishes dry out your nails a little. The fact is that before coating, the master always applies a degreaser to improve the adhesion of the product to the nail plate. But at the same time, the natural fatty film that protects the nails is also erased.

Secondly, poor-quality shellac removal can also cause harm: everything will depend on the qualifications of the master, the type of nails and the product itself. Unlike gel, which is most often removed only with a device, shellac is easily removed from the nail plate with a special liquid. And you shouldn’t wear the coating for too long: your nails grow and begin to curl, which also has a bad effect on the durability of shellac.

Temperature changes affect the durability of the coating

If you frequently come into contact with water or go to the sauna, shellac may begin to flake.
This happens because the nail plate expands in heat and then returns to normal. As a result, microscopic cracks form on the coating, which you will not see, but microorganisms will immediately notice them. They will gain access to the nail plate and can cause fungal diseases. Text: Anastasia Speranskaya

Reviews

Olga, 28 years old: “I’ve been wearing gel coating for a very long time; I haven’t taken it off at all for a couple of years. Maybe 3 or even 4 years. But I never noticed any yellowing or dullness. Perhaps this is the result of the right choice of a master and high-quality varnishes. But still, I recommend the use of shellac to absolutely everyone. After all, it’s quite practical, convenient and no less beautiful.”

Valentina, 34 years old: “I had quite a lot of attempts to apply gel polish to my nails, but unfortunately, they all turned out to be disastrous. After a beautiful manicure, which deteriorated after a few days or at most a week, all that was left were yellowed, brittle, thin and dull nails. And how much time, money and effort I spent on their treatment!”

Bogdana, 29 years old: “I constantly use gel polishes. Well, what would we do without them? It is very beautiful, convenient and, very importantly, quite long lasting. After removing the old foundation and before applying a new one, I try to take at least a few days break. Because after probably a year, I began to notice that my nails had turned yellow and became quite dull. Now the situation has improved.”

Alexandra, 24 years old: “I do it for others and for myself. The clients are happy, and I'm not complaining. I use only high quality varnishes, most often from Kodi. All the girls have beautiful nails, and the gel coating strengthens them well. No delamination, fragility or other negative consequences.”

Lyubavin Alexey Vladimirovich: The main problem lies in sawing off the top glossy layer. Inexperienced craftsmen quite often saw through the required amount. As a result, the integrity of the nail plate is destroyed and becomes susceptible to various types of bacteria and infections. Which is fraught with inflammation and infection. And add to everything drying chemicals that deprive the nails of normal breathing, and ultraviolet rays.”

As you can see, there is harm from gel polish and this is an indisputable fact. But the most important thing is to follow all recommendations for applying such a product. And don’t forget to take breaks to saturate your nails with vitamins and strengthening elements. Gel polish will help make your hands well-groomed and neat, but a manicure will only look like this on healthy nails.

Sources

• https://journal.podrygka.ru/byuti-mif-vreden-li-gel-lak-dlya-nogtej/
• https://nails-mag.ru/zdorove/gel-lak-vred/
• https://gel-lak.online/vreden-li-gel-lak-dlya-nogtej/
• https://mimiledi.ru/krasota/manikyur/vreden-li-gel-lak-dlya-nogtey.html
• https://heaclub.ru/vreden-li-gel-lak-dlya-nogtej-dostoinstva-i-nedostatki-produkta-chem-vreden-gel-lak-dlya-zdorovya-organizma-i-samih-nogtej-sostav- i-protivopokazaniya-chem-eshhe-vreden-gel-lak-nepravilnyj-spil-i
• https://poleznii-site.ru/zdorove/polza-i-vred-manikyura-gel-laka-dlya-zdorovya-cheloveka.html
• https://asiateka.ru/vredit-li-sushka-dlya-laka-nogtyam/

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Is there any harm from gel polish: advantages and disadvantages of the product

Gel polish is an excellent solution for modern ladies, regardless of age category. After all, not every day there is time to take care of your nails. And a trip to the master guarantees a wonderful and well-groomed manicure for quite a long period.

Let's start with the privileges of gel polish

• Of course, this is great durability. Especially if you also take the varnish of the previous generation for comparison. After all, it was scary to even wash dishes with it, because water could cause peeling. The gel coating can stay on the nails for about three weeks. Yes, the correct application and quality of materials play a role, but that’s another conversation.
• Strengthens the nails themselves, although this aspect also includes other nuances, which we will talk about later. But, on average, a durable layer of varnish also protects the nails themselves from creases. This is especially true for girls with weak and thin nails. This gives them the opportunity to show off a long manicure without resorting to extensions.
• Moreover, gel polish can easily even “fix” a broken nail. To do this, you just need to cover the broken area with a strip from a tea bag. Glue it onto the base and try to give it a natural shape. And then apply the base to the entire nail and subsequent layers in the proper order.
• It is also worth highlighting the first base layer, which also helps to eliminate other unevenness or deformations of the natural nail. It often happens that due to a lack of vitamins, the nail plate turns out in waves - gel polish will hide this nuance. But keep in mind that you still need to take your vitamins!
• The appearance is preserved for a long time without chipping or even loss of shine. Your hands will be well-groomed and presentable.
• The choice of varnishes is huge, and the coating itself comes out brighter, smoother and neater.
• This can be attributed to the absence of a pungent odor, which is typical of conventional varnishes.

Those ladies who have tried a manicure with shellac coating at least once can no longer resist subsequent correction and application of a new design. After all, nothing pleases a real woman more than a fresh manicure.

You can wear gel polish for several weeks without fear for its integrity.

But gel polish also has a downside.

• Applying gel polish requires skill. The quality of the manicure and the health of the nails will depend on this.
• And suitable materials. Although today products can be bought without problems for home use, the high cost is an order of magnitude higher than ordinary varnish. Although, if you add up all the costs for regular polish and multiply by the number of frequent removals and applications, then the gel polish side wins.
• Removal also requires special tools and even skills. And this ties, to some extent, to the master or home equipment. But again let's draw an analogy with a simple varnish. Gel polish will calmly stay with you for 7-14 days, or even more. With the old product this would have been impossible.
• Not suitable for those girls who experience rapid nail growth. After all, after three weeks, all that will remain from a fresh manicure is the name.
• After every 3 months of wearing shellac, you need at least 1-2 weeks of rest. But this is not a minus, but rather an aspect as regards any pigmented nail product.
• Let's return to technology again - any misconduct will cause a damaged manicure, which will need a complete adjustment.
• To some extent, this can be attributed to monotony. No, the choice is now even wider than on the shelves of conventional products. Just wearing it for 2-3 weeks sometimes gets boring. And frequent removal and coating costs your time and money, as well as reducing the health of the nail plate itself.
• By the way, about time. For such a manicure you need more of it, because the precise technology has a number of necessary stages. But you can do it not every 2-3 days, but after 2-3 weeks.

Judging by these criteria, the pros still outweigh any cons. But all this is just the tip of the iceberg.

The pros of gel polish still outweigh the cons