Do you want to know how to get healthy manicures for your nails and look attractive?
Keeping our nails healthy and elegant is more important than ever in modern society. With so many options, from traditional gel to Shellac, it’s important to know which manicures promote nail health and which could be harmful.
Some manicures involve harmful chemicals like Acetone, while others highlight using nourishing oils and gentle techniques to care for your nails and skin. Your nail health may also be affected by whether you opt for a do-it-yourself manicure or a visit to a nail salon.
This comprehensive guide will discuss the health benefits of various manicure methods, the hazards connected with certain techniques, and how to maintain healthy nails while enjoying your favorite nail art.
Let’s drill down into the universe of manicures and learn how to achieve healthy, aesthetically pleasing nails.
9 Safe and Healthy Manicures For Your Nails
The Basic Manicure
The path to good nail health is frequently carved with simplicity, and in this instance, a basic manicure with the right nail polish is the best option. When referring to the ‘right polishes,’ we explicitly mean nail growth or breathable nail polish for nail art designs.
Traditional nail lacquer systems contain harsh chemicals that can harm our nails. However, switching to an organic polish loaded with important vitamins can be the key to protecting your nails from potential damage.
The nail polish industry has introduced specialist polish systems that add color and nourish your nails, which is especially useful for brittle nails. In particular, they perform an essential function in preserving the strength and resilience of healthy nails. By making these wise selections, you can have both aesthetically beautiful nails and the certainty that you’re giving them the best care and attention they deserve.
What is included in a basic manicure?
A basic or standard manicure comprises several essential stages to ensure the health and beauty of the nails. The nails are first cleansed and shaped to the desired style. Hands are soaked, exfoliated, and massaged to improve skin quality after being manicured. After moisturizing, if selected, nail polish color is applied, with layers allowed to dry between applications. The procedure is completed with cleanup and nail protection guidance.
The removal process is pretty simple: put your fingers in a nail polish remover container or use an acetone-soaked cotton pad to remove nail polish. You can also secure these cotton balls on nails with nail clips and then remove the nail polish.
Why are basic manicures known as the healthiest manicures?
Maintaining healthy nails with regular manicures is a wise way to prevent nail problems. These nail visits lower the incidence of nail issues such as fungal infections and provide a revitalizing touch. During the session, exfoliation helps eliminate dead skin cells and boosts the creation of new healthy cells. This adds to more beneficial and more resilient nails. Therefore, don’t delay to schedule a manicurist visit and taste the benefits of professional nail care. As these are the most affordable nail care products, this is an excellent alternative for a home manicure.
The following are common reasons why basic manicures are the safest and healthiest way to prevent nail problems.
- It protects your nails from damage and dehydration by using acetone-free products.
- You won’t have to rely on damaging filling or buffing procedures. Manicures usually consist of nothing more than a light buffing with a fine-grit nail buffer.
- This Manicure doesn’t use any nail products with harsh chemicals. Instead, it uses mostly natural and breathable nail polishes.
- To get a smooth and glossy finish, these regular manicures may use optional products like ridge filler or nail strengthening top coat that provide extra safety and strength to your nail conditions.
How much is a basic manicure?
A basic lacquer manicure usually costs between $20 and $30. But the total price may change based on your tastes and any extra nail treatments or enhancements you choose.
How long does a basic manicure last?
A basic manicure takes only 30 minutes to do and can last up to 7 days.
Press-on nails Manicure
Press-on nails are a quick and easy alternative to traditional acrylics or gel polishes that are also good for your nails. If you apply them and remove them properly, they won’t hurt your natural nails. Celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, who are often photographed wearing beautiful press-on nail designs, have helped popularize these versatile nail enhancements.
Press-on nails must be applied and removed carefully to prevent damage to the natural nails underneath. The main problem occurs if you are extremely aggressive throughout the removal procedure. Nail tape is a softer option to nail glue if you’re concerned about the possibility of damage to your nails.
If you use glue with milder chemical compositions and use press-on nails occasionally, you can reduce the risk of harm. With the proper care and application, press-on nails can give an easy and glamorous approach to improving your nail aesthetics without taking nail health risks.
Why Press on Nails Are Safe
Press-on nails are resistant to harm and constantly shine. The fantastic thing about press-on nails is that they are less prone to damage than other types of fake nails. The nail is made of plastic, but it is strong and well-made. Nails with press-ons / glue-ons retain their finish and continue to shine. Why not turn your home into a spa retreat this vacation and try out the new pleasures of nail art?
Tips to Use Press on Nails Safely
To keep press-on nails in place safely, use high-quality nail glue. Apply a little amount of glue to the natural nail first, then the fake nail. Now, gently press down on the fake nail and hold it in place for 20 to 30 seconds to secure it. Although many press-on nails come with double-sided taps, I only recommend using glue because it gives better adherence than double-sided taps.
How good are press-on natural nails?
The coolest thing about press-on nails is that they don’t chip easily, have a long-lasting sheen, and keep their shape for a longer period. If they come off too soon, you can wipe the glue with alcohol, file the edges with nail clippers, and glue them back on.
Tips to make press-on nails more safe?
However, to ensure the safety of natural nails using press-on, make sure you avoid these situations.
Damage to the nail bed: Don’t put too much pressure on your nails. Press-on nails can cause damage to the nail beds if they are placed too tightly or kept on for too long, resulting in pain, inflammation, and discoloration.
Fungus infections: Dry your nails after bathing or swimming because Press-on nails can trap moisture under the nails, leading to nail infections and growing Bactria. You can use anti-fungal spray or powder on nails if needed.
Allergic reactions: individuals may be allergic to the glue or adhesives used to apply press-on nails, which can cause itching, redness, and blistering. To make press-on nails more safe, you can use nail tabs, which are double-sided taps that you can paste on the nails. These nail tabs are milder and safer to use as compared to nail glue.
Weakness and thinning of the nails: Press-on nails can weaken and thin natural nails, making them more prone to breakage if used repeatedly. Therefore, when wearing press-on nails, take frequent breaks to avoid this issue.
Damaging the natural nails underneath: If press-on nails are removed by peeling them off, it might cause the natural nails underneath to break or peel. You may safely remove them using Acetone. Ensure that your nail technician skips cuticle trimming during application since this can damage the nails.
How do you remove press-on nails without damaging your nails?
Famous manicurist Gina Edwards recommends soaking press-ons in acetone-based nail paint remover for a few minutes before attempting to remove them.
Can I reuse press-on nails?
Yes, press-on nails are reusable and are not meant for single use. If you take press on naills off carefully and store them properly, you can reapply them whenever needed.
How long do press-on nails last?
Press-on nails, often known as artificial nails, are put over natural nails using nail glue and can last for up to two weeks if done properly. Poor adhesion, however, might cause them to chip or break prematurely.
What are the best press-on nails in 2021?
Pop-On Manicure by Static Nails is the greatest press-on nail due to its user-friendliness, modern look, and simple application.
How much do press-on nails cost?
Depending upon the details and design, the press-on nail can vary between $50 to $100.
The French Manicure
You can also attempt a French manicure press on, in which the nail tips are a nude or softer color, for a twist on the classic Manicure that emanates timeless beauty and sophisticationThe procedure is very similar to a basic manicure, with the exception of the polishing stage. Typically, it consists of a natural nail color with white tips for a subtle glimmer of sophistication. The process closely resembles that of a basic manicure, with one key distinction—the color application process. Typically, it features a natural hue on the nails and a white shade on the tips, adding a touch of understated glamour.
For those seeking a more playful twist, experimenting with various colors on the nails and tips can be enticing. You might consider combining light brown with black tips for a unique look. Elevating the style further, you can incorporate nail art to infuse creativity.
French manicures are a variation on the regular Manicure. They are versatile and can be done with regular polish, gel, or acrylic nails, although acrylic nails tend to be heavier. Even though this Manicure can be hard to do at home, our products can help people who like to do things themselves. Even though this Manicure can be hard to do at home, our products offer a way for DIYers to do it.
Why French Manicures are safe and healthy Manicure
French manicures don’t have to be taken off with harsh chemicals, and most of the nail polishes used for French manicures are organic. Before putting on French tips, you can use a nail base to protect the natural nail from getting stained. Some French manicures and pedicures also include a relaxing massage, which improves blood flow and loosens up tight muscles.
Therapeutic Manicures
Paraffin Manicures:
People with sore muscles and joints often get paraffin manicures to help them feel better. It helps open pores and keep nails and skin hydrated.
Putting heat on your hands during this process also helps your hands’ blood circulation. But how exactly does this method work?
First, the paraffin wax is heated slowly until it is at the right temperature. Then, your hands are carefully put into the warm paraffin wax and left to soak for about 20 to 30 minutes.
The wax is then carefully peeled off, and a soothing lotion is massaged into your skin and nails by a professional. Surprisingly, this procedure doesn’t hurt your nails or skin in any way, putting their health first and giving you a truly relaxing experience.
The result? After this Manicure, your hands will feel and look incredibly soft and beautiful.
hot stone manicures
A hot stone manicure is like an upscale version of a regular manicure. It comes into play after you get gel polish or regular nail polish on your nails.
In this special Manicure, warm stones are used to scrub your hands gently, good oils are put on your hands, and your hands are massaged.
It’s known for making people feel better. It’s like a mini spa for your hands. It’s good if your hands hurt, just like after the last Manicure we talked about.
The warm stones help your sore muscles loosen up and relax, making you feel calm and refreshed.
Gel Polish Manicure
Gel manicures are popular because they last up to two weeks without chipping or peeling.while regular nail polish might only last two or three days. Gel extensions are also softer than acrylic nails. Its instant-dry ability is another reason why it’s so popular.
A gel manicure application starts the same way as any other manicure. First, your nails get the basic care they need, like getting filled, buffed, and shaped the way you want. Then things start to get better. Several layers of a special gel nail polish are applied to the nails.
Here’s the trick: start with a base coat and then put on two layers of super-durable gel polish. After that, the curing process with UV light hardens the polish. Last, they add a top coat to make it last longer and shine even more.
The result? A smudge-proof manicure that can hang on for a really long time, looking fantastic!
Safety & Health Issues of Gel Polish Manicures
The downside? Regular use of gel nail extensions may result in nail brittleness, cracking, and peeling. Also, if you use it repeatedly for an extended period, the risk of skin cancer and premature aging is highly likely.
The gel nail extension removal process is not something that you can do it yourself at home easily though you can use gel nail cleansers; But I advise you to visit salon to remove it properly, or you can get your nail bed damaged.
The buffing process before applying gel nail designs can also be damaging if not done professionally. Always use a medium grit nail file to scrape the nails gently.
Gel polishes require a U.V. LED lamp to cure and harden the polish instead of the heat dryer that is used on regular polish. The process requires your fingers and nails to be exposed to UV light for 90 seconds.
Tips to Make Gel Polish Manicures Safe & Healthier
It’s better to avoid using Acetone to remove the gel nails; there are four other methods that you can use to remove the gel nails without using Acetone.
Manicure gloves can provide better protection during UV light exposure; make sure to use manicure gloves or any dark opaque gloves to avoid the adverse effect of ultraviolet radiation.
It is recommended to use a water-resistant broad-spectrum sunscreen before applying a gel manicure. To protect against skin cancers and the aging effects, look for a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Dip Powder Manicure
A dip-powder manicure is healthier and lasts longer than acrylic, polygel nails, or gel extensions. It’s great for people who don’t like to touch up their hair often.
The application process of dip powder Manicure involves the application of a clear liquid formula, and then your nails are dipped into pigmented powder one by one. Or you can say a mixture of liquid formula, and then the powder is applied over the entire natural nail or false tips. The experts consider it healthy because it doesn’t involve monomer inhalation as compared to acrylics. Also, it doesn’t require curing under UV light. Also, many dip powders have nourishing ingredients like calcium and vitamins to strengthen nails. While it may sound harmless, the dip powders still have some harsh chemicals that increase health risks. That’s why most of the experts don’t recommend Dip powder nails as do it yourself, because the chemical products can damage the skin around the nails and nail bed if not applied correctly.
Safety & Health Issues of Dip Powder
There is a significant potential for the spread of infection when a salon uses the same dipping powder or jar for each customer.
Dip Powder is quite durable but they require more filing and Acetone to remove, which might harm your natural nails if done wrong.
Dip powders contain harsh chemicals which may result in allergic reactions.
Tips to make dip powder Manicure safe and healthy for your nails
Avoid double-dipping
Don’t dip your nails into the container of dip powder where other people’s nails have been dipped. It’s called “double dipping,” and if other people who have had nail infections have used this container before you, there’s a chance you could get germs. The nail expert can lower the risk of infection by pouring or sprinkling the dip powder from the original container onto each customer’s nails into a disposable container and then throwing it away.
Test for allergic reaction
As most of the dip powders contain chemicals that may cause allergy in some people, it is advised to apply dip powder to just one nail and check if it reacts. If you find any of such conditions after dip powder application, consult the dermatologist immediately.
- Color changing
- Nail lifting
- Swelling or itching
- Fluid-filled bumps around the nail skin
Take breaks
You can wear dip powder nails for more than a month, but removing them with Acetone will hurt your nails. It not only takes off the nail color but also the thin layer of the nail. So, give your natural nails plenty of time to heal before giving them another shot.
Shellac Manicures
Shellac manicure is a unique combination of the goodness of no-chip and color quality of gel polish and the ease and shine quality of regular polish in one. That’s why the shellac nails are highly chip-resistant and long lasting up to 10 to 14 days. Also, as compared to gel polish, shellac nails can be soaked off easily, and therefore, less damage is caused during the removal process. However, if you talk about nail health and safety, you can’t blame the shellac nails itself because it’s the curing process that makes it less safe. Anything that involves a UV light curing process can raise safety concerns. Shellac nails need special L.E.D. light lamps to cure the polish that is designed for shellac nails only; they emit UV rays, which are harmful to skin and nails and may result in skin cancer, premature aging, and age spots.
Tips to make Shellac Nails safe and healthy
If your nails are weak or thin, don’t get shellac nails because it will make the nail condition worse. It’s better to apply cuticle serum a few days earlier than going for a shellac manicure.
To avoid the adverse effect of UV rays during the shellac nail curing process, It is recommended that you use a sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 on your nails and hands.. To get even the best results, apply the sunscreen 20 minutes before the salon appointmentWear gloves as well to shield your fingers from damaging UV rays.
SNS Manicures
Signature Nail System, or S.N.S. for short, is a popular brand of nail care product recognized for its powder dipping treatment. To get S.N.S. nails, Apply a base coat first, then dip your nails into colored powder, then finish with a topcoat.The procedure delivers nails that are resilient and won’t chip easily.
SNS nails are amazing because they last longer than gel ones without lifting. They’re able to do this by making a particularly strong bond with a powder and glue mixture.
Are SNS manicures safe for your nails?
SNS benefits include being odorless, not necessitating any harsh liquids or nail primers, and not necessitating U.V. light for the drying process. Well-known S.N.S. product brands are O.P.I. or CND Shellac.
Because they don’t need UV. curing, S.N.S. nails are supposed to be safer for your natural nails than acrylics or gel manicures. But it is hard to take off S.N.S. nails because the glue (resin) is so strong. You have to soak them in Acetone for longer, which can weaken your natural nails if you do it often.
Some nail professionals might not like S.N.S. because it could damage nails, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons for your own needs.
Acrylic Overlay Manicure
Acrylic is like a magical mixture of a liquid monomer and a powder called a polymer. Or, we call it a liquid plus powder nail enhancement. Then a good quality top coat is added on top to make them last longer. When you put this mixture on your nail, it effortlessly becomes hard and takes the shape of your nail. Also acrylic nails can last up to 2 weeks without chipping or breaking, that’s why people love wearing them.
Safety and health issues: Acrylic nails are hard and can easily lift, which can be dangerous if they get bumped or hit.
Natural Nails Weaken: Using acrylics all the time can weaken natural nails, making them more likely to break or split.
Infections from bacteria and fungi: Acrylic nails that are damaged make it easy for bacteria and fungi to grow, which can result in infections that come back and are hard to treat.
Use of Harmful Chemicals: The chemicals in acrylic nails may include resins and formaldehyde, which are linked to health problems like cancer and can hurt the nail matrix.
Allergic Reactions: Acrylic nails can cause contact dermatitis and long-term allergies, which can make the nail beds inflamed and thinner.
Inhibition of Natural Nail Growth: The filing down of natural nails is part of the application process, and the use of Acetone in the removal process can slow the natural nail growth.
Tips to make acrylic nails healthy
- Acrylic paint can harbor microorganisms, so it should be avoided in areas where hygiene is paramount.
- Give your natural nails a breather of two to three months between acrylic manicures refill. It helps them recover and maintain their health.
- You shouldn’t cut your cuticles too short because they serve as a barrier against infection for your nails and the skin around them.
- Use artificial nails on special occasions only rather than wearing them all the time.
- Think about trying natural supplements like L-cysteine, Biotin, silica, and the B vitamin complex. They can help your nails’ health and strength..
The Best Ways to Make Healthy Manicures and Safer:
It is important to take care of our nails, but it is often overlooked. Damaged nails are often covered up instead of being helped.
The damage has been done, but what can be done to repair it? Gel polish is often asked if it will strengthen nails. The truth is, it might do more harm than good.
Overused nails become brittle and breakable. It’s also possible to get ugly ridges.
How do we repair gel polish damage? Are they repairable?
Nail strengthening polish can be used to restore your nails. By strengthening and repairing your nails, these polishes will last longer.
These base coats can be used with your manicure or on their own. Nails will also grow longer and stronger with these base coats.
Final verdict:
In conclusion, there are many variables to consider when selecting a healthy manicure for your nails, such as your nail type, personal tastes, and your level of commitment to upkeep. The healthiest choice for your nails is usually natural nail care, which includes routine filing, moisturizing, and gentle cuticle upkeep.
Gel, acrylic, S.N.S., and Shellac manicures, among others, offer long-lasting and visually pleasant effects but are not without dangers. For example, acrylic or gel manicures might damage your nails and put you at risk for bacterial or fungal infections. Shellac and S.N.S. may be less harmful, but they still need to be applied and removed carefully. I highly endorse regular Manicure or press-on manicures because they do not require UV light curing, and there are no harmful chemicals involved in the application. Also, you can apply a nail primer or base coat to avoid harmful chemical contact with Natural nails are beneficial because they offer a protective covering on your nails.
The safest Manicure is the one you’ll actually get, as long as you take good care of your nails and don’t abuse the usage of artificial nail enhancements. If you want to make sure you’re making the best decision for your nails’ health and attractiveness, you should talk to a professional nail technician or dermatologist.
References and Citations:
GEL MANICURES: TIPS FOR HEALTHY NAILS
ARTIFICIAL NAILS: DERMATOLOGISTS’ TIPS FOR REDUCING NAIL DAMAGE
