“Gel extensions were more than just a trend for me – it was a means of self-expression and a way to cope with my mental health struggles,” says Sasha Flores, a 19-year-old student residing in Canada. Sasha began getting gel nail extensions at the age of 17, when she did not know much about such nail procedures and what could happen if they went awry. By the time she turned 18, she noticed that her natural nails were becoming thinner and bendy. “Eventually, even simple tasks like writing or typing became painful and I was worried about restoring them to natural health,” she recalls.
Wondering what happened to her nails, Flores sought answers on Quora and other online communities. She shared photos of her nails and received advice from other users who attributed her condition to negligence on the part of her (now former) nail technician. Says Flores, “I realised the way my beautician removed the nail extensions caused my natural nails to become brittle and break.”
So, before you indulge in creative nail extensions, get to know the dos and don’ts of making a style statement with your nails. Here is what you need to know:
Evolution of nail art
Nails have really stood the test of time; they have managed to stay in style, no matter the fashion trends over the centuries. In ancient India, people used henna to decorate both their hands and nails. In ancient Egypt, they gilded their nails. And ancient Babylonian men used kohl on their nails.
Cut to our modern world, and the nail cosmetics form a multi-billion dollar industry replete with nail polish, acrylics, silks, gels, and extensions. In fact, Asia Pacific alone contributed the most to the global nail cosmetics market in 2022, accounting for around 39 per cent. These numbers not only indicate that a staggering number of people are drawn to nail art, but also that a great many of them are vulnerable to skin infection resulting from nail art.
Before getting gel nail extensions
Preparation
Before applying extensions, it is crucial to ensure that your natural nails are clean, well-shaped, and free from any oils or debris. This helps with the adhesion of the extensions. “If you do not prep well, it will cause bumps, chipping, and the lifting of the extension,” says Ruapi, nail technician at Flamingo Nail India, Mangaluru.
Hygiene
“Throughout the application process it is crucial to prioritise hygiene practices, including sanitising tools and following handwashing procedures. This helps minimise the risk of infections,” says Linh Ngo, a senior nail technician from Nail Maxx. Additionally, Ruapi points out that we can gauge the nail technician’s skill level by the way they prep them. It is essential for the technician to be gentle while using the nail filer.
Experts explain the consequences of improper procedures
- Nail damage: If the natural nails are not properly prepped before applying the gel, the adhesion may not be strong enough and could weaken or damage them.
- Peeling: If the extensions are not applied correctly or do not bond properly, they can lift and peel, causing discomfort.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions to gel products could result in in redness, itching, or irritation around the nail area.
- Infection risk: Proper hygiene practices during the extension process help avoid the risk of fungal infections.
- Brittleness and breakage: Long or heavy extensions could put stress on your nails, making them brittle and prone to breakage or detachment.
Be aware of these risks and take the necessary steps to ensure the safety and health of your nails.
Nail extensions aftercare practices
- Take a gap between each gel nail extension, as these cannot be removed easily. Hence there is a higher risk of damage to the natural nail if you constantly get extensions.
- For the first few times, let your technician remove the extensions. Once you get the hang of it, you can remove them gently with a filer and acetone.
- Limit exposure to water, and use nourishing cuticle oils and nail boosters.
- Take multivitamins regularly to maintain good nail health.
- Do not push the cuticles too much and ensure the nail bed is not too thin as that could damage the natural nail.
- After getting the gel nail extensions avoid holding heavy things or rough handling stuff, as this could break your nails all too easily.
- Regularly moisturise the nails.
- Do your research before getting nail extensions done.
Risk of developing melanoma
A study published in the Dermatology Online Journal in 2018 suggests that constant exposure to UVA radiation from UV lamps used in nail salons could heighten the risk of skin cancer. In just ten minutes under a curing lamp, the hands receive an energy dose equivalent to the day-long recommended limit for outdoor workers. This is set by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection. In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends avoiding UV lamps as they present a moderate risk. For this same reason, Ruapi recommends applying sunscreen with SPF 55+ before getting the extensions done.
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