Are Gel Manicures Really Bad for You?

We get a lot of questions about this topic at CleanSpa. The true answer is…it depends.

It depends on the product, the length of time it’s worn and most importantly if the application and removal process is done correctly.

There are a gamut of gel nail products. Important to understand, there are soft gels which are removed with an acetone “soak off” process and there are hard gels which must be filed off. Although soaking in acetone foils is not ideal if you are conscious of chemical exposure, it is a relatively quick and easy process, and if done in moderation (say, a few times per year), should not create overall health concerns. The polish itself is more of a concern, in my opinion. The HEMA, formaldehyde, toluene and many more that you simply can’t pronounce, can be irritating and worse toxic. These toxins stay in contact with your nails for weeks. It is also often applied with a UV light, also linked to premature aging of the skin and skin cancers. Lastly, improper removal or peeling off the gel product when it starts to compromise, is where the real visible damage happens.

In comparison, the filing off of hard gels is certainly a risk to your nail health, off the bat. It is difficult for the technician to not remove some of the nail with the gel product. After even one of these services, the nail is compromised and weaker. The ingredients in hard gel generally contain similar toxins and are often unfamiliar product lines that may not meet US FDA standards. They also are applied with UV light. 

At CleanSpa, we offer a vegan, HEMA-free gel manicure cured with LED lights (instead of the questionable UV light). This line, created by Light Elegance, is the real deal. https://www.lightelegance.com/pages/new-arrivals We also recommend the Dazzle Dry polish system as a gel alternative. https://dazzledry.com/ This polish is vegan, cruelty free, hypo-allergenic and non-toxic, 5-minute quick drying, long wearing (similar to gel polish) and can be removed without soaking or filing! There is a demand for more of these health conscious nail products and we will always support and advocate for them. There ARE ways to have a safe gel mani – pedi! 

Angela Horwitz

Spa Director and Managing Partner

CleanSpa