For every woman, it is important that her hands look well-groomed, because they are always in sight. A neat cuticle, symmetrical nail shape, neat coating, moisturized skin — every detail is important here. That's why manicure has become one of the most popular care procedures in recent years. However, with popularity comes a lot of questions. How often should I get a manicure done? Is it safe to regularly cover my nails with gel polish? Does the lamp harm their condition? In this article, we'll take a look at the most common myths and answer all the important questions.
How often should you get a manicure?
The frequency of manicures depends on several factors: the type of procedure (hygienic or decorative), the growth rate of nails and cuticles, and the factors that your hands encounter on a daily basis. In general, manicures are divided into hygienic (care) and decorative (coated). Each of them has its own peculiarities in terms of frequency.
How often can you do a gel manicure
Gel manicure is one of the most popular procedures. This coating lasts from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the quality of the materials, the application technique, and the rate of nail growth. But how often should you do a manicure with gel polish? Nail technicians and dermatologists agree that the coating should be renewed every 2-3 weeks. During this period, the nails do not have time to grow too much from the cuticle, so the aesthetic appearance of the manicure is preserved. It also prevents the coating from peeling off, which can lead to injury to the nail plate.
However, it is worth noting that everyone has a different nail growth rate. On average, they grow by 1-2 mm per week. But in some situations, for example, when taking vitamins (biotin, zinc), this process can be accelerated. If the regrown part becomes visible after 10-14 days, the coating needs to be renewed more often.
Important: Do not wear gel polish for more than 4 weeks. This increases the risk of coating peeling and moisture accumulation under the coating, which can provoke fungus.
It's also worth noting that frequent application and removal of gel polish can negatively affect nails. The process of removing the coating involves the use of a special liquid or cutting off the top layer, which gradually thins the plate, making it dry and brittle. To minimize damage, experts recommend taking breaks. For example, after 3-4 sessions of gel manicure, you can leave your nails uncoated for 1-2 weeks. This time allows the plate to recover. During the break, it is useful to use moisturizers, cuticle oils (for example, with vitamin E or almond oil), or therapeutic base coatings with calcium and keratin.
Is a manicure lamp harmful?
A gel polish drying lamp is an integral part of a coated manicure, but there is a lot of controversy about its safety. Two main types of lamps are used during the procedure:
- Ultraviolet (UV) — operate in the wavelength range from 350 to 400 nanometers;
- light-emitting diode (LED) lamps operate in the range of 365 to 410 nanometers.
Both types of lamps are considered safe for humans, as only radiation with a wavelength of less than 295 nanometers is harmful. The longer the waves, the lower the health risk.
Another common myth is that UV and LED lamps accelerate skin aging. However, this is not true at all. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the level of UV radiation during a manicure is significantly lower than during sun exposure for 10 minutes. In addition, the skin of the hands has a higher resistance to UV — about four times higher than the skin of the face.
So, if you had any doubts about the harmfulness of manicure lamps, you can be sure that there is no reason to worry.
How often can you do a hygienic manicure
A hygienic manicure is a basic procedure for caring for your nails and skin, aimed at maintaining their health and neat appearance. The following steps are performed during this procedure:
- Cutting or filing the nails.
- Cuticle treatment and removal.
- Removal of dead skin around the nail bed.
- Grinding the surface of the nails (if necessary).
- Application of moisturizer or cuticle oil.
The frequency of performing a hygienic manicure is different for everyone, because it depends on the individual characteristics of the person. These include the growth rate of nails and cuticles, the condition of the skin of the hands, and lifestyle. In general, nail technicians recommend performing the procedure once every 7-14 days, but this interval may vary:
- If the cuticle and nails grow quickly, a hygienic manicure can be done every 7-10 days.
- For people with slow cuticle and nail growth, it is enough to carry out the procedure every 2-3 weeks.
To keep your hands looking neat between sessions, moisturize your hands with a cream and use cuticle oil.
When not to do a manicure
A hygienic manicure is a procedure that has no contraindications. The only exception is when the skin around the nails is severely injured, irritated, or has open wounds. In such cases, it is better to wait for healing to avoid deterioration or infection.
But gel polish manicure has much more contraindications. It cannot be performed in the following cases:
- Fungal infections. This is an infectious disease that affects the nail plate or the surrounding skin. Applying gel polish to such nails will only worsen the situation. A dense coating creates a moist environment ideal for fungal growth, which can lead to the spread of infection. In such cases, a consultation with a dermatologist or podiatrist and medication (e.g., antifungal ointments or pills) are required.
- Onycholysis. This is the detachment of the nail plate from the bed, when a cavity is formed between them, visible as a white or grayish area. It can occur due to trauma, prolonged wearing of gel polish (more than 3-4 weeks), improper removal of the coating, or bacterial infections. You should not cover your nails with onycholysis, as this can provoke the accumulation of moisture or bacteria in the cavity. You should first consult a specialist who will clean the affected area and prescribe treatment. <When can I do a manicure in this situation? Only after the plate has completely healed.
- Greenish-dark spots. Greenish-dark spots on your nails are a warning sign that may indicate an infection, such as those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This bacterium thrives in moist environments, such as under peeling gel polish, and causes characteristic stains. Applying a new coating will only make the situation worse by promoting bacterial growth and possible inflammation. In addition, dark spots can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as subungual melanoma, a malignant tumor that requires immediate examination by a dermatologist or oncologist.
- Allergies. An allergic reaction to the components of gel polish (for example, methacrylates, toluene, or formaldehyde) or related products (primer, top, acetone) is another serious contraindication. It is manifested by itching, redness, blistering, or peeling of the skin around the nails, and sometimes even swelling of the fingers. Allergies may not appear immediately, but after several procedures due to the accumulation of allergens in the body. Continued use of gel polish in this case aggravates the symptoms and can lead to chronic sensitivity. If the allergy is confirmed, the coating should be removed immediately, and an allergist or dermatologist should be consulted to prescribe antihistamines or creams. <When can I get a manicure in this situation? Unfortunately, it will be impossible to return to the coating. You can replace it with hypoallergenic alternatives, such as conventional polishes or DIP systems.
- Weakened or thin nails. After prolonged use of gel polish, extensions, or improper removal, nails can become thin, brittle, or flake. Applying gel in this case will only make the problem worse. A weakened plate cannot support the weight of the coating, which leads to cracks or peeling. First, you need to take a break for 2-4 weeks, using therapeutic varnishes with calcium and keratin, moisturizing oils, or nail masks to restore their structure. Only then can you return to gel manicure.
If you notice one of these problems, you should consult a specialist (dermatologist, podiatrist, or allergist) and focus on treating it, and only then return to a coated manicure.
Conclusion.
So, let's summarize. A hygienic manicure is a very important procedure that helps us take care of our nails and hands, keeping them neat and tidy. It should be done depending on your skin type and how quickly your cuticles grow back. For some, it's once a week, and for others, one session every 2-3 weeks is enough.
A gel manicure is more focused on aesthetics. It should be done every 2-3 weeks, updating the coating as the nails grow back. However, there are times when it is better to refuse such a manicure. Fungus, injuries, and allergies signal the need for treatment, not a coating. In such cases, health should be a priority. Therefore, instead of visiting a beauty salon, you should consult a specialist who will diagnose the problem and help you solve it.