Manicure using gel polish has become a criterion for well-groomed hands. A bright and long-lasting nail design allows you to forget about visiting the salon for 2-3 weeks. The procedure of covering nails with gel polish is considered completely safe. However, in some cases, negative consequences for the nail plate and skin of the hands are possible. Most often this is due to the incompetence and carelessness of the craftsman or the use of low-quality materials. Covering unhealthy nails with gel is also considered a serious problem.
Nail fungus and gel polish
Fungal infections of the nail plate are quite common. This problem is widespread and requires timely treatment and prevention. The first manifestations of a fungal infection are yellow spots on the nail plate. It is precisely these yellow, unsightly nails that representatives of the fair sex strive to immediately hide under varnish or gel polish. However, this only makes the problem worse.
A fungal infection in the human body can circulate for a long time without manifesting itself. However, with a weakened immune system, the first symptoms of the disease appear. Covering diseased nails with gel polish significantly limits air access to the nail plate. The microcavities between the nail and the gel coating are filled with moisture, which activates the intensive reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms.
It is not recommended to cover nails infected with fungus with gel polish until they are completely cured.
No less relevant is the issue of disinfection of manicure instruments. Often, in order to save money, newly minted masters neglect the rules of sterility, as a result of which clients may become infected not only with fungus, but also with more serious infections (hepatitis, HIV, syphilis).
When the use of gel polish is contraindicated
Often the question of how to restore nails after shellac arises among girls who were not aware of the contraindications to its application or deliberately ignored them.
When the use of gel polish is contraindicated
Manicure using gel polish is not recommended if:
- individual intolerance to components that are part of the materials used;
- fungal diseases of the nails and skin around them;
- damage to the cuticle or plate (bleeding wounds, deep scratches, suppuration).
The condition of the nails largely depends on the professionalism of the master. For this reason, it is better not to skimp on a beauty salon and not to look for where to get a manicure as cheaply as possible. Otherwise, you will have to spend even more time and money on restoration procedures. The saying that beauty requires sacrifice does not apply to manicure. It is much easier to prevent a problem from occurring than to get rid of it later.
Treatment of fungal infection
The course of antifungal treatment, according to the recommendations of experts, is at least 3 months. You will also have to forget about your usual manicure for the duration of treatment. However, you can use special antifungal varnishes that will help fight infection and strengthen the affected nail plate.
Antifungal varnishes
- Demicten is an affordable drug from a domestic manufacturer, based on formicaldehyde. This product effectively blocks the spread of fungal infection and promotes the speedy recovery of the diseased nail.
- Oflomil is used both for the treatment and prevention of this disease. The drug often causes a burning sensation in the area of application and has certain contraindications for use.
- Nail Defender has a strengthening and restorative effect on the nail plate. The product is an excellent preventative drug that accelerates the growth of nail plates.
- Aventis is quite effective even with advanced fungus, and is safe for children and pregnant women.
The use of antifungal varnishes gives good results, but it is important to understand that this infection requires an integrated approach to solving the problem. To maximize the effectiveness of therapy, antifungal drugs are additionally prescribed in tablet form. In some cases, treatment is supplemented with antihistamines and vitamins.
Precautionary measures
The main condition for a safe manicure is a trusted master and his compliance with the rules for disinfecting working tools. Salons often offer their clients the use of disposable attachments, which significantly reduces the risk of spreading a fungal infection. Instruments and premises in such institutions are subject to regular and complete disinfection. At home, it is much more difficult for a specialist to ensure maximum sterility of the procedure. It is important to understand that treating an instrument with an ultraviolet lamp or boiling does not provide a 100% guarantee that the fungal infection has been eliminated.
If signs of a fungal infection are detected on the client’s nails, the responsible master must refuse the service and refer him for a consultation with a dermatologist. It is this algorithm of the master’s actions that is considered correct in this situation.
How to behave when identifying a fungus
If a fungal infection has already manifested itself in some way, it is important to take precautions to avoid worsening the condition of the nails.
- Before performing a manicure or pedicure (on your own), hands and feet should be thoroughly washed with soap and the nails should be cleaned from the inside, after which you can trim the cuticles and file the nails.
- It is unacceptable to have nail extensions if you have already had to treat a fungal infection. In this case, the body is highly susceptible to re-exacerbation.
- It is not recommended to use too thick and old varnishes for manicure.
- Traumatic damage to the skin around the affected nail plates should be avoided.
- It is recommended to temporarily stop using decorative varnishes and give preference to medicinal ones. For decoration purposes, it is better to use rhinestones and sparkles in manicure.
- The manicure tool for an infected person must be individual.
How to remove shellac at home without foil?
You don't have to use foil to remove shellac yourself. Just keep in mind that the method is very aggressive. If you use it once, when you really need it, then nothing bad will happen. But it’s better not to resort to it regularly.
So, you will need any nail polish remover with acetone. Please note that you cannot use pure solvent. You will also need a bowl to soak your fingers, as well as an orange stick and heavy cream.
- So, pour some nail polish remover into a bowl.
- Prepare your nails for the procedure by smearing them with a rich cream
- After this, dip your nails into the bowl and wait. The time is determined by the quality of the coating and the amount of acetone in the selected product. Check periodically to see if the varnish has become loose
- When you see that the varnish has softened, start removing the loose layers
Be sure to wash your hands with soap after completing removal and, ideally, also take a recovery bath. As an option, you can make a caring hand mask and then apply cream.
Please note that if you have any wounds on your hands, then this method will not suit you, because it will greatly harm the damaged areas.
Possible negative consequences after using gel coatings
Nail gels, despite all their advantages, sometimes have unpleasant effects. Let's look at the main problems that arise after applying gel polish:
- Fungus - occurs in the form of inflammation around the nail, which is accompanied by severe itching and yellowing of the nail plate.
- Individual intolerance to materials - manifests itself after a short interval of time after applying the coating to the nails.
- Thinning of the nail plate - occurs when the technician fails to follow the technology for applying and removing the coating.
Methods for restoring nail plates after using shellac and gel polish
Restoring nails after a bad experience with gel polish is not an easy task, but it is quite doable. A good restorative effect can be achieved both at home and in salons.
Salon restorative procedures
- Wax sealing of the nail plate. The procedure involves coating the nail plates with a special product based on wax and honey. This composition forms a transparent film on the surface of the damaged nail plate, which significantly strengthens the nail and protects it from mechanical damage and infection.
- Paraffin therapy. The use of paraffin hand baths helps enrich the skin and nails with beneficial microelements. Paraffin is gently distributed over the surface of the skin and nail, filling the smallest areas of damage. After the procedure, your hands look healthier and younger.
- Covering nail plates with biogel. This composition is highly flexible after hardening and allows you to protect weak nails (when peeling) from mechanical damage.
Varnish coating Ship from Kalyon
Special products for restoring thinning nails
- Ship varnish coating from Kalyon promotes rapid growth of the nail plate and strengthens its structure. The recommended course of treatment is at least 2 weeks. Pearlescent or transparent coating can be used either independently or as a base for decorative varnish.
- Trind Keratin Nail Restorer is a keratin-based product that easily penetrates deep into the nail plate, strengthening and moisturizing it. The coating should be applied twice during the day.
- Base and varnish coating IBX quickly and effectively strengthens thinning nails and restores their healthy appearance. The coating is cured using a UV lamp. It is recommended to use this complex to prevent delamination of the nail plates 1-2 times a month; in advanced cases, it is permissible to use the compositions once a week.
- Moisturizing and softening cuticle oils provide complete nutrition to the cuticle and nail. Comfortable application is possible even with painted nails. It is recommended to lubricate the cuticle 2-3 times during the day.
- Strengthening agent in liquid form - rubbed into the nail plate without applying varnish. It is recommended to repeat the procedure 2-3 times during the day. It takes 3-4 minutes for the product to be absorbed into the nail.
- Restorative varnishes are available on the market in a wide range of colors. This product quickly and reliably protects nails, giving them strength and protecting them from mechanical damaging factors. The main condition for a quality product is the presence of minerals, vitamin complex and calcium.
- The wax coating, intended for home use, is easy to use and has a good restorative effect.
Gel polish (shellac)
Gel polishes as a type of artificial coating, of course, cannot be 100% harmless for everyone, since the risk of an individual allergic reaction to the components of both certified products and lesser-known brands cannot be excluded. When choosing a harmless gel polish for yourself and your clients, it is worth purchasing coatings that do not contain such dangerous and harmful components as: rosin, toluene, formaldehyde derivatives, isobornyl methacrylate, nitrocellulose, diacetone alcohol, butyl acetate, phosphoric acid, phenyl ketone.
If you follow the correct application and removal of this material from artificial and natural nails, then coating with gel polish will not harm your nails at all. And even vice versa, it will protect them from delamination, cracks and chips. When purchasing everything you need for a manicure with shellac and gel polish at home, it is also important to have a high-quality top, base, dehydrators, bonders and primers with a good shelf life. As well as auxiliary liquids for disinfection, removing the sticky layer and removing gel polish designs. Ideally (to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction), all materials and coatings should be from the same brand, since during the development process, products are created in such a way that their compositions are most suitable for each other. And they neutralized possible harm to nails, health and the body as a whole from chemical components.
Long-time practicing manicurists speak well of products and gel polishes from brands such as Kodi and Irisk, but the most harmless, ethical, safe and hypoallergenic materials at the moment are CND brand products. High-quality and tested compositions of its shellacs, tops, bases and other liquids and coatings do not contain such dangerous substances. When performing a manicure with them, CND products do not harm the body during evaporation. That is why this brand is used mainly for manicures for girls expecting a baby.
As we have already noted, even for an absolutely healthy person, a gel polish manicure cannot be absolutely safe, since everyone’s immune reaction to artificial products is different. Therefore, when deciding whether to design with shellac during pregnancy, a girl should consult with a specialist who is supervising her. As a rule, doctors advise completely abstaining from dangerous chemicals in the first trimester of pregnancy, when the formation of the main organs and systems of the child occurs. In the future, pregnant women can have their nails painted with gel polish from an experienced nail technician with experience working with pregnant girls, but with all precautions taken.
Why is it believed that gel polish can be harmful during pregnancy? The most common arguments are:
- it is difficult for the customer to check and verify the quality of the materials used by the master to perform the manicure, as well as their suitability;
UV lamps, most often used by private practitioners, can be an additional unwanted source of ultraviolet radiation for a pregnant woman;
What are the arguments in favor of gel polish for girls in an interesting situation?
- If you follow the wearing rules, the manicure is done for a fairly long period of time than with classic varnishes. This means that contact with various types of chemical components occurs less frequently;
- the component compositions of gel polishes do not penetrate the nail plate so deeply as to cause significant damage to the health of the fetus.
Not only ladies in an interesting position, but also everyone else should not wear gel polish constantly, without breaks. Why is it harmful to do it all the time? Doctors note that a dense artificial coating limits the access of oxygen, can contribute to overdrying of nails and deprives them of their natural “name” top layer, which can be filed or treated with a buffer. If you wear the coating for too long without giving your nails a rest after 3-4 procedures, then one day you may see such undesirable consequences as:
- thinning, dullness and fragility;
- formation of cracks and delaminations;
- the appearance of undesirable nail relief (irregularities and bumps);
- yellowing or appearance of white spots.
Thus, preventive breaks are simply necessary for your fingers! And if at this time you intensively treat your nails and give up coatings altogether for a while, the next manicures with gel polish will be absolutely without consequences, even for not the strongest natural nails.
Economical options for restoring nail plates at home
- Hand baths with olive oil, sea salt or chamomile. The fingertips should be kept in this composition for 15 minutes, then wiped with a dry towel and lubricated with nourishing cream. It is recommended to repeat the procedure 2-3 times during the week.
- Hand masks. An excellent restorative effect is achieved by using a mask with vitamin E. To do this, you need to pierce the vitamin capsule with a needle and rub the contents over the nail plate and cuticle 30 minutes before bedtime. Lemon is considered a good alternative. It is enough to apply a small amount of lemon juice to your nails and leave it until completely absorbed. Lemon essential oils and vitamin C perfectly strengthen the nail plate. No less popular are masks for hands and nails based on sour berries (currants, rowan, cranberries).
- The iodine mesh stimulates regenerative processes in the nail plate, strengthening its structure and accelerating growth.
What can you do at home?
Some procedures to get rid of the effects of prolonged wearing of shellac can be carried out at home. For example, there are medicated nail polish after gel polish and sets for paraffin wraps on open sale. In the latter case, you can even use a candle. You need to melt it, let the liquid cool to a comfortable temperature, dip your fingers and dry the mass in the air.
The cuticle also needs care. You need to rub coconut or shea butter into it every day. Vitamins A and E, which are sold in the pharmacy in the form of capsules, can cure the plates. Their contents need to be rubbed into the nails and cuticles.
Cosmetologists advise not to stop at external use of products and at the same time strengthen the body from the inside. The diet should be rich in all essential microelements. In some cases, a course of a special vitamin complex is necessary.
Folk remedies for treatment
You can restore your nails after gel polish using folk remedies. In this case, the effect will not come quickly, and the procedures will have to be carried out regularly. But caring for your hands with the help of folk recipes is simple, pleasant and inexpensive:
- Baths. They need to be done at least 1-2 times a week. Sea salt, chamomile, and iodine are excellent for treating nails. In the first two cases, it is enough to prepare a solution or decoction. There is a separate recipe for iodine. It is necessary to dissolve 2 tablespoons of salt and 0.5 tablespoons of medication in a glass of warm water. Place your hands in the bath, hold for 15 minutes, rinse under running water, apply moisturizer. It is better to do the procedure in the evening so that by the morning the iodine has time to evaporate and the plates return to their normal color.
- Iodine. Another way is to simply apply the substance to the plates using a cotton swab. Repeating the procedure every other day will improve the condition of your nails and speed up their growth.
- Their gelatin mask. A product from the nearest store will help you restore your nails after gel polish. It is necessary to dissolve a tablespoon of gelatin in a glass of hot water and wait until the mixture cools to a comfortable temperature (about 40 degrees). Dip your hands into the solution, hold for about 20 minutes and blot with a napkin.
- Lemon juice. The product will get rid of the yellowish tint acquired after using gel polish with a persistent coloring pigment. To whiten the plates, you need to rub a drop of juice into them once a day. Vitamin E (in capsules) goes well with the vitamin C it contains. The mixture will help when nails are damaged and need additional nutrition.
- Olive oil. You need to warm the product a little in a water bath or in the microwave, and then dip your fingers in it for 10 minutes.
Folk remedies for treatment
Sometimes you have to wait long enough for folk remedies to begin to fully “work.” But the result is worth it.
Recovery duration
Judging by the reviews of clients and the words of cosmetologists, the period during which recovery will occur differs. It depends on how badly the plates have deteriorated and what procedures are carried out to strengthen them. Salon methods allow you to strengthen your nails after gel polish in a couple of weeks. Traditional recipes act more slowly, and recovery will take more than a month.
It is a little easier to name the maximum period. If you stop using gel polish and aggressive procedures (filing, polishing), your nails will recover in about 3 months. This is how long it takes to completely update the plate.
