Are Gel Nails Safe? Everything You Need to Know.

Gel nail systems are not relatively new to the nail industry but brands have had major resurgences and new product titles. Gel nails started in the 1980’s and have had major improvements since. At first they were thick, hard to apply and took longer to cure. Now they can be applied thin and strong, and modern lamps are speedy with curing. Overall the technology has improved but yet clients are still asking if they are safe? 

Putting hand in gel lamp.

Media in this century have made clients fearful of many chemicals and perhaps rightfully so. It can be hard to determine which chemicals are safe if you are not a chemist. Well known chemicals in nail polish are Formaldehyde, methacrylates, Toluene, and DBP. With current media focused on newer “trendy” chemicals like TPO, MMA, and HEMA. The truth is all of these chemicals can be harmful if used incorrectly. Incorrect use would include the product having higher amounts than regulation and improper application.

What can clients do to avoid these chemicals?

Clients can read the label and educate themselves. Not all brands follow the rules and with new products everyday it can be hard to keep up. It is helpful to ask the nail technician doing the application what products they use and can they provide an SDS sheet. An SDS sheet is a Safety Data Sheet that salons are required to have for all their products. It details everything in the product and how it affects the environment as well as human health risks. If they do not have this sheet, most are available online at the retailer website. 

Another way to easily avoid these chemicals is to search for labels like 3-free, 5-free, and 7-free. This means the product is free from the top harmful chemicals. Even labels like “ HEMA Free” can be helpful if you are prone to allergic reactions. Yet some of these ingredients do help products adhere better and stronger to the nail and aren't always harmful. 

Example of what brand websites may say to describe their gel products.

One issue clients point to is the use of the UV or LED lights during gel nail application. In modern lamps they are using LED or UV+LED lights that cure and harden faster than UV. In simple terms LED light is the type of light you could find in an average building and UV lights use rays such as sunshine. The UV ray used in nail lamps is UV-A which is considered as not harmful for salon use since it is a short period of time and a low amount. 

To conclude, gel nails are well tested and safe for regular use as long as you do not have an allergy. Most of the marketing used to deter clients from getting gel nails is from a company trying to sell clients or nail techs another product they don’t need. Products like fingerless gloves may seem helpful but actually aren’t needed. 

*This is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for medical advice.