Reader question: Are gel manicures actually bad for my nails? Should I be taking a break in between?
I’m a serial gel manicure wearer. As someone who is very hands-on in her lifestyle, the promise of a chip-free, virtually indestructible manicure is enticing. My back-to-back gel manicure appointments came to a temporary halt when I realized that my nail beds were becoming extremely thin and brittle. Although I initially assumed that this was from the polish itself, the true culprit was my careless removal process.
Gel polish requires a lot of effort and time commitment to remove—usually involving soaking nails in acetone—and I’d gotten lazy, sometimes peeling them off. (FYI, this is the most egregious nail sin.) When I started getting my gel nails properly removed at a salon on a regular basis, my nail health recovered—and today, they’re stronger than ever. In fact, dare I say, they’re longer and overall healthier than my pre-gel days. But don’t just take it from me. I asked a handful of nail experts, “So, are gel nails bad for you?” And here’s what they had to say to back up my observations about gel nail polish.
What Are Gel Nails?
Gel nails are nails that are painted with gel nail polish. Gel nail polish is a type of nail polish that, unlike regular nail polish, is meant to last weeks without chipping or peeling. That’s because it is made of acrylic monomers and oligomers, which bond together when cured under a UV or LED light. The finish is thicker, harder, and glossier than regular nail polish.
Nails can be painted with either hard or soft gel polish, both of which create a durable and glossy finish. Hard gel polish can create nail extensions, as well, but soft gel polish is more flexible. It can be used as an alternative to traditional nail polish for longer-lasting manicures and pedicures without extensions. Soft gel polish is typically easier to remove than hard gel polish, which requires filing.
Are Gel Manicures Harmful?
The short answer: It depends. Modern gel polish formulas alone (their chemical compositions, that is) are virtually harmless. However, gel manicures can cause damage in other ways.
“Suggestions to let your nails ‘breathe’ once in a while between manicure services of all types is a myth that’s been floating around since the birth of extension services,” says Heather Reynosa, OPI Global education design director, implying that the polish itself isn’t what’s causing the need for breaks.
“It’s important to note that semi-permanent enhancement products—like gel polish—do not harm your nails,” she adds. “In fact, it can help to protect your natural nails from environmental elements.” So why does nail health so often suffer from gel manicures?
Post time: Nov-02-2026
