Should You Restore Nails After Gel Polish? A Practical Guide

Gel polish provides a glossy, long-lasting finish, but improper use can affect natural nails and skin. This guide explains what gel polish is, its impact, age considerations, and practical steps for safer at-home care, removal, and pedicure safety.

What is gel polish

Gel polish is a gel-based nail coating cured under ultraviolet (UV) or light-emitting diode (LED) light in about 60–90 seconds. It forms a hard, chip-resistant layer that can keep nails looking fresh for roughly two to three weeks. Alongside gel polishes, similar products include shellac and poly gel, all relying on ingredients such as methacrylate compounds, photoinitiators, plasticizers, pigments, thickeners, and UV stabilizers to help the polish harden and stay vibrant.

How gel polish affects nails and skin

While convenient, gel polish carries some health considerations for nails and surrounding skin:

• Pain or warmth during curing under UV/LED lamps for some people.
• Damage to the natural nail when removal is done roughly with a drill or file, leading to cracks, peeling, white spots, or ridges.
• Dryness and brittleness from acetone-based removers used at home, which can irritate the surrounding skin.
• Possible allergic reactions to acrylates or methacrylates; a patch test is advised before trying new products.
• Ultraviolet exposure from nail lamps; protect hands and consider shorter sessions if you’re concerned about skin aging.
• Infection risk if hygiene standards at the salon are not followed; always ensure clean tools and proper hand hygiene.

From what age can you use gel polish

There are no strict age limits for gel polish. If a manicure lasts without peeling or lifting, it can be removed by a professional once regrowth makes the manicure look uneven. Younger nails grow faster, which means more frequent maintenance and potentially more exposure to removal. By around age 20, nail growth slows, so you may need fewer visits.

Note: Frequent gel applications can thin and weaken the nail plate and damage the cuticle, increasing infection risk. Taking breaks allows nails to recover.

Care between appointments

• Moisturize nails and cuticles several times a day with a nourishing cream or oil to prevent dryness and keep nails growing healthily.
• Trim nails if they become thin or split to encourage healthy growth.
• Watch for white spots, cracking, or dryness after removal and give nails extra moisture while avoiding heavy decorative products.
• Take breaks: consider one to two weeks off every two to three months to let nails rest.

Dr. Natalia Suryikova, dermatologist at DocMed Clinic, notes that acetone-based removers can strip away surface lipids and roughen the nail plate, so gentle removal and aftercare are essential to protect nail health.

How to remove gel polish at home

1. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around each cuticle to protect the skin from drying acetone.
2. Cut cotton pads to fit your nails and soak them in acetone.
3. Place the soaked pads on each nail and wrap with foil to hold them in place without squeezing.
4. Wait about 10 minutes so the gel softens.
5. Remove the foil and pads; gently rub with a soft sponge or pad to lift the softened gel. If needed, use a nail file to remove stubborn edges, avoiding the skin.
6. Wash hands with mild soap and apply moisturizer or oil to restore moisture.

You can also remove gel polish by filing it down, but be careful not to damage the natural nail. The safest option is to let nails grow out and have a professional remove the gel when possible, which typically takes about a month for full regrowth.

To make manicures safer

Hand care

Keep hands and nails moisturized, especially after removal. Treat cuticles gently by softening them with warm water and then pushing back rather than cutting. If removing cuticles, do so after a shower when skin is softer.

Choose a reputable salon

Ensure good hygiene: workstations should be clean, tools disinfected, and the technician should wash hands between clients. Don’t hesitate to ask how equipment is treated before your appointment.

Don’t peek at peeling gel

If gel begins to lift, do not peel it off yourself. Seek a professional for proper removal to protect the nail bed.

Avoid artificial nails for sensitive nails

Artificial nails aren’t suitable for everyone, especially if nails are prone to breaking or fungal infections. If used, limit wear to around two weeks and check product ingredients to avoid potential allergens.

Pedicure with gel polish

Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails, so gel polish on toenails can be a good option. Before pedicures, avoid shaving the legs for 24 hours to reduce infection risk from micro-cuts. Ensure all tools, foot baths, and filters are properly sterilized, and use single-use files and buff blocks or factory-sealed items to prevent cross-contamination. If you notice nail issues after removal, consult a dermatologist rather than concealing the problem.

Conclusion

Gel polish offers a durable, attractive manicure, but proper application, removal, and aftercare are essential to protect natural nails. Regular breaks, careful tool hygiene, and attentive hand care help keep nails strong and healthy in the long run.

Expert comment

Dr. Natalia Suryikova, dermatologist at DocMed Clinic, emphasizes that acetone can strip away nail lipids and irritate the surrounding skin, so use gentle removal and aftercare to minimize harm.

Summary

Gel polish lasts about two to three weeks, but frequent use can thin the nail plate and damage the cuticle. Regular breaks and proper removal safeguard nail health. Always choose a clean salon and moisturize nails and hands between sessions to support healthy growth.

Key insight: Safe gel polish practice hinges on breaks, skilled technicians, and proper removal and hand care to protect long-term nail health.