What should you pay attention to if you want to apply gel nails (yourself)?









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What should you pay attention to if you want to apply gel nails (yourself)?




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Gel nails are especially popular. Nail salons are fully booked and online you can find many gel polish packages for doing your own gel nails. But is it a good idea to start with yourself?





Read also: Tips for getting beautiful nails





Read also: What do your nails say about your health?









Allergy to nail gel





Recent research shows that gel nails are not without risks. An allergic reaction to products can quickly lead to a lot of medical problems. The biggest culprits seem to be the acrylate monomers in the gel. These chemical compounds ensure that the paint has a beautiful sheen, but many people react sensitively to it. They develop a rash and in severe cases an allergic reaction can lead to nail loss and difficulty breathing.
Once you have an allergic reaction to the acrylate monomers in the gel, it is likely that your body will also react to other products that contain acrylates. Think, for example, of prostheses, dental fillings, and some diabetes medications.

Read also: Allergy to artificial nails is a major cause of hand eczema






Install gel nails yourself





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Most nail technicians are well trained and know how to safely apply gel to your nails to reduce the risk of health problems. Therefore, allergic reactions are more common in people who try gel nails with products they bought online without any experience. They use non-professional UV lamps that do not have the right temperature, so that the gel does not dry properly and the acrylic monomers can penetrate the cuticles and nails.

Read also: How do you remove gel polish from your nails?






How to apply nail gel safely?





Experts prefer plain nail polish, but if you still want to do your own gel nails, there are a few steps you can take to do it as safely as possible:

  1. Always read the label carefully to see if gel polish is suitable for home use.
  2. Make sure to only apply the gel to your nail, avoiding the skin around it.
  3. Sometimes, leave your nails exposed so they have time to heal and you’ll notice any signs of skin cancer faster.
  4. Rub your hands with sunscreen before using the UV lamp. There is still little scientific evidence that UV lights increase the risk of skin cancer, but caution is always advised.

Read also: These are the 9 most common nail problems

















Written in collaboration with Frederick Annaert







































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Megan Vasquez

"Creator. Coffee buff. Internet lover. Organizer. Pop culture geek. Tv fan. Proud foodaholic."

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