Ahh, manicures… Who wouldn’t want a spa day to relax from the daily struggles and discomfort of pregnancy? It is the perfect way to feel pretty and refreshed and keep that upbeat attitude. So, if you are considering getting a gel manicure while pregnant, know that many others wonder the same.
But how safe is it to get a gel manicure while pregnant? What risks does it pose? Are there any benefits? How does one decide whether or not to get one? This article attempts to answer these questions and ensure you have all the information you need to plan out your spa day.
Before we delve into the safety of gel manicures during pregnancy, we need to first understand what exactly gel manicures are and how they are different from regular manicures and nail polish.
Furthermore, being familiar with the various varieties of nail gels is also important. One thing is true: the days of delicate, easily chipped nails are getting further away every day. No longer will your nails chip away with the slightest pressure.
What Is A Gel Manicure?
Nail gels are different from regular old nail polish, as they are firmer and last far longer. They are also shinier than nail polish. They won’t chip or wear off easily, do not crack, and tend to look better, too. What’s not to love? Nail gels are becoming more and more popular by the day.
The components of gel nail products typically include a base coat, colored gel polish, and a top coat, each of which plays a role in achieving the desired longevity and aesthetic appeal.
Gel manicures use this nail gel in place of traditional nail polish. It lasts for a minimum of two weeks but can often last for up to four weeks or more. This makes it a convenient alternative to traditional polish, as there is no need to keep reapplying it.
Related Reading: Brittle Nails During Pregnancy – Causes, Signs, And Remedies
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What sets gel manicures apart from the regular manicure?
The main difference in the application process of a gel manicure as opposed to a regular manicure is that gel polish must be cured for the process to be complete.
- The difference in the method of application: Traditional manicures involve the application of a base coat, 2-3 layers of colored polish, and a top coat. Each layer is allowed to air-dry between applications. Whereas in gel manicures, after application, the gel polish has to be hardened, usually under a UV or LED light
- Dries immediately: It takes longer for traditional nail paints to dry naturally, and they might smudge if they don’t get enough time to dry. Gel manicures, on the other hand, are cured. Curing is a chemical process. The reaction of photoinitiators in the gel polish to particular UV or LED light wavelengths is what causes the hardening. This reaction is called polymerization, and it is what results in the solidification of the gel. Gel nails are “dry” immediately after curing
- Won’t chip easily. Traditional nail polish tends to chip and wear off more easily, often requiring touch-ups or a full reapplication within a week. On the other hand, after a gel manicure, your nails will retain an “inhibition layer,” which is a sticky layer on top of the gel. This flexible yet sturdy layer on the natural nail reduces the likelihood of chipping This is because the presence of oxygen in the air inhibits the cure of the gel polish’s top layer. This layer is nothing to worry about and can easily be wiped off with a wipe dipped in rubbing alcohol or similar high-concentrate alcohol
- Easy for nail art: While traditional polishes come in a variety of colors and finishes, they may not be as versatile for detailed nail art and patterns. Gel polishes, on the other hand, are often favored for intricate designs, nail art, and 3D embellishments due to the flexibility of the gel before curing. Gel manicures cost extra because they use more costly chemicals and equipment
Different Types Of Gel Manicure
Remember that the procedure described above only covers the fundamentals of a gel manicure. There are various kinds of gel manicures, just as there are various kinds of gel polishes. As different brands create their versions, each type of gel polish may require a different process to apply and cure.
Some of the common brands of gel nail polish are Shellac, Vishine, Lakme, and more. The polish you choose will determine the application, curing agent, how it will look, how long it will last, etc.
For example, some gel polishes may require a base coat before you apply the colored polish. Others may require an upper coat. Some may have a few steps and some may have more. So it is important to choose the right formula, system, and brand before you get your gel manicure.
There are two types of gel manicures:
1. Gel Manicures at a Salon
This refers to manicures done by professionals in a nail salon or spa. These places usually make use of systems that involve formulas that are cured using ultraviolet light or LED light. This means the polish can harden a lot quicker, in just a few minutes. Thus, it can be a convenient way to get a gel manicure.
Related Reading: Is It Safe To Take Hot Water Steam During Pregnancy?
2. Gel Manicures at Home
Nail salons with professional nail dressers are not always accessible to everyone. This is why there are now several popular nail brands that sell gel polishes that can harden without the use of UV lights.
This is done through the use of chemicals and polymer builds. They, too, allow the polish to dry quickly enough, but without having to be exposed to UV. Additionally, some manicure kits sell gel polish with surging lights, although they are not quite as common.
The type of gel manicures used in salons, which use LED lights or UV lights, tend to last longer as they have stronger bonding. However, the ones that do not require such lights can appear glossier due to the addition of polymers.
Is It Safe To Get A Gel Manicure While Pregnant?
There is a degree of subjectivity involved in the question of whether or not it is safe to get a gel manicure while pregnant. Truthfully, not many studies or research projects have been dedicated to the subject. So the effects of gel manicures are a little difficult to predict.
Usually, nail polish is considered perfectly safe. However, with gel manicures comes the added risk of UV light. Is UV nail light safe during pregnancy? Constant exposure to UV can have some nasty side effects1. In light of this, many believe that women should avoid getting gel manicures while pregnant.
On the other hand, some people will claim that it is completely risk-free to get a gel manicure during pregnancy. According to their claim, none of the ingredients used in the gel manicure are meant to be ingested. Additionally, since the application is specifically done on the nails, the likelihood of absorption is minimal
There is also said to be a risk of exposure to acetone2 in the removers used for gel polish. However, you are not exposed to this chemical for a prolonged period. While inhaling or ingesting acetone is dangerous, the same cannot be said for very brief contact.
Since there are so many differing opinions on this and a lack of objective, verifiable studies, this is a choice you and your healthcare provider must make, and if you do decide to get a gel manicure, ensure you choose a safe brand and apply it in a well-ventilated area.
However, there is an important matter to note. Try not to wear gel polish or any kind of nail color toward the end of your pregnancy, especially close to your delivery. This is because the color of your nail beds can be used in emergencies to determine your oxygen levels. So be careful getting gel manicures during the third trimester.
Risks Associated With Taking A Gel Manicure While Pregnant
Before you decide whether or not to get a gel manicure while pregnant, it is important to know the risks involved:
1. Effect of Methacrylate
Acrylates are a few of the main chemicals used in gel polishes that use UV lights to cure them. If these substances come into contact with your skin before being cured, it can cause some side effects. It can cause you to have an allergic reaction3 , sometimes leading to eczema or other problems like swelling.
Allergy to methacrylates is on the rise, and the risk is more common in people doing their gel manicures at home4. Since methacrylate is used to treat diabetes and used in dental procedures, developing an allergy to it can be inconvenient for the rest of your life.
2. Effect of Cyanoacrylate
Ethyl cyanoacrylate is the active component that is present in both “super glue” and “nail glue.” If you come in direct contact with this chemical, there is a chance of experiencing some kind of allergic reaction5.
3. Harmful fumes
Many nail systems, including both traditional nail polish and gel polish, tend to give off fumes during the application process. These fumes can, especially with overexposure, cause symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and headaches.
This can be an added burden, especially when you get gel nails while pregnant in the first trimester since that is when morning sickness is at an all-time high. This risk is also present when you are getting gel nails with your newborn. A good way to prevent these side effects is to get your nails done in a well-ventilated area.
Related Reading: 9 Tips To Help If You Are Scared Of Giving Birth First Time
Care To Take When Getting a Gel Manicure While Pregnant
When getting a gel manicure while pregnant, it is important to consider certain precautions:
- Let your nail technician know that you are pregnant. This enables people to utilize pregnancy-safe goods (if they are available) and take the necessary precautions.
- Gel nail polish has evolved through time with newer and better formulas. Many new gel polishes have labels that say “3-free” or “5-free,” which means they do not contain 3 or 5 harmful chemicals, respectively. These formulations are considered safer, especially during pregnancy.
- Choose a salon with good airflow to lower the amount of fumes you breathe in from the gel nail products.
- Since acetone fumes can be harmful, it is a good idea to request extra ventilation while you remove gel polish.
- Limit exposure to UV / LED lamps
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen on your hands before placing them under the lamp to protect your skin from UV exposure.
- Consider wearing UV-protective gloves during the curing process to further reduce direct skin exposure.
- Request shorter curing times for each layer of gel polish.
- Consider fewer gel manicures during pregnancy.
Are There Any Benefits Of Gel Manicure While Pregnant?
While there are some risks to keep in mind and some precautions to take, getting a gel manicure while pregnant can also have a few benefits:
1. It’s a good way to relax
Pregnancy is incredibly taxing on your mental and emotional health, in addition to your physical health. Not to mention, your everyday responsibilities from before pregnancy do not just magically disappear. So it’s natural to want a day off to relax.
Doing nails while pregnant, along with other spa activities, is the perfect way to rejuvenate yourself. It also makes your nails pretty and can boost your self-esteem!
2. It doesn’t require a lot of care
With regular nail polish, you have to always be on the lookout. You may need to reapply a coat before events, fix cracks, and ensure they do not chip away. Constantly having to be careful around your nails can be a chore. Gel polish does not require such careful handling. It lasts longer and is chip-resistant.
3. Dries quickly
Pregnancy is a time when your schedule is chock full. Between doctor’s appointments, getting the nursery ready, baby-proofing the house, buying supplies, and doing a lot of the same things you did pre-pregnancy, you don’t exactly have a lot of time. This makes gel manicures very convenient, as they harden very quickly. It just takes a few minutes, and you have nothing to be worried about.
Related Reading: Pregnancy Fitness: The Do’s and Don’ts of Cycling for Expecting Moms
4. There is no bad smell
Pregnant women are very sensitive to smell. Gel manicures are thought to have a milder scent than some traditional nail polishes that smell strong because they contain solvents. This makes the experience better for people who are sensitive to strong smells.
Conclusion
In short, whether or not you want to get a gel manicure while pregnant is something you need to decide for yourself, with input from a healthcare provider. While it is not dangerous per se, there are some risks involved, and you must take precautions beforehand.
The perception of safety differs among pregnant women, and what may work effectively for one person may not be appropriate for another. To ensure a safer gel manicure experience, it is important to follow the recommended guidelines, select reputable salons, and stay informed about potential risks.