What is the Healthiest Manicure to Get?

Finding the ideal manicure may not always be straightforward. Here, learn about popular nail services, how they affect your nails and how to select a healthier manicure option.

Natural nails, gel with non-toxic polish and BIAB overlay are the safest options for manicures. When booking your appointment with a trained technician and taking breaks between services to avoid long-term damage.

Natural

For optimal nail health, opt for manicures that use non-toxic polish without artificial nails or acrylics. “5-free” and “7-free” polishes should be preferred to avoid products containing chemicals which could deteriorate nails over time.

Natural nail polishes tend to outlast traditional polish, although they may chip more quickly. To maximize their lifespan and extend its lifetime between manicure sessions, cuticle oil can help prolong its longevity.

Buffed manicures are another excellent way to maintain healthy nails. This type of treatment uses multiple grits of buffer to buff and shine the natural nail, keeping it strong and resilient. But as with any nail treatment, proper application and removal techniques must be observed for best results.

Gel

Gel nails provide a safe and long-term option when applied correctly, yet the type of polish used can make an enormous difference to its effects on your nails‘ health.

Search for formulas that are odour-free, 3-free (no HEMA), and 12-free (no endocrine disruptors or sensitizing monomers) for optimal results. Green Flash gel polishes offer excellent solutions as they contain no photoinitiators or low-level carcinogens while being up to 84% bio-sourced!

Natural [buffed] manicures using non-toxic polish are the healthiest option; however, for more dramatic and longer-term styles BIAB or acrylic overlay can provide stunning beauty while supporting healthy nails. Just be sure to use gentle removal methods and give them breaks between sets.

BIAB

If you’re seeking a manicure that not only looks fantastic, but supports healthy nails as well, consider opting for natural or BIAB manicure. Both services use gentle products without harsh chemicals or UV curing – though both require careful removal techniques and time between appointments.

A BIAB manicure utilizes Builder in a Bottle (BIAB), an acrylic-free soft gel formula. BIAB’s protective layer acts as an aid in encouraging natural nail growth while remaining thin enough for regular manicures and polishes to dry underneath it, encouraging natural nails to continue flourishing beneath. Popular among celebrities like JLo and Dua Lipa as well as clients struggling to grow their own natural nails naturally, this method works wonders for nail biters as well as clients with trouble growing them naturally – lasting up to 4 weeks before needing full soak-off/new set every 3-4 appointments for best results.

Dip Powder

Dip powder nails may seem like the ideal long-term manicure solution; they require no UV light and can be found at most salons. Unfortunately, their chemical components can damage natural nails. Repetitive use of acetone and excess filing can strip nails of protective oils necessary for healthy nail growth and lead to brittleness or hinder natural nail growth; especially concerning for those who suffer from sensitivities or respiratory conditions.

Dip manicures may introduce bacteria and fungi, creating the ideal environment for nail infections. Though durable manicures can be achieved using dips, they’re not necessarily healthy options.

Acrylic

Acrylic nails are an increasingly popular option. Their strong chemicals and adhesives may result in thin or brittle nails when applied improperly; additionally, breaks must be taken between sets to avoid potential damage to nails.

Gel and BIAB manicures can be healthier alternatives to acrylics; however, their removal must be performed carefully using appropriate soaking techniques so as to not damage natural nails.

No matter which type of manicure you select, the ideal treatment should not harm or damage your nails. If your nails are weak and vulnerable to breakage, using progressive grits to buff is ideal in strengthening them and reducing breakage. Incorporating non-toxic polishes and taking proper care with nail care habits are keys to having healthy, long-lasting nails.