What Manicure is Most Damaging to Nails?

Although getting a manicure at a nail salon may seem straightforward, the options can often be complicated and difficult to navigate. From choosing the color to whether or not getting acrylics installed, many decisions must be made prior to receiving one’s service.

But which manicure will cause the least harm to your nails? Read on!

Japanese Gel Manicure

Japanese gel manicures are beloved among clients due to their longevity and versatility. Lasting four weeks with proper care, these manicures can come in all colors including bold hues and designs for an impressive appearance.

Ponce also notes that, unlike traditional gel nail polishes, Japanese products tend to be solvent-free and utilize sanding-free bases, which prevent damage to natural nails. Furthermore, most brands offer a wider selection of colors less likely to chip or peel; plus most are vegan-friendly as well as free from formaldehyde and toluene emissions.

However, regardless of which gel manicure option you select, it is still wise to treat your nails gently in between treatments. Avoid using them as tools like opening cans and bottles with your nails as tools; keep cuticle oil hydrating them regularly; follow instructions from nail technicians on how to safely remove gel manicures to prevent brittle and weak nails forming later.

Paraffin Wax Manicure

Paraffin wax manicures are luxurious spa treatments for feet and hands. A nail tech melts paraffin wax – an odorless, colorless wax made of natural waxes – then soaks or brushes your hands in it, before covering them in plastic mittens and wraps so the warm wax hardens and seals in moisture and heat deep into the skin while simultaneously relieving pain, increasing circulation, and relieving stiffness.

Once your hands have dried off, the technician can peel away the wax and provide a standard manicure (cleaning, shaping and buffing your nails prior to painting them with regular or gel nail polish that lasts several days). Attention should also be paid to clipping cuticles and massaging hands with rich lotion. Finally, your nails can be painted with regular or gel nail polish.

Some salons provide eco-paraffin, which is less toxic and free from synthetic fragrances or additives, making it biodegradable and gentle on the environment when rinsed away.

Shellac Manicure

Shellac manicures provide those seeking long-lasting shine an excellent solution. Similar to gel manicures, but without as thick of a coat of polish on each nail.

Professional manicures are done under UV lights to activate photoinitiators in nail polish for proper adhesion and wear. This process activates photoinitiators that increase its adhesion.

Your nail professional will then apply a color layer of your choice – usually two or more coats until they reach desired opacity – before curing your nails under UV light for final curing.

As with a gel manicure, when wearing Shellac it’s important to be mindful and not pick at or peel away the polish as doing so damages both natural nails and can cause water seepage into cuticle pockets causing bacteria and fungus. Instead, if it begins lifting contact your salon for an acetone soak treatment.

Acrylic Manicure

Acrylic nails (commonly referred to as fake nails) offer those seeking strong and dramatic lengthening an option that’s safe, but damaging if applied improperly and removed improperly. When acrylics are misapplied or removed improperly, their use can cause the nail bed to become weak and brittle, potentially leading to onycholysis – a condition in which nails separate from skin causing onycholysis symptoms.

To prevent damage from acrylic nails, always seek professional removal from an experienced nail technician and wear gloves when engaging in activities that could potentially harm them like opening cans or hitting against surfaces.

Schedule fills every two or three weeks depending on your nails‘ regrowth to account for any lifting of acrylics, and moisturize daily – this will keep them looking their best and prevent chipping of manicure. Finally, top coat will protect from chipping.