IF you are someone who loves getting their nails done, then you’ll want to listen up immediately.
Although getting a regular mani is a lovely treat, it can actually be quite damaging to your nails and hands too.
As a result, we spoke to Caroline Brooks, skin expert and founder of The Glass House Salon & Spa, to understand the damage your weekly manicure is actually doing.
It comes after the recent warning from dermatologists – that popular nail gel polishes are causing an increase in the number of people developing “life-changing” allergies that could prevent them from having certain operations.
Experts warned that chemicals in nail gel polishes, which are methacrylates, can seep into the skin and cause an allergic reaction.
Symptoms of such a reaction include nails becoming loosened from the nail bed and the skin around the nails developing a severe rash.
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Appearing on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Dr Deirdre Buckley, a consultant dermatologist from Bath, said: “[Symptoms] can range from the nails loosening to falling off, it can include a severe rash on the face, the neck, the upper chest.
“People can have trouble breathing or asthma can be worsened. Even worse, they can become sensitive to acrylates in other things, which can have implications in dentistry or if they’re diabetic or for orthopaedic surgery, and it’s a life-long sensitisation,” she added.
Beauty whizz Carole Brooks then told Fabulous: “Getting your nails done with acrylics, gels, or other artificial enhancements can be a great way to enhance your natural nails and make them look beautiful.
“However, these treatments can also cause damage to your hands and nails if done improperly or too frequently.
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“Acrylics are a popular option for those looking for long-lasting, durable nails. However, the acrylics themselves can be very harsh on the natural nail.
“The filing and buffing required to prepare the nail for application can cause damage to the nail bed, leading to weak, thin, and brittle nails.
“Gel nails are another popular option for those looking for longer-lasting nail treatments. While they are less damaging to the natural nail than acrylics, they still require some buffing and filing to prepare the nail bed.
“Additionally, the UV light used to cure the gel polish can be harmful to the skin on your hands.
“UV light used for gel manicures is generally safe but as with all UV light, there is a very small risk you could increase ageing skin and see premature lines and wrinkles IF used too often (say every day instead of bi-weekly or weekly).”
If you are someone who regularly gets their nails done, you’ll want to take note of Caroline’s expert advice.
She continued: “To combat the damage done to your nails, there are a few things you can do.
“First, make sure you are going to a reputable salon or nail technician who is properly trained in the application and removal of these treatments.
“It is also important to take breaks between treatments to allow your natural nails to recover and strengthen.
“In addition to proper application and removal, it is important to keep your hands and nails hydrated.
“This can be done by using hand cream regularly and incorporating cuticle oil into your nail care routine.
“Wearing SPF on your hands will help and will provide some protection.
“Fingerless gloves are a great option if you’re concerned about premature ageing or UV damage.
“Also ensure you invest in a good hand cream and look out for skin hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to lock the moisture in.
“Additionally, choosing nail polish brands that are free from harmful chemicals can help reduce the overall damage caused by artificial nail treatments.
“Overall, while getting your nails done with acrylics, gels, or other enhancements can be a great way to enhance your natural nails, it is important to be aware of the potential damage these treatments can cause.
“Taking proper care of your hands and nails and allowing them to recover between treatments can help minimise this damage and keep your natural nails healthy and strong.”
For those that regularly visit a salon for a manicure, according to Caroline, you must take breaks to allow your nails to rest.
She advised: “It is generally recommended that you take a break from gel manicures for at least two weeks every two to three months to allow your nails to breathe and regenerate.
“Prolonged and continuous usage of gel manicure can weaken the nails and cause damage.
“Additionally, it's important to make sure your nails are properly hydrated and nourished between manicures to avoid brittleness and breakage.
“It's always best to consult with a nail care professional for personalised recommendations based on your specific nail health needs.”
But this isn’t the first time we have learnt about the damage of getting your nails done.
Back in January, a woman issued a stark warning about the dangers of constantly getting infills without taking a break, as she showed off the gross consequences.
TikTok user Pheebs (@cleancookfun) shared a snap of her nails – and people were horrified.
The short clip, which went viral on social media, saw the young woman's nails covered in olive green and brown spots.
''Feel so manky,'' she chuckled in the caption, explaining that her obsession with fresh manicure had left her with a severe case of fungal infection.
But Pheebs wasn’t the only woman to have reacted badly after having her nails done.
Back in 2019, then 17-year-old Paige Belfied, claimed that she endured half an hour of agonising pain when getting her acrylic nails done at a salon in Canterbury, Kent.
She explained that the nail technician filed the nails to the point where they were bleeding before going in with the acrylics.
But her skin was left incredibly sore and was even bleeding as a result of the procedure.
Her nails were left 'shredded' and Paige is now urging other women to do more research before booking in for salon treatments.
Another woman that had a nightmare nail experience was Kirsty Conner, 31, from London, who just a few weeks ago suffered severe blisters and swelling following a gel manicure.
The nail technician from Beckenham also used to provide gel manicures to around 20 clients a week and had built up a sizable collection of 300 gel polishes in the ten years she had been offering the treatment.
But after years of using the gel-based polish, she noticed that her nails were becoming itchy and lifting away.
Later, the 31-year-old noticed blisters appearing on her hands, and her arms and eyes began to swell.
She quickly started struggling to breathe and eventually called an ambulance.
Once in A&E Kirsty was told that she had developed an allergic reaction to the substances commonly found in gel polishes, which help the colour to harden under an ultraviolet lamp.
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Kirsty said: "The doctors at the hospital said it was quite a common problem.
"I had been using the big high street brands for years and I had never heard of it so I want to raise awareness."
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