Nothing matches up to a good day spent at the salon getting your nails done. It’s a state of absolute bliss and gives you a chance to pamper yourself. The result often is lovely, and you can’t seem to keep your eyes off of your nails. Then be it while picking up a cup of coffee or while typing, everything looks just so perfect and neat. But is it really that perfect? Are gel nails actually helpful for your nails or do they do more harm than doing good to them? These are a few questions that often creep up in our minds and haunt us. But that’s what our job is, to keep you aware; here are a few busted myths about gel nails that are doing the rounds and have absolutely no truth to them.
“UV light during a manicure exposes you to skin cancer”
Gel manicures require exposure to UV light to cure and harden them and make them last longer. But it is often said that exposure to UV light during your manicure increases the risks of skin cancer. But the fact is that the exposure that is given to you during your gel nails process is very brief and almost negligible as compared to any skin cancer-causing level. It is only a problem for people who are highly sensitive to UV light. Other than that you’re good to go. If you’re still apprehensive about it, you can either apply a strong blocking moisturizer or wear gloves without fingertips. It helps you in every way.
“Getting your cuticles cut”
Getting your cuticles cut is probably the easy way around, but it’s not always the safest. Cuticles are that part of your nail plate that protects it from bacteria and infection. It’s important you ask them not to cut it and instead have them pushed back. Getting your cuticles cut is somewhat unnecessary and imposes a higher risk of infection. Why go for something that can be avoided? Cuticles help in keeping your nails healthy and protect them. It’s a natural hindrance for yeast and fungal infections. That’s why most technicians ask you whether you want them removed or not before going ahead.
“Let your nails breathe”
One common misconception people have regarding gel nails is that the nails would be cut off from the air and be blocked from oxygen and water altogether. However, even if that’s the case, you don’t have to worry about it. Because nails, to begin with, are made of tough protective protein, and they receive nutrients and oxygen from the bloodstream. Nails don’t breathe; it is like a roof for your fingertips. However, it’s possible that you might want to take a break from manicures and keep them clean from all kinds of nail paints for a while.
“Soak up your nails in water before applying nail paint”
One common advice given around is that you should soak up your nails in water before you apply nail polish. However, it’s not the best advice you could receive. Soaking up your nails makes them soft and prone to infections. Also, it makes it difficult for nail polish to stick to it and takes longer to dry, which again can cause dents. So it’s far better to go ahead with dry nails.
Now that we’ve got all your apprehensions covered, go ahead and have a relaxing time at your nail salon.