Most beauty treatments come accompanied with a large flock of rumours. We’re happy to report that the only thing you need to think hard about when it comes to gel nails is the colour to get. Oh, us? We’re thinking of celebrating the spring with ultra violet.
-
1 Myth 1: you can’t swim with gel nails
There's no reason you can't hit the pool with gel nail extensions. Your gel polish should actually repel water, which will keep chlorine out. If you're worried, apply a top coat as a protective extra layer before taking a dip, and rinse off after in the shower.
-
2 Myth 2: the acetone will dry your nails out
So this one has a teeny bit of truth in it. The acetone used to remove the gel nail can dry them out – but only slightly. And nail polish remover has acetone in it too, so there's not much difference between regular nail polish and gel extensions. Plus, it's simple to reverse the drying – a regular dab of cuticle or almond oil will do the trick.
-
3 Myth 3: they're bad for your nails
False! Actually the opposite is true. Gel nail extensions add a durable protective layer to your natural nail. This can actually help prevent breakages or weakening of your own nails.
-
4 Myth 4: you can't get them if you bite your nails
Also false. Happily we live in a world where fake nails don't discriminate against nail-biters. They can actually help to break the habit – and they look prettier than covering your nails with sticky tape.
Conclusion? Get a gel mani right now (no excuses). With Treatwell, you can book beauty online at all your favourite salons – simple, hassle-free, and you can do it on the go. Discover amazing salons in your area.
FAQs
Can you go swimming with gel nails?
You can swim with gel nail extensions without damaging them. Gel polish repels water, which helps keep out chlorine. For extra protection, apply a top coat before swimming and rinse your hands in the shower afterward.
Does acetone completely dry out your nails when removing gel polish?
Acetone may dry out your nails slightly, but the effect is minimal. Regular nail polish remover contains acetone too, so there’s little difference to standard manicures. Applying cuticle or almond oil regularly will help keep nails healthy.
Are gel nails bad for your natural nails?
Gel nail extensions do not harm your natural nails—in fact, they can be protective. They add a durable layer to your nails, which helps prevent breakages or weakening.
Can you get gel nails if you bite your nails?
Yes, you can get gel nail extensions even if you bite your nails. Gel nails can help you break the nail-biting habit and offer a prettier alternative to covering your nails with tape.
Do you need to do anything special after swimming with gel nails?
It helps to rinse your hands in the shower after swimming with gel nails. This extra step removes any lingering chlorine and helps maintain your manicure’s shine and integrity.