Congratulations on your pregnancy! I also have some exciting news to share. I recently found out that I'm expecting a wee bairn in March! Like other moms-to-be, I want healthy nails and a great manicure, but pregnancy is a time to be more critical of the products we use in our beauty treatments.
One question that often comes up among pregnant women is whether gel manicures are safe. What are the potential risks? Do I have to stay out of the nail salon? As a professional nail technician and expectant mom myself, I'm here with the info you need to make the best decision for you and your growing baby.
Are Gel Manicures Safe During Pregnancy?
TLDR: Yes, gel manicures are safe during pregnancy, but for peace of mind, ask your nail tech questions about the type of products used before booking. If you are concerned about the smell or fumes, it might be a good idea to wear an N95 mask to your appointment.
Among expectant mothers, these seem to be the most common safety concerns:
Are Gel Manicure Chemical Compounds Safe?
This is likely your main concern, and the short answer is YES! Gel manicure nail products are safe and are not known to cause negative effects. However, I want to address two exceptions:
1. Methyl methacrylate monomer, or MMA, is prohibited in the US, but if you are unsure what products are used by your nail techs, please don't be shy about asking them. I personally use only EMA (ethyl methacrylate) products. The safety of EMA is backed by extensive scientific research because this polymer is so commonly used - from everyday household plastics to medical and dental devices and implants.
2. Gel polishes are typically removed by a soak-off method, which involves immersing the nails in acetone. To avoid the acetone, please request an E-file removal. Due to the dust created, I recommend wearing an N95 mask for this process.
What About UV Exposure?
UV lamps are used to cure gel nail polish. Overexposure to UV rays is known to increase the risk of skin cancer and premature aging, but the amount of UV exposure during a gel manicure is incredibly small. Still, if you are concerned about this, applying sunscreen to your hands before your appointment is a great way to protect your skin.
Strong Fumes and Odors
Pregnancy can cause a heightened sense of smell, as well as aversions to certain odors, which can cause nausea. Here are some practical ways to mitigate this:
Pregnancy Hormones and Nail Health
Pregnancy hormones can affect the health and appearance of nails. Many women find that their nails grow faster and become stronger during pregnancy, thanks to rising levels of estrogen and increased circulation. The extra hormones cause nails to retain more keratin and water, making them thicker.
On the flip side, some pregnant women experience the exact opposite: nails become brittle, soft, and prone to splitting and peeling. If your nails seem more fragile, keep them trimmed, avoid harsh manicures, and use a strengthening oil or treatment.
What does this mean in terms of gel manicures?
- Faster growth means more frequent manicures: If your nails are growing faster, your gel mani will also grow out more quickly, exposing the nail plate. This might require getting gel manicures more frequently to keep them looking neat and fresh.
- Thicker, stronger nails provide a better base for gel polish: The extra keratin and water retention that makes pregnant women's nails thicker and stronger can actually be beneficial for gel manicures. Thicker nails provide a sturdier base for the gel polish to adhere to, which helps the manicure to last longer and be less likely to chip and/or peel.
- Changes in nail shape may affect the fit of the gel polish: Pregnancy hormones can cause changes not only in nail thickness but also in nail shape, making some women's nails wider, curved, or dry and brittle. If the shape of your nails changes, it could impact how well the gel polish fits and adheres to the nail. If this is the case for you, ask your nail tech about a structured gel manicure.
Risk of Bacterial and Fungal Infections
This is a common concern even when not pregnant, let's be honest! We've all heard stories. But the truth is, this risk can be more serious during pregnancy.
The hormonal changes I mentioned above can sometimes cause the nails to become brittle, dry and prone to splitting and peeling, which can create small cracks in the skin around the nail bed. If the nail technician is not properly sanitizing tools or if the salon has poor hygiene practices, bacteria and fungi can get into these areas and lead to an infection. Pregnancy also suppresses the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off any invading germs.
Symptoms of a nail infection include redness, swelling, pus, and pain around the nail. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the surrounding skin. To reduce the risk, make sure to choose a reputable salon that follows strict sanitation protocols, and don't be afraid to ask about their cleaning practices for tools. If you're concerned, ask your nail tech to skip trimming or pushing back the cuticles, as this can create more openings for bacteria. If you notice any signs of an infection, seek appropriate treatment right away.
Alternatives to Gel Polish
If you're still concerned about the safety of gel products, here are a few alternatives:
The Wrap Up
There you have it. The consensus is that gel manicures are considered safe, but if you have concerns, there are practical ways to address them. Take a risk assessment, ask questions, and plan accordingly.
Wishing you a happy, healthy pregnancy. Enjoy this special time!
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