Some people wonder if you can get your nails done during pregnancy since polishes and polish removers contain many chemicals. Most experts agree that manicures and pedicures are safe during pregnancy. If you go to a professional salon with good safety standards, you can enjoy some pampering while you're expecting.
It's fine to have acrylic nails applied during pregnancy, as long as the room is well-ventilated with open windows or air conditioning. Acrylic nails give off fumes as they are being applied. If you are exposed to a lot of these fumes, it can make you nauseous or sick.
It is safe to have gel nails while you're pregnant, so long as you're careful about having them applied and removed. Bear in mind that if you're booked in for a planned caesarean section, your doctor or midwife will ask you to remove gel nails in advance.
UV Exposure
Keep in mind that pregnancy can make your skin more sensitive, so you might want to skip the UV-curing altogether and choose a UV-free gel manicure, or another type of polish.
Because the UVC radiation does not penetrate the skin, there will be no harm to you or your baby regardless of the time you were exposed to the UVC light. As a public health message, other types of UV radiation (UVA and UVB) are considered hazardous and one should minimize the amount of time of exposure.
Yes, but there are a few things to bear in mind. First, the fumes in a nail salon might make you feel sick in your first trimester, so it's probably better to wait until later down the line.
As with all chemicals, unnecessary exposure to acetone in pregnancy should be avoided. However, where occupational exposure is unavoidable, precautions should be taken to ensure that exposure is well within the recommended exposure limits and not associated with toxic symptoms.
Good news: getting your hair dyed while pregnant is considered safe, especially in the second and third trimesters. Since most hair dyes have little contact with your scalp, the chance of any chemicals reaching your bloodstream, and therefore your baby, is low.
Is It Safe for Baby? Getting a manicure during pregnancy is safe for you and your baby, provided you go to a clean, well-ventilated salon that uses safe, non-toxic products, says Andrea Chisholm, MD, an OB-GYN and member of Verywell Family's Review Board.
Exposure to UV radiation can cause damage to your skin, especially if you're exposed over time. For example, it can lead to premature wrinkles, age spots, and even skin cancer. But the FDA views nail curing lamps as low risk when used as directed by the label.
Yes, but there are a few things to bear in mind. First, the fumes in a nail salon might make you feel sick in your first trimester, so it's probably better to wait until later down the line.
Your best bet: Read polish labels and seek out brands that are water-based and non-toxic. Acrylics and gels. As for acrylics and gel treatments, their chemicals have not been found to be harmful to you or your baby.
Good news: getting your hair dyed while pregnant is considered safe, especially in the second and third trimesters. Since most hair dyes have little contact with your scalp, the chance of any chemicals reaching your bloodstream, and therefore your baby, is low.
While there is nothing wrong with shellac itself, it's the curing process that raises safety concerns. LED light lamps used to cure shellac emit UV rays, and extended exposure to UV rays can have potential side effects, including premature aging of the skin, age spots, and skin cancer.
Similar to gels, dip powder manicures last up to two weeks (some even longer). “Powder dips have been around for a long time and are a glue and acrylic powder type of enhancement,” says Stern. While they create an Insta-worthy look every time, it's worth noting that they come with a few downsides.
Jim McConnell, president at gel manufacturer Light Elegance, says, “The heat spike is a result of chemical bonds being formed during the curing process; this is called an exothermic reaction. Every time a bond is formed, heat is given off during the curing process.
For gel nails, take a break for a week at least once every eight weeks to allow the nails to rehydrate and to allow repair of the underlying structures. “An emollient applied directly to the nail and cuticle oil will also aid recovery,” said Batra.
Since gel nail polish can be worn for weeks on end without even the tiniest chip, stretching the life of your manicure is tempting. However, Hadley suggests removing a gel manicure after two to three weeks maximum to avoid damaging nail beds and cuticles.
The bottom line is that you don't need to skip your gel manicure because you are worried about skin cancer. The UV exposure in LED nail dryers is minuscule and is very unlikely to cause issues.
While gel might be cheaper at the outset, SNS typically lasts much longer. Where a gel manicure usually has a lifespan of about two weeks, SNS manicures can last four or more, especially if you make an extra effort to take care of your nails along the way.
If you're looking for a long-lasting manicure, you can't go wrong with either shellac or gel nails. Both manicure variations last between 10 and 14 days. But shellac nails are partially made with standard polish, so they're more vulnerable to chipping than gel nails.
Additionally, while Shellac appears to help avoid the damage to the nails caused by acrylics, SNS goes a step further, according to Vo. “SNS is positively good for nail health. The SNS dipping powder system is fortified with no less than four vitamins, plus the all-important mineral calcium.
Shellac vs gel: the low down on which is better
For longer lasting, with more colour options, choose gel. For shine and ease, choose shellac. Talk to your nail technician and they may also have individual recommendations for you.
The difference between Shellac and SNS nails is more about method than it is about results. Shellac, or gel nail polish, is painted on. SNS, or powder dip nails, is not painted on. Rather, you dip your fingers one-by-one into a little container of fine, coloured powder that sticks to your nails.