There are so many trends to follow nowadays that it’s hard to keep up with them all, especially because of social media. Social media will influence you like no other to try the new and latest trend and if you’re subjected to it, then good luck to your wallet. With there being so many new trends floating around, it’s hard to really decide which one may be worth it to try. When everyone is raving about something online you have to ask yourself, do people actually like what’s trending or are they just trying to fit in? Then, you have to think about what trends you should try and what trends you should avoid. Not everything that’s new is good for you and your body and one of these specific new trends might be exactly that.
Ever Tried Gel X?
What is Gel X? Gel X is a new and healthier version of acrylic nails. They’re a soft gel polish nail with the length of an acrylic or press-on nail. This type of extension goes directly on your nail bed with a protective layer that is placed on your nail before the extension.
Then once both are placed properly and aligned evenly with your nail, it is then cured under a UV light for 30-60 seconds. These types of extensions can be shaped to your desired liking just like press-ons and actual acrylic nails.
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Gel X nails can last up to three to four weeks depending on how well you take care of your nails. The plus to getting gel X is that they have a more natural look to them compared to acrylic nails and press-ons. They’re not as bulky as the other two so it can look like the extension is your natural nail.
RELATED: How to Remove Acrylic Nails Safely at Home
How It’s A Better Alternative To Acrylic
Since gel X is similar to getting a gel manicure, there are fewer steps and chemicals involved. With acrylic nails, there are a lot of products that are used that can be harmful to your nails.
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For example, the drilling that nail technicians have to do can cause a lot of damage to your nail bed over time if your nail technician does not know how to properly and safely use the drill on your nail bed.
There are also harmful chemicals that can be found in acrylic solutions such as methyl methacrylate, which is not only bad for your actual nails but bad for your health as well.
Unfortunately, there are many salons known as “chop shops” that still use this harmful chemical that the FDA has constantly warned people about and banned from being used.
Gek X is also a better alternative to acrylic because the service does not take as long to do compared to acrylic. A full set of gel X nails will take a maximum of an hour and 30 minutes while a full set of acrylic nails will take a minimum of two hours to complete. You waste less time and aren’t subjected to as many steps and chemicals, which means you can get more done rather than spending the entire day in the nail salon.
How It Can Be Better For Your Health
Since gel X extensions use fewer chemicals and fewer steps, it’s a lot safer for your health. You’re not being subjected to inhaling toxins such as toluene and acetonitrile, which can cause skin and eye irritation, and kidney damage.
They can also cause respiratory issues such as lung cancer in the future depending on how frequently you get your nails done because not only are you inhaling these bad chemicals but you’re also inhaling a lot of dust from the drilling and filing of the acrylic.
RELATED: The UV Lights From Your Gel Manicure Can Lead to Cancer
The Downsides To Gel X
Just like any nail service, there are downsides to getting gel X. Over time, this type of extension could possibly damage your nail bed if you are not removing them properly every time you get ready to take them off.
Then, there is the exposure to the UV light, which can be damaging to your skin and lead to cancer, although this is a risk that is very low.
Though there are downsides to gel X, there are a lot more good things about this service if you’re looking for a way to enhance your nail length naturally.
Doing your research and finding the right technician is key to long-lasting and healthy nails so you decide if this trend is one you should try or one you should avoid.
