We know how frustrating it is to sit in the nail salon for hours, painstakingly waiting until your manicurist has completed your full set before looking down and realizing that you’ve smudged your nails.
Powder dip manicures — one of Pinterest’s top trends — boast long-lasting manicures that won’t crack or smudge. This trend has taken over most nail salons.
We are well aware of the pros of this nail polish alternative, but what about the cons? Here’s a breakdown of what you should know before you request a dipped manicure.
1. There’s No Harmless UV light
UV light isn’t a concern so much for skin cancer under the nail because light does not penetrate the nail completely. However, it’s still risky because the tops of the hands are being exposed to UV light, which over the long term could be very detrimental.
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A study from the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that during the gel manicure UV drying process, one’s hands take in an energy dose equal to the daylong recommended limit for outdoor workers.
RELATED: Post-Gel Manicure Nail Repair
2. A Longer-Lasting Mani Can Be Damaging To The Nail Beds
Powder gels have garnered favor because of how long they can maintain their integrity. There’s often not a chip, break, or smudge for up to five weeks.
But that longevity can actually be a detriment to the health of the natural nails. Problems under the nail or the skin around the nail are often hidden away under the pretty manicure and go longer without being detected.
3. Dipping Nails Into Powder Can Cause Harmful Infections
Often, manicurists push up their clients’ cuticles, trim the dead skin, clean the nails to remove excess oil so the dip will stick better, then dip the nails into the powder maybe 5-6 times until it has formed a strong layer over the nail.
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However, pushing the cuticle back may not be helpful, because it makes it easier for bacteria to
