DO GEL LAMPS CAUSE CANCER (& SHOULD YOU ACTUALLY APPLY SUNSCREEN BEFORE YOUR APPT?)

It's 2023 and studies are still being done on the great debate of whether or not gel manicures are causing cancer. There's also been trending advice in recent weeks that you should apply sunscreen to your hands prior to your nail appointment. Well, as a nail professional who is not only experienced, but has also done some deep diving research for you, let's answer these burning questions truthfully, shall we?

When gel manicures first became the next go-to service, nail lamps were predominantly UV, or a hybrid of UVLED. Nowadays, gel lamps are turning to LED-only. Now take note that this isn't because of health and safety concerns, but for nail products themselves. Certain brands can only be cured using LED (or only UV). LED lamps also cure faster and last longer.

Nevertheless, there is still concern about both types of lamps emitting cancer causing wavelengths. While yes, it is true, that both types of lamps emit UV radiation, they do so in different ways. LED lamps produce narrower wavelengths compared to UV lamps. But wait, here's the real kicker: neither of these wavelengths actually emit enough radiation to cause cancer. Gel nail lamps, when compared to tanning beds, microwaves, beach vacays, and everyday life, emit less radiation than these! Multiple Harvard studies have confirmed that it is completely safe to get your nails done! If this isn't enough reassurance just sit on this: you experience more UV exposure when walking from your car into the nail salon!

Now, what about this trending recommendation of applying sunscreen to your hands right before your manicure? As The Healthier Nail Tech I am all about client safety! I would never do anything to compromise my client's overall health. So, for those of you who are truly concerned about lamp radiation, I recommend purchasing manicure gloves on Amazon for about $5-$15, BUT, for the love of all nail techs PLEASE, do not apply sunscreen prior to your appointment!!

The reason being this: applying any type of product to your hands prior to your nail appointment will compromise the longevity of your nails. Professional nail techs thoroughly cleanse your nails (prep) as the first step intentionally. When the nails have creams, oils, even cuticle left on the nail plate, this leads to shorter retention, lifting, & nails popping off.

What blows my mind most about these myths and incorrect nail advice from non-nail professionals is that it's our most "trusted" medical professionals leading the fear mongering. I have no idea what they have to gain by tearing down the nail industry, but it needs to stop. If you truly care about your health, it does not start with what you put on your dead nail plate, but what you put in your living body (like the Starbucks you're grabbing when you're already late). It's silly to compare the sun's rays to those of an LED lightbulb. If you're going to start wearing sunscreen now, 1. make sure it's a non-toxic brand & 2. make sure you apply it full body on a daily basis, even if you're just staying home for the day (the sun's radiation penetrates through windows & cloudy days as well!)