Taking a Gel Break | Industry Musings
My clients nails, after removing a Luminary Gel Overlay
Taking a gel break is pretty common, but not always for the reasons people think.
Let's start with the elephant firmly planted in the middle of the room: your nails don't breathe and they don't require a break.
Nails get their oxygen and nutrients from your bloodstream, not the air around them. Assuming you're using quality products, not experiencing an allergic reaction, and your nails aren't damaged, there's no medical reason your nails need to "rest" between gel manicures.
That said, there are plenty of reasons you might decide to take a gel break.
And that's okay too.
Reasons You Might Take a Gel Break
You're Unable to Keep a Maintenance Schedule
Maybe you're backpacking through Europe for months. Maybe funds are tight and manicures aren't an expense you can justify right now. Maybe you just had a baby and the thought of leaving the house for a few hours sounds exhausting.
Your reasons are your own.
We'll be glad to see you when you're ready to come back.
Your Nail Plate Is Damaged
I'm not talking about a few scratches here and there.
I'm talking about nails that have been filed into oblivion, a traumatic injury, or a medical issue that's affecting product adhesion.
Depending on the situation, taking a break may be a requirement rather than a choice.
You've Experienced an Allergic Reaction
If your nails are itchy, red, blistered, peeling, swollen, or tender, see a doctor.
While beauty professionals can't diagnose allergic reactions, we can tell you that they're not something to ignore.
If you're a nail professional, contact allergies can impact your ability to work. If you're a client, untreated allergies can become increasingly severe over time.
If something doesn't feel right, get it checked out.
My Own Gel Break
Personally, I decided to take a gel break for the month of December.
When I'm off duty, I want to be OFF DUTY.
I don't want to sit at my nail desk after hours fixing a broken nail or rebalancing my own overlay.
God bless my nail friends who can go six weeks between appointments, but I'm a solid two-weeker. Three weeks max, and that's pushing it.
As a side note, I also do not recommend filing off your gel over your kitchen trash can after a few glasses of wine at 9 p.m. on a Sunday.
Seriously.
There's a reason I don't do my own nails at home.
I'm way too impatient.
So You've Decided to Take a Gel Break. Now What?
Gentle Product Removal
If you're unable to see your nail technician, take your time.
File through as much of the color as possible until you reach the base coat. Saturate a cotton ball with acetone, wrap the nail in foil or a removal clip, and wait at least ten minutes before checking.
Only remove product that is ready to release. Don't force it.
Repeat as needed until the product has safely broken down.
Cut Them Down
Unless you're one of those magical humans who can grow long natural nails without breaking them, you'll probably want to shorten them.
Using a medium-to-fine grit file, shape from the outside toward the center rather than sawing back and forth.
Push Back Your Cuticles
A few times a week, gently push back your cuticles after a shower or bath.
Easy peasy.
Cuticle Oil Is Your New Religion
Repeat after me:
In cuticle oil we trust.
Use it at least twice a day.
Personally, I keep it everywhere. My purse. My car. Around the house.
I've been known to apply cuticle oil at stoplights.
No judgment.
Amen.
Avoid Excessive Treatments
Most people don't need nail strengtheners, and overusing them can actually make nails more brittle over time.
The best things you can do for your nails are surprisingly boring:
Eat nutritious foods
Stay hydrated
Use cuticle oil consistently
Personally, I usually reach for regular nail polish when I'm taking a break.
It reminds me of being a teenager and discovering glitter polish for the first time.
Whether your gel break was intentional or unintentional, I'll be on the sidelines cheering you on.
And when you're ready to come back, don't worry.
