Has anyone tried Gel Polish?

sterna0629

While at the salon last week, I noticed they offer "gel" polish services. I'm assuming it's safe during pregnancy, but wanted to check in with my fellow bump mommies and mommies-to-be so see if they've heard otherwise?

 Thanks a lot!!

lindsayandjamie

I've used shellac polish while pregnant, I assume it's the same thing? It is amazing in that it lasts for a few weeks before it grows out or starts to peel. I think it's worse for you to sit in a nail salon and breath all the fumes than just using this polish. I'll be getting another mani tomorrow with shellac to celebrate my due date passing. If baby wants to stay in, mommy is going to treat herself.

ErinR2012

I read an article in a women's magazine (sorry can't remember which one...maybe Good Housekeeping?) that listed 5 reasons its bad for you.  The main things I took away from it were that there are harmful chemicals in the gel polish (not sure how much worse they are than regular nail polish though), the exposure to UV light used to set the gel isn't good for you over time, and the acetone needed to remove the gel polish is damaging to your skin and natural nails.  So, although I might get it once or twice a year for a special occasion or something, I personally wouldn't do on a regular basis, and probably not while I'm pregnant.  Just my opinion though, I'll be interested to hear what others have to say.

Bonidiebabe

I had it done quite a few times. I was 17 weeks PG when I got married. I had it done on fingers and toes. It has its pros and cons. I have not heard anywhere that you should not have it done during PG, but i have chossen to not get it done or visit the nail salon anymore (too stinky) until Dilan comes.

It is extremely hard to get off. If you use acetone, it has to soak on there for at least 10 min. That is really bad for your skin. If you use a dremel (sp?) tool to grind it off it doesn't really get all of it. If you peel it off, it peels the layer of real nail underneath too. I agree with PP reasons to avoid it.

The main reason why I don't see a point in getting gel right now is cuz it costs a little more and grows out too fast. While on the prenatals my nails grow faster than it takes for the polish to wear off or chip.  It cannot be filled.

JillyOlsen

I schedule a manicure every 2-3 weeks and have been using Shellac (gel) polish throughout the pregnancy. 

Middlesnpoddles

Yes! And I love it!

lissag24

I work in a spa that offers the shellac polish, the amount of UV light that you are exposed to is equal or less then 1 minute in the sun. It is a very very low risk you keep your hands in there for 30 seconds. Its not something I would do all the time because I believe you should allow your nails some time to breath but I do feel it is a better option then having fake nails put on.   There isn't a risk to having it done while your pregnant.

MrandMrsHull

It's no worse than regular polish. I plan on getting a shellac/gel polish done closer to y due date so that I don't have to keep painting mine right after she is born.

Mrs.Wifey318

I have been using it for the past few months. My MIL bought the light and my SILs and I do manicures about once every two weeks. I love it and it is totally safe!

gervaisj6

I am a cosmetology instructor. The gel polishes have way less fumes than the acrylic gels.  They are applied straight form he bottle.  The typles of gel polishes that are TRUE gel polishes are- creative nail design's Shellac, Opi's new gel polish (can't remember name) and one called Gelish.  These DO NOT require you to have your nails drilled for an application. I like them for that reason- your nails aren't screwed up after an application.  They are like nail polish on steroids...  

They only require a uv light for 2 minutes. to soak off, acetone for about 5-10 minutes.  Real acrylics require a soak off for about 30- 60 minutes. I actually have gel polish on my nails now. I like it because it is quick. no drills, less smell- actually to me- it smells like regular nail polish.    

Beener0514

I've had Shellac on my fingernails for almost half of this pregnancy now and love it. In fact, I am going in this week to have them redone and will probably have it done an additional time after that before the baby arrives. It strengthens my weak nails and looks great for 2 weeks, sometimes longer. I swear by this stuff!

had720

lindsayandjamie:

I've used shellac polish while pregnant, I assume it's the same thing? It is amazing in that it lasts for a few weeks before it grows out or starts to peel. I think it's worse for you to sit in a nail salon and breath all the fumes than just using this polish. I'll be getting another mani tomorrow with shellac to celebrate my due date passing. If baby wants to stay in, mommy is going to treat herself.

Same here. I have also use gelish and it is the the same as Shellac just different company. I have it on now and have for over two weeks. I love to be able to have color on my nails and not chip the next day. It is more than average manicure, but worth it imo.

elizxu

I just read an article in Good Housekeeping when I was at my OB and it said we should avoid this stuff for a variety of reason. And not just during pregnancy. Some brands need UV light to "set" the polish, and while the expose is small, it's unnecessary. The acetone needed to remove it can cause brittle, fragile nails. I tried the stuff once and my nail peeled for weeks afterwards.

Stef33

I've gotten a few manicures since I've been pregnant. I was told it was fine as long as I don't have prolonged exposure to the chemicals (sitting in the salon for 3 hours or something). I've gotten the gel manicure most recently and really liked it. Manicures never last on me, they chip within 2 days but the gel lasted about 2 weeks. I have the bad habit of chewing/picking at my nails so they didn't need to remove it when I went in again because most of it was gone. I recommend it.

gervaisj6

https://shellacblog.com/2010/10/qa-5-is-shellac-safe-for-pregnant-women/