Artificial Nails: Health Risks and Recommendations

Artificial nails, whether made of gels, acrylics, or gel polishes, have become popular as a fashion statement and a way to create longer-lasting and aesthetically pleasing nails. However, behind their beauty lie potential health risks that can seriously affect the health of your natural nails and skin. In this article, we will explore the key risks associated with the use of artificial nails and offer advice on how to protect your health while enjoying manicures.

Types of Artificial Nails

• Gel nails are made from (meth)acrylates and can be applied to natural nails or used for extensions. They need to be hardened under a UV lamp and cannot be removed by soaking, but must be filed down.
• Acrylic nails are prepared in the salon, applied to the natural nail, or used for added length. They are left to harden in the air and are removed by soaking in acetone.
• Gel polish is a hybrid mixture of gel and nail polish with a similar consistency to regular nail polish. After application, it must be hardened under a UV lamp and is removed by soaking in acetone (British Association of Dermatologists, 2023).

Health Risks Associated with Artificial Nails

1. Damage to Natural Nails

To ensure acrylic nails "stay," the surface of your natural nails must be roughened, which thins the natural nails, making them weaker (American Academy of Dermatology, n.d.). Soaking your fingers in acetone to remove acrylic/gel nails dries out the natural nails and can cause skin irritation, and acetone can also be absorbed into the bloodstream. Some gel nails need to be filed, which can weaken natural nails and make them thin and brittle (Fields, 2024). These damages can cause discoloration of the nails, such as whitening (pseudoleukonichia). The removal process can also cause damage to natural nails, creating ridges at the edges and damage to capillaries beneath. In some cases, onycholysis may occur, where the nail separates from the nail bed, creating space for infections such as paronychia (Taylor, 2024).

Recommendation: Choose gel nails that can be removed by soaking, as they are more flexible than acrylics and cause less damage to natural nails. Use artificial nails only for special occasions to give your natural nails time to recover. Do not remove nails yourself, but visit a professional (American Academy of Dermatology, n.d.).

2. Development of Bacterial and Fungal Infections

Gels, acrylic nails, and polishes are banned in clinical settings because the spaces under the nails and damage to the polish can harbor bacteria, which can be transmitted between staff and patients (Taylor, 2024). Medical staff who wear artificial nails during surgery preparation expose patients to a higher risk of post-surgical infections because artificial nails can trap microorganisms and cannot be effectively cleaned like natural nails. Surgical gloves may not always prevent the spread of these organisms, and there have been cases where artificial nails caused infections and even death. Therefore, it is advised that staff preparing for surgery should not wear artificial nails (Porteous, 2002).

If artificial nails are left on too long, moisture can accumulate beneath them, creating favorable conditions for fungal growth (onychomycosis). Changes to natural nails caused by a fungal infection are often hidden beneath the acrylic, allowing the infection to progress unnoticed (Taylor, 2024).

Recommendation: If you have had fungal nail infections, avoid artificial nails, especially using them to cover nail problems (Fields, 2024). Ask the manicurist to skip cutting your cuticles, as they protect nails from infections, and cutting them can increase the risk of bacterial infections (American Academy of Dermatology, n.d.).

3. Allergic Reactions

The chemicals used to bond or remove artificial nails can irritate your skin, causing redness, pus, or swelling around your nails. Acrylates, the ingredient that helps harden acrylic nails, are often associated with contact dermatitis (Fields, 2024). Allergy to acrylates is becoming an increasingly common issue, especially among manicurists who work with these materials daily. Unlike dentists and orthopedists who also use acrylates, manicurists are often unaware of the risks posed by these materials. For example, many are not aware that monomers can pass through latex gloves, increasing the risk of allergic reactions, which is why more detailed training for manicurists is necessary (Van den Beukel, 2023).

Recommendation: If you experience an allergic reaction, it is advised to stop using the product that caused the allergy and consult a dermatologist for treatment. Consider alternatives like gel nails or opt for natural nail care. Preventing nail product allergies involves being aware of the products you are using and taking steps to limit exposure to potential allergens. This includes choosing hypoallergenic products, performing patch tests, and maintaining good nail hygiene (Wyndly Care Team, 2025).

4. Increased Risk of Skin Cancer

Although many factors contribute to the risk of cancer, there have been cases where skin cancer has been linked to UV lamps used for nails. Gel nails are hardened with a special device that emits UVA light, which hardens the gel and transforms it into solid polymers. Since most people get their nails done every few weeks and the hardening process lasts about ten minutes, this significantly increases exposure to UVA light. While the back of the hands is naturally more resistant to UV radiation, it is uncovered by clothing and is often forgotten when applying sunscreen. When applied, sunscreen is often washed off and not reapplied. Additionally, the adhesive used for acrylic nails, which bonds to the natural nail, typically contains alcohol, cyanoacrylate, and photo-bonded methacrylate, along with formaldehyde, a known carcinogen (Taylor, 2024).

Recommendation: Choose a salon with LED lamps (instead of UV), as they emit less UV radiation and cure the gel more quickly (American Academy of Dermatology, n.d.). You can also reduce the risk of UV exposure by applying sunscreen with a high SPF 30 minutes before your manicure and wearing dark, fingerless gloves during the process (Taylor, 2024).

It is important to note that risks are especially pronounced when products are improperly applied, or nails are not sufficiently hardened, which is why at-home artificial nail kits (without knowledge of proper use and medical risks) are not recommended. Furthermore, latex and PVC gloves do not provide protection against these chemicals, which is why experts recommend using nitrile gloves (British Association of Dermatologists, 2023).

Conclusion

Artificial nails can be a great way to enhance your appearance and express your personal style, but it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks they carry. Damage to natural nails, bacterial and fungal infections, allergic reactions, and even increased skin cancer risk are just some of the challenges you might face. However, with proper attention, education, and the choice of safe products, you can enjoy manicures without compromising the health of your nails and skin. It is important to always choose professionals who understand these risks, use hypoallergenic and safe materials, and follow recommendations for UV radiation protection. Ultimately, finding the balance between beauty and health is key, and proper care of artificial nails will allow you to enjoy your style without the risks.

*This text is for informational purposes only. If you experience any symptoms, it is recommended to seek advice from your doctor or qualified health professional.

References:

• American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). How to reduce artificial nail damage. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/nail-care-secrets/basics/pedicures/reduce-artificial-nail-damage
• Porteous J. (2002). Artificial nails... very real risks. Canadian operating room nursing journal, 20(3), 16–21.
• British Association of Dermatologists. (2023, April 14). Dermatologists reiterate artificial nails warning and risk of at-home kits. British Association of Dermatologists. https://www.bad.org.uk/dermatologists-reiterate-artificial-nails-warning-and-risk-of-at-home-kits/
• Van den Beukel, S. (2023, November 24). UVA, dentist and dermatologist warn against artificial nails. Folia.nl. https://www.folia.nl/international/159920/uva-dentist-and-dermatologist-warn-against-artificial-nails
• Trovato, G. (2021, September 22). A woman getting her nails done at a nail salon [Photograph]. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/a-woman-getting-her-nails-done-at-a-nail-salon-gb6gtiTZKB8
• Fields, L. (2024, March 6). Artificial nails overview. WebMD. Medically reviewed by Stephanie S. Gardner, MD. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/beauty-artificial-nails-overview
• Taylor, A. (2024, July 10). Gel manicures and acrylic nails might look beautiful but they come with ugly health risks. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/gel-manicures-and-acrylic-nails-might-look-beautiful-but-they-come-with-ugly-health-risks-232857
• Wyndly Care Team. (2025, February 26). Acrylic nail allergies: Symptoms, treatment, and alternatives. Wyndly. https://www.wyndly.com/blogs/learn/allergy-acrylic-nails#:~:text=Sudden%20allergies%20to%20nail%20treatments,itchiness%2C%20redness%2C%20or%20swelling.