Why you shouldn't overuse semi-permanent manicures

Welcome back to our blog! Today we're here to talk about a topic that concerns many of us, lovers of perfect manicures. Because we're sure many of you have spent the entire year with divine nails, and that's only achieved with a semi-permanent manicure.

Many of you have written to us telling us that after removing these semi-permanent treatments, you've found a strange situation: very soft, dry, brittle, peeling nails, and even fungus! And the truth is, not everything is perfect when it comes to semi-permanent manicures (and nothing else in life). Today we want to give you some guidelines so you know when to resort to a semi-permanent treatment and why you shouldn't overuse it.

1. Occasional use

It has been known for some time that the abuse of this type of gel polish is not liked at all by dermatologists, who say that it can be very aggressive for nails. But if this treatment is used occasionally it does not have a risk Extreme. A statement from the American Academy of Dermatology warned that using these semi-permanent polishes can be "harsh" on the nails. Nail salons also perform manicures with traditional nail polish, so we recommend opting for this less aggressive option from time to time.

2. Deterioration of the natural nail: fragility and breakage

The effects of frequent use are that nails become thinner, thinner, and more sensitive, which makes them more fragile and therefore more likely to break. It can also cause nails to become thinner, thinner, and more brittle, which can be associated with a loss of shine and a higher risk of breakage.

3. The OCU advises against its home use

The Organization of Consumers and Users recommends that this type of manicure be done in professional salons and advises against home semi-permanent manicures . And even if done in a salon, it's still not a good idea to regularly use this type of semi-permanent polish due to its ingredients.

4. Very aggressive compositions

Semi-permanent enamels may include traces of substances whose use is restricted due to their toxicity, such as hydroquinone and a derivative thereof, Hydroquinone methyl ether , also known as mequinol. These substances are used because they act as stabilizers and help acrylates stay liquid for longer. Furthermore, the labels on these products have proven to be dubious, according to the OCU (National Consumer Organization).

5. They are not for all nails

Don't choose this nail polish if your nails aren't strong and healthy , if you bite them and they're too short, or if you have any nail problems: fungus, brittle nails, or inflamed cuticles. Also, don't use semi-permanent nail polish if you're allergic to acrylates .

6. They hide diseases in the nail

Another detrimental aspect of wearing nail polish for long periods of time is that it can hide nail conditions. What's not entirely clear is whether the damage is caused by the gel polish itself or by the acetone used to remove this type of manicure. That's why some of you may remove your manicure and—SURPRISE!—find a nail fungus.

7. Alternate with normal manicures and take breaks

At LOLA, as nail and nail care specialists, we recommend using products that are as gentle as possible and formulated to protect and not damage your nails. This includes choosing 8-free nail polishes (free of 8 toxins like formaldehyde, acetone, and silicones) that include ingredients that strengthen the nail, and always providing a good base coat to protect it . You should also ALWAYS take breaks between manicures; if it's after a semi-permanent manicure, you should wait a little longer than after a regular manicure.

8. Become your own manicurist

I know that many of you, due to lack of time or practice, are too lazy to do your manicure at home, as you don't get the results you want. I can tell you that a manicure that lasts a week at home IS POSSIBLE. You just need to know how, and for that, we have a blog post where we tell you step by step what you need to do 😁