Getting my nails done once in a while is a cheap(er) and fun alternative to therapy for me. All those cute designs and a fresh manicure can instantly uplift my mood. But do you know what’s that one thing I never skip before heading out for my nail appointments? It is the mighty sunscreen! Yeah, I lather my hands in plenty of sunscreen before putting my nails under the UV light lamp. But why apply sunscreen before getting a manicure? Well, read on to find out.

Related: The Best Mineral Sunscreens To Add To Your Summer Skincare Kit

Why sunscreen is a must for your nail appointments

The skin of our hands is pretty delicate and is relatively more prone to ageing and damage. You might consider yourself a hero for slathering your face and neck with sunscreen before stepping out, but a true hero is always an all-rounder. Just like the sunlight and the harsh UV rays can affect the health of your skin, those gel manicures with UV lamps can pose the same threat, even though it is minute. Dermats have claimed that gel nails can make your natural nails brittle and weak and can cause frequent breakage. And that’s not all, the UV lamps used in nail salons can increase the risk of skin cancer, speed up ageing, and even cause bacterial infections under the nails.

So, should you totally skip getting your nails done? The answer is hell NO! I mean, I need my hit of dopamine and false reassurance that I’ve got my shit together. And if you do too, you should start carrying a good sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or over to protect your skin from any damage. Alternatively, you can also wear fingerless gloves to your nail appointments, if that is your vibe.

How to keep your hands and nails healthy

Even though I don’t get my nails done too often, gel nails can still take a toll on the health of your nails. Mine become extremely weak and keep chipping or breaking for a month after getting them removed. But here’s how you can keep your hands and nails healthy.

1. Speak to your manicurist about the products and tools they are using

Your manicurist or salon person could be an expert and probably does dozens of nail extensions every day. But to be on the safe side, make sure that the tools they are using on your nails are sterilised and properly cleaned. If you’re unsure, you can always ask them to wear gloves before starting and keep communicating if you feel any sort of discomfort or pain.

2. Apply sunscreen thoroughly

Wash your hands or wipe them and apply a good amount of sunscreen on your hands, cuticles, and nails. Wait for about three minutes before starting so it gets absorbed into the skin and protects your hands.

3. Keep cuticle oil handy at all times

Once you get your nails done, wash them nicely and apply some cuticle oil. Keep doing this every day even after you get your nails removed. This will ensure your cuticles are well-hydrated and won’t cause much damage.

4. Don’t remove your nail extensions at home

Getting nails might be pricey for some people. But, if you are committing to those beauties, you must pay attention to removing them as well. You are not a nail expert, so refrain from using anything at your disposal to rip them off. This will only damage your natural nails more and might lead to nail injuries or infections. Just go back to your salon and get them removed.

5. Take frequent breaks between your appointments

Getting nails done can be quite exhilarating but one should take frequent breaks between appointments. Yes, don’t be a maniac and keep getting them refilled. Your nails need to breathe and have time to repair. So, don’t compromise their health, and make sure you have a gap of at least 20-30 days before getting them done again.

That’s all from my pool of wisdom for now. Go have fun in the sun, but put that sunscreen to some good use before heading out!

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