Is it safe to wear nail polish all summer? (2024)

FAQs

Is it safe to wear nail polish all summer? ›

If you can't imagine a summer with unpolished piggies, Dr. Curry says it's okay to keep your nails painted for a few months, but go bare during fall and winter months so the nails can breathe. Learn more about how to keep your feet healthy and in top shape.

While wearing nail polish all the time won't stop your nails from growing, it does damage your nail integrity. Even with blood supply, nails do still need air to “breathe”. That's why a break from nail polish every few weeks is a must. For keratin granulation, 3 to 4 weeks will be enough time to give your nails a rest.

Some beauty professionals also generally suggest pausing after you've had two or three gel manicures in a row. This hiatus can last a week or more, based on the health of your nails. One indicator that you need to take a break is when you start to notice symptoms like nail peeling, white patches, or splitting.

Are nails healthier without polish? In general, the answer is yes — but that doesn't mean you need to steer clear of nail polish forever.

Regular nail polish should last around 3-5 days, given that you tend to dirty your finger nails while eating or cooking and expose them regularly to water, oil, and even moisturiser during your skincare regime. If you're really careful, your nail polish should last upto a week without chipping.

Formaldehyde Resin: A less potent derivative of formaldehyde, it can still trigger allergic reactions and skin irritation. Camphor: Used to add gloss, excessive exposure to camphor can lead to headaches, dizziness, and nausea.

Dip Powder: A Durable and Healthier Alternative

This technique involves applying a base coat, dipping the nails into colored powder, and sealing them with a top coat. Unlike traditional techniques like acrylic or gel, dip powder nails do not require any UV light exposure.

Toenails don't get any nutrients or oxygen from the air; they get it from your bloodstream. So, they don't need to breathe, but they do need a break from polish for other reasons.

“If you consistently wear nail polish, your nails may become susceptible to what's known as keratin granulation,” Mahalli notes. Keratin granulation is caused by nail polish drying out the nail beds, which can lead to keratin clumping together and forming white spots or stains on your nails.

Overall, Dip Powder Manicures are a great way to get a healthy manicure that will protect and strengthen your nails without causing any damage. Just like any nail treatment, you do have to make sure you properly remove it to keep your nails safe and healthy – Don't pick at your manicure!

What are the side effects of nail polish? ›

Painter syndrome may also be called organic solvent syndrome, psycho-organic syndrome, and chronic solvent encephalopathy (CSE). CSE can also cause symptoms such as headache, fatigue, mood disturbances, sleep disorders, and possible behavioral changes. Sudden death is possible in some nail polish poisoning cases.

But does nail polish help or hurt nail growth in any way? As it turns out, lacquer doesn't play a role in nail growth, but it can assist with overall nail health: It shields them: "Nail polish can act as a barrier against nails splitting or cracking.

Nail polish can dry out your nails: TRUE

"Leaving your nail polish on for too long can dry out the nails, leaving them brittle," says Dr. Curry. "Thin, brittle nails pose a health hazard because the nail is a barrier to keep out bacteria and fungus."

Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in determining the speed at which nails grow. Some individuals have a genetic makeup that encourages rapid nail growth. Additionally, good overall health and a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients like biotin, protein, and vitamins promote nail growth.

Along those same lines, although nail polish looks nice, your nails need to breathe. Constant use of polish, even nontoxic polish, can weaken the nail. After wearing nail polish for a week or so, remove the nail polish with an acetone-free polish remover, and then let your nails be polish-free for a week.

The idea that nails need to “breathe” by going polish-free is a myth. While it's essential to practice proper nail care and give your nails occasional breaks between manicures, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that nails require periods of nakedness.

Along those same lines, although nail polish looks nice, your nails need to breathe. Constant use of polish, even nontoxic polish, can weaken the nail. After wearing nail polish for a week or so, remove the nail polish with an acetone-free polish remover, and then let your nails be polish-free for a week.