Nail gel is a fantastic beauty product that allows you to create a long-lasting, beautiful manicure or strong and stable nail art. However, working with gels and other nail products requires proper handling to ensure safety and minimize risks like allergic reactions, sensitization, or damage to nails and skin. Whether you're a professional nail technician working with clients or a nail gel enthusiast doing your own nails at home, adopting good nail practices is essential for achieving the best results while protecting your skin. We listed 10 tips that will ensure safer applications, as well as help prolong the life and quality of your nail gel sets.

1. Avoid getting nail gel on your skin

Why it matters

One of the most crucial safety practices in nail gel application is keeping the gel product away from skin contact. The gel consists of acrylates, chemical substances, that could cause sensitization or allergic reactions upon touching the skin, especially if contact occurs repeatedly the risk for sensitization increases.

Read our blog article on the function of acrylates in nail gel

How to avoid direct contact with nail gel

• For Nail artists and Professionals: Take extra care during application to avoid gel overflow. A steady hand, the right brush size, and precise application are key to keeping the product on the nail plate only. If you accidentally apply gel to the skin, use a lint-free wipe and isopropyl alcohol to clean it off immediately before curing.
• For Home Users: Practice patience and focus on applying gel in thin, controlled layers to avoid flooding the cuticles or sidewalls. If gel touches the skin, clean it off with a small brush and isopropyl alcohol before curing.

2. Use gloves for extra protection when handling nail gel

Why it matters

Some people are naturally more sensitive to acrylates found in nail products, such as HEMA, and are at a higher risk of developing an allergy or sensitization. Wearing gloves during application minimizes skin exposure and reduces the chance of adverse reactions.

Visit our webshop for HEMA-free gels and related nail products

Which gloves do you use best?

• For Nail artists and Professionals: Always wear nitrile gloves when handling nail products, as these offer better chemical resistance than latex. For a more comfortable fit and dexterity, try using gloves with the fingertips removed. This keeps your hands protected while giving you full control over your work. Remember to change gloves if they become contaminated.
• For Home Users: You may feel more comfortable skipping gloves when working on your own nails. However, it’s best to use gloves if you anticipate touching or handling the gel directly. This precaution is especially helpful if you have sensitive skin or a known allergy to acrylates.

3. Ventilation is essential during a nail gel manicure

Why it matters

Gel nail products can emit fumes and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), especially when filing cured gel or using gel removers. Proper ventilation reduces exposure to these fumes and helps maintain air quality.

Best practices for creating ventilation

• For Nail artists and Professionals: Ensure your workspace is well-ventilated with either an exhaust fan or a nail dust extractor that filters out fine particles and fumes. Some nail salons even use ventilation tables to ensure optimal air quality.
• For Home Users: If you’re applying gel nails at home, work near an open window or use a small fan to help disperse any fumes. Make sure your workspace is clean and free from dust and debris to reduce potential exposure.

4. Avoid filing your natural nails too much

Why it matters

Over-filing can thin the natural nail plate, making it more susceptible to damage, irritation, and discomfort. When working with gel applications, minimal filing on the natural nail is all that’s needed to create a stable base.

Best practices to avoid excessive filing of your nails

• For Nail artists and Professionals: Use a gentle file or buffer to lightly remove the shine from the natural nail, avoiding aggressive filing. Always educate clients on the importance of proper removal to prevent damage.
• For Home Users: If you’re prepping your nails for gel, use a gentle buffer to lightly scuff the surface without over-filing. Avoid metal or coarse files on the natural nail plate, and don’t file your nails every time you apply a new set of gel.  Or use peel-off products, avoiding the need for filing altogether.

A gel manicure is certainly possible for shorter nails. Just be aware of small wounds you could create when your file too close to the skin.

5. Cure gel properly under a UV LED lamp

Why it matters

Using the appropriate curing lamp for your gel product is essential to ensure complete curing. Incomplete curing leaves uncured gel on the nail surface, increasing the risk of sensitization and allergic reactions.

How to ensure proper curing of your gel nails

• For Nail artists and Professionals: Use a professional curing lamp, preferable an UV LED lamp in the UV-B spectrum.  Respect the curing times.  And offer your customers gloves with the finger tips removed.
• For Home Users: If you’re doing your own nails, invest in a high-quality UV LED lamp and follow the recommended curing times. Avoid using a mismatched or underpowered lamp, which may leave the gel inadequately cured.

Only the light of a UV LED lamp is strong and precise enough to cure nail gel.

6. Store products properly and check expiration dates of gels and polishes

Why it matters

Gel products can degrade or change composition over time, particularly if they’re exposed to heat, light, or air. Using old or improperly stored products can affect their performance and safety. Check therefore regularly the expiration date on the label of your nail gels.

Best practices to keep your nail gel products organized

• For Nail artists and Professionals: Store gels, primers, and removers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Always respect the PAO and discard any products that have changed in texture, color, or smell.
• For Home Users: Keep your products in a drawer or cabinet, away from windows. Use products within their shelf life to ensure they perform effectively and safely.

Did you know that it's mandatory for vendors to have proper labeling on their products in the EU? Learn more about the product regulations for cosmetics in our blog on Nail Gel Safety.

7. Practice proper gel application techniques

Why it matters

Consistent and correct application techniques lead to better results, fewer touch-ups, and minimal exposure to the product on the skin or cuticle area.

Good techniques to follow

• For Nail artists and Professionals: Apply gel in thin, even layers, building thickness gradually if needed. This approach prevents over-application and improves curing. 
• For Home Users: Don’t rush the process. Applying too much gel at once or working too quickly can lead to uneven coverage and increase the likelihood of contact with the skin. Take your time to ensure a clean, even application.

8. Clean and disinfect nail tools after each use

Why it matters

Proper hygiene is critical, especially for professionals, to prevent cross-contamination and maintain a sanitary work environment.

Best practices for a clean nail salon or working space

• For Nail artists and Professionals: Replace, clean and disinfect all tools, including brushes and cuticle pushers, after every client. This step prevents product buildup and reduces the risk of bacterial or fungal infections.
• For Home Users: Keep your tools clean by wiping them with alcohol before and after use. Proper hygiene will help keep your nails and skin healthy, especially when reusing brushes or files.

Out of files, gel wipes or brushes? In our webshop you'll also find nail art tools, specifically meant for Korean nail gels.

Files are nail products you should disinfect regularly and throw away after a certain amount of time. Correction tips should be thrown away immediately after usage.

9. Educate your clients or yourself on safe removal

Why it matters

Incorrect removal techniques can damage the nail plate and increase the risk of irritation. Safe removal is crucial for maintaining nail health.

Tips to safely remove nail gel spillage

• For Nail artists and Professionals: Educate clients on the importance of returning to the salon for safe gel removal. Soak-off techniques and gentle filing should be used to prevent damage.
• For Home Users: Avoid peeling or picking off gel polish. Instead, use acetone or a gel remover wrap and soak for the recommended time. Gently push off softened gel with an orangewood stick, and avoid excessive scraping.

In our webshop you can find gel removers by Korean gel nail brands

10. Understand the risks of DIY gel applications

Why it matters

DIY applications may expose home users to risks if not done with care and proper knowledge. Knowing the risks helps you take precautions to ensure safe application.

Best practices nail gel enthousiasts

• Home Users: Be aware that DIY applications come with some risks, especially if using professional-grade products. Always read product labels and follow safety guidelines. If you experience any adverse reactions, consult a professional or dermatologist.
• For Nail artists and Professionals: Encourage clients to seek professional application when possible, especially if they have sensitive skin or are at risk of allergies.

Conclusion: Protecting your nails is also part of a beautiful, long-lasting manicure

Good nail practices are essential whether you’re a professional nail technician or an enthusiast doing your own nails at home. By following these guidelines—keeping gel off the skin, wearing gloves, using proper ventilation, and practicing good hygiene—you can safely enjoy beautiful, durable nails without compromising for allergic reactions.