You might want to exercise your body through swimming after a long week or just love to feel the waves of water, but hmmm, you remember you have a gel manicure; it is more likely you would want to know if you can swim with a gel manicure.
Yes, you can swim with gel nails, but only after you have applied a top coat over them and taken some necessary precautions.
In this post, you will get what you need to know about swimming with gel nails and the necessary tips to maintain your gel manicure while enjoying your swimming session.
Effects Of Swimming With Gel Nails
Swimming with gel nails without taking any form of precaution would have certain effects on the appearance and durability of the nails, even though they are known to be water resistant.
This might be due to exposure to water, chemicals, and other factors. Here are some potential effects to be aware of:
1. Lifting and peeling
Gel nails can lift or peel if they are exposed to water for prolonged periods. The water can weaken the bond between the gel polish and the natural nail, causing the gel to lift at the edges or peel away from the nail plate.
2. Weakening of gel
When swimming in water with chemicals (chlorine) and saltwater, these chemicals can weaken the gel polish, potentially leading to chipping, cracking, or dulling of the shine.
3. Fading and discoloration
Prolonged exposure to chlorine can cause gel nails to fade or change colour over time. This is particularly noticeable in lighter shades of gel polish.
4. Loss of glossy and shine
Frequent swimming, especially in chlorinated water, can lead to the loss of the glossy finish that gel nails typically have. The nails may appear dull or matte.
5. Dryness and dehydration
Both chlorine and salt water can strip the nails of natural oils, leading to dryness and dehydration. This can make the nails brittle and prone to breakage.
6. Risk of infection
If water gets trapped between the gel and the natural nail due to lifting, there is a potential risk of fungal or bacterial infections, especially when you’re using a public pool.
7. Reduced longevity
Regular swimming can accelerate the wear and tear on gel nails, reducing their longevity. Frequent exposure to water and chemicals can lead to a more frequent need for touch-ups or removal.
Swimming With Gel Nails In Different Water Bodies
Gel nails are designed to be durable and long-lasting. The gel polish forms a protective layer over your natural nails. This layer can help protect your nails to some extent while swimming, unlike regular polish that those not have any layer of procection.
However, swimming with gel nails can have varying effects depending on the type of water body you’re swimming in. Here’s how gel nails might react to different water environments:
1. Chlorinated pools
Chlorine in pool water can weaken the gel polish and cause it to lift or peel.
When swimming in this pool water, you have to ensure you apply a topcoat and don’t stay inside for a long period, as gel nails may experience lifting, peeling, or fading due to the chemicals in the water.
The nails might also become more prone to chipping or cracking.
2. Saltwater
Saltwater is another water body that can be harsh on gel nails. The salt in the water can dry out the nails and weaken the gel polish.
Staying in salt water for a prolonged time may cause gel nails to become brittle, lose their shine, and experience fading or dullness. Saltwater exposure can lead to faster wear and tear.
3. Freshwater
Freshwater is generally gentler on gel nails compared to chlorinated or saltwater.
Gel nails are usually less affected in freshwater, but prolonged water exposure is still not the best for gel manicures.
4. Hot tubs and jacuzzis
Hot tubs often contain chlorine and high temperatures that can affect gel nails.
Gel nails can be more susceptible to lifting, peeling, or damage in hot tubs due to the combination of chemicals and heat.
5. Natural springs
Natural springs usually have mineral-rich water. Depending on the mineral content, gel nails may not be significantly affected. However, some minerals can react with the gel polish, causing fading or discolouration.
6. Untreated pool water (ponds, unchlorinated pools)
Water bodies without chemical treatments are less harsh on gel nails.
Gel nails might fare better in untreated water, experiencing minimal lifting or fading. However, still exercise caution as untreated water can still impact the nails over time.
How To Protect Your Gel Nails When Swimming
Gel nails are strong nails that are built to last longer than your regular polish. Since this polish is cured under UV light, water won’t be able to penetrate in or damage them.
But as discussed earlier, in some water bodies, continuous swimming in them can make the powerful gel nails lift and peel.
So if you are the type who love swimming and having gel manicure to minimize the effects of swimming on your gel nails, consider taking the following precautions:
- Ensure that the gel nails are fully cured under a UV or LED lamp. Proper curing is essential for the durability and strength of gel nails.
- Limit the time spent in the water, especially in chlorinated or saltwater pools.
- Consider applying a clear gel top coat before swimming. This can provide an extra layer of protection and help prevent water from seeping under the gel polish.
- Wash your hands after you have exposed them to chlorine water.
- Dry your nails thoroughly after swimming.
- Apply cuticle oil or a nourishing nail treatment regularly to keep your nails and cuticles hydrated. This can help prevent dryness and brittleness.
- Don’t go swimming immediately after fixing gel nails.
- Make sure your natural nails are properly prepped. Trim, shape, and clean your nails before applying the gel polish.
Can Swimmers Wear Gel Nails?
Swimmers can wear gel nails, they are water repellent, and they don’t get affected like lacquer nails, but there are certain considerations and precautions to keep in mind to ensure the longevity and appearance of the gel nails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you go swimming right after getting gel nails?
Although gel nails are described as strong and durable, you won’t want to take chances with them, especially when they look good on you; therefore, you shouldn’t go swimming immediately after fixing gel nails.
Do swimming with gel nails damage them?
Swimming with gel nails won’t damage them once you take the necessary precautions, always remember to take a break between swimming sessions if you have a gel manicure.
Conclusion
Gel nails should not stop you from getting into the water as you like. But keep in mind, that while gel nails are designed to be more durable than traditional nail polish, they are not completely immune to the effects of water, chemicals, and environmental factors.
While some water bodies might be gentler on gel nails than others. Extended exposure to any type of water can potentially affect the durability and appearance of the nails. Ensure you follow the tips given in this article; for example, using protective measures, such as clear top coats, moisturizing, and limiting water exposure.
