Is Shellac nail polish harmful to your nails?

**Selmia19** · 01-22-2012 04:15 PM

Every time I go get a manicure, the ladies tell me how good Shellac Nail Polish is, and how it lasts 2 to 3 weeks. I always say no, because I am worried that it will weaken (my already frail) nails.
Has anyone tried it? If so, what was your experience? Is it worth it?

**acerousme** · 01-22-2012 07:59 PM

theres quite a debate about it. Yes it may last for up to a month, but you still have to go in to have it removed, it can be twice as much as gel acrylics, and you still have to subject your nail to acetone.

It doesnt harm your nail as much as gels, but if you have brittle nails, and dont get gel nails because of it, I wouldnt risk it. Try eating more jello, and filing your nails every four days (only run the file one way instead of back and forth to avoid splintering). That may help your nails out with their bittleness

**Seeker_Advice** · 01-26-2012 03:58 PM

Shellac for nails....the debate is over!

A good Google search, some time spent reading what you find (excluding the sites that benefit or profit from this stuff) and cross comparing that information with what you find on some of the medical sites (webMD, etc.) should help you make up your own mind.

The FDA is currently examining the dangers of "Shellacs' and should have a thorough report out sometime this year. It's not going to be pretty... IMO.

**Seeker_Advice** · 01-26-2012 04:05 PM

But a board-certified dermatologist sees a concern, starting with the ultraviolet lights.

"Every time you're exposed to UV light, there’s damage to the skin. And enough damage over time can become problematic".

That UV damage can make the skin on your hands look older and even worse than skin cancer over time.

In fact, this case report stated UV light may have caused skin cancer on the hands of two healthy middle-aged women.

Then there’s the pure acetone used in taking it off.

"Acetone is drying and irritating to the nail and to the skin around the nail and to the skin that’s exposed, and over time, that can cause thinning of the nails and it can be more easily irritated” .

Need I say more?

Your body is a temple...treat it accordingly.