Picking at your gel manicure is really bad for your nails. It not only peels away the polish, but the top layer of your nail too. This damages it, weakening the nails, so they are more prone to rough textures and white patches. It also makes them more susceptible to cracking and breaking.

Although gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails. Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.

Gel nails are essentially nail enhancements in which faux nails are applied over the natural nails. They can cover the whole nail, or they can be applied to the nail tip as extensions. Gel polish, on the other hand, is a nail polish made with gel. It goes directly on the natural nail.

Although similar in application, gel and lacquer are different mediums. Gel polish is placed under a lamp to help build a strong, sturdy material, while lacquer is a quick-drying air-dried nail polish. Lacquers are convenient for those who dislike the lengthy removal process of cured mediums like gel polish.