Gel Manicure and Associated Risks - narrative review

Background Gel manicure is widely used in professional and home settings. Concerns relate to chemical exposure from acrylate containing nail products, ultraviolet radiation emitted by nail curing lamps, occupational exposure among nail technicians, and potential microbiological implications. Aims To systematize published evidence on health effects associated with gel manicure use, with emphasis on allergic reactions, ultraviolet exposure related outcomes, occupational risks, and microbiological findings, and to identify gaps in the current evidence base. Methods A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. Publications from January 2010 to March 2025 were considered. Only English language articles were included. Inclusion criteria comprised randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case control studies, systematic reviews, meta analyses, and international or national guidelines reporting health effects or exposure characteristics related to gel manicure use. Exclusion criteria included single case reports, conference abstracts, non peer reviewed publications, animal studies, and articles lacking explicit data on gel manicure exposure or associated health outcomes. The initial search yielded 223 records, and 44 publications were retained for analysis. Results Nail curing devices predominantly emit UVA radiation with peak wavelengths between 365 and 405 nm, with substantial variability across lamp types and designs. Under typical usage conditions, cumulative ultraviolet exposure during manicure sessions remains below levels associated with clinically significant dermatologic damage or increased skin cancer risk. Allergic contact dermatitis related to acrylate and methacrylate containing products is the most frequently reported adverse outcome, particularly among nail technicians and younger users. Evidence on microbial retention and reduced hand hygiene effectiveness with gel or artificial nails is heterogeneous and context dependent. Conclusions Available evidence indicates that allergic sensitization to acrylate containing nail products represents the primary clinically relevant health risk of gel manicure, whereas ultraviolet radiation related carcinogenic risk appears minimal under typical use. Standardization of exposure assessment and further research on occupational and microbiological outcomes are needed.