Can You Get Gel Nails While Pregnant? Here’s What You Need to Know
At Art Nail NYC, we believe self-care should always feel safe, mindful, and beautiful—especially during pregnancy. Many moms-to-be wonder if they can still enjoy gel nails while pregnant without risking their health or their baby’s. The short answer is yes, you can—but only with the right products and techniques.
Below, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know before your next appointment, including why Leafgel, our 10-free gel system, is one of the safest and most trusted options for expecting clients.
Understanding Gel Nails During Pregnancy
Getting your nails done is more than just a beauty ritual—it’s a moment of relaxation and confidence. However, during pregnancy, it’s normal to be more cautious about what touches your skin and nails.
Gel nails involve applying a base coat, color gel, and top coat, all cured under a UV or LED lamp. While traditional gel polishes can last for weeks, they sometimes contain chemicals that may cause sensitivity or irritation. Expecting mothers are often advised to minimize exposure to certain ingredients like formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP, which can emit strong fumes and trigger reactions in sensitive individuals.
That’s why switching to non-toxic, 10-free gels is highly recommended for a safer, more mindful manicure experience.
What Makes Leafgel a Safer Choice
At Art Nail NYC, we proudly use Leafgel, a 10-free Japanese gel system that’s free from ten of the most harmful ingredients found in traditional nail products.
Leafgel is Free From
Formaldehyde
Toluene
Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)
Formaldehyde Resin
Camphor
Ethyl Tosylamide
Xylene
Parabens
Fragrance
Animal-Derived Ingredients
Because Leafgel is non-toxic and odor-free, it’s ideal for pregnant clients who want to maintain their nail care routine without worry. Beyond its safety profile, Leafgel is known for being long-lasting, flexible, and gentle on the natural nail. It strengthens and protects without the dryness or brittleness that can occur with harsher gels.
Minimizing Chemical Exposure During Pregnancy
Pregnancy heightens your sensitivity to smells and chemicals, which makes choosing the right salon and products essential. At Art Nail NYC, every appointment is designed to reduce unnecessary exposure while keeping your experience relaxing and enjoyable.
Here’s how we do it:
No harsh soak-offs: We avoid repetitive soaking in acetone, which can dry out nails and skin. Instead, we use a gentle removal method when needed.
Proper air ventilation: Our salon is equipped with ventilation systems to keep the air fresh and free from lingering fumes.
LED curing systems: We use LED lamps instead of traditional UV lamps, as they emit less UV radiation and cure faster.
Sanitized tools and clean surfaces: Each service is performed with hospital-grade sterilized tools and sanitized workstations.
What You Should Avoid When Getting Gel Nails While Pregnant
While gel manicures are generally safe with the right precautions, here are a few things you should avoid during your pregnancy:
Strongly scented salons – High fumes and poor ventilation can cause nausea or dizziness.
Unverified or low-quality gels – Always confirm that your salon uses 10-free or certified non-toxic gels.
Over-filing or aggressive buffing – This can thin your nails and make them more prone to damage.
Acetone-heavy removals – Prolonged soaking can dry your cuticles and nail beds.
Cuticle cutting – Stick to gentle cuticle care instead of trimming to avoid minor infections or irritation.
By avoiding these common practices, you’ll keep your nail care both safe and comfortable throughout your pregnancy.
Pregnancy and Nail Health: What Changes to Expect
Pregnancy can affect nail growth and strength in various ways due to hormonal changes. You might notice faster growth or increased brittleness. That’s completely normal and temporary.
To keep your nails healthy, consider:
Moisturizing your cuticles daily with a non-fragrant, pregnancy-safe oil.
Staying hydrated, since dehydration can make nails weak.
Taking prenatal vitamins, as they support nail and hair health.
Avoiding nail biting or picking, which can cause irritation and breakage.
Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Gel Nails While Pregnant
Here are expert tips from the Art Nail NYC team to help you enjoy your gel nails worry-free:
Choose a clean salon. Always select studios with visible sanitation practices and strong ventilation systems.
Ask for 10-free or non-toxic gels. This ensures your manicure uses safe, pregnancy-friendly formulas.
Opt for shorter nail lengths. This reduces breakage risk and keeps maintenance easier.
Avoid extended sessions. Keep appointments brief to limit exposure time.
Go fragrance-free. Avoid heavily perfumed hand lotions or oils during your session.
Skip polish changes every week. Let your nails rest longer between appointments.
Bring your own mask if sensitive. Even in ventilated spaces, a mask can make you more comfortable.
What to Expect During Your Art Nail NYC Appointment
When you book your appointment, our team will guide you through every step to ensure comfort and confidence. Here’s what you can expect:
Consultation: We start by confirming your comfort level, preferences, and any sensitivities.
Premium Non-Toxic Products: We use Leafgel and a 10-free top coat for a glossy finish that’s gentle and durable.
Limited Chemical Exposure: We skip harsh removers and soaking whenever possible.
Clean, Safe Environment: Our studio setup minimizes fumes and ensures cleanliness in every corner.
Comfort Adjustments: Whether you’d like extra back support or a shorter session, we tailor your experience to your needs.
Aftercare: Keeping Nails Healthy During Pregnancy
After your manicure, a little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your nails strong and glossy.
Here’s how to care for your nails at home:
Apply cuticle oil daily to keep nails hydrated.
Use gentle hand soap and moisturizer to prevent dryness.
Avoid peeling or picking gel polish; always return for professional removal.
Wear gloves when cleaning or washing dishes to protect your hands.
Maintaining your manicure this way helps your nails stay healthy and smooth without overexposure to any products.
Why Expecting Moms Trust Art Nail NYC
Choosing where to get gel nails while pregnant shouldn’t be stressful. At Art Nail NYC, we combine safety, artistry, and care into every service.
Here’s why our expecting clients keep coming back:
Only 10 free, non-toxic gels used
Professional nail artists trained in safe techniques
Premium Japanese gel systems for long-lasting results
Relaxing, hygienic environment designed for comfort
Full transparency about ingredients and methods