Black Marks On Nails After Gel Manicure: Causes And Solutions

If you recently had a gel manicure and noticed dark spots or lines on your nails afterwards, you’re not alone. Many people find these pesky black marks appearing on their nails post-gel application. While frustrating, the good news is that there are ways to prevent and remove these stains.

Here’s a quick answer: Black marks on nails after gel manicure are often caused by trauma to the nail plate during the gel procedure itself. Gentle buffing and use of nail strengtheners can help avoid marks. For existing stains, soaking in acetone and gently buffing may remove them.

What Causes the Black Marks on Nails After Gel Polish?

Getting those gorgeous, glossy gel manicures can sometimes lead to undesirable dark spots on the nails. While a bit frustrating, these marks are usually harmless and avoidable. Let’s break down what leads to this discoloration and how you can prevent it.

Damage to Nail Plate During Prep

Excessive filing and buffing of the natural nail plate prior to gel application is often the culprit behind those bothersome black dots. This rough prep work can create microscopic trauma to the nails, allowing pigment to seep in and create darkness on the edges or near the cuticles.

To avoid this, be sure your manicurist is using a gentle touch and proper tools to lightly buff the nails before gel polish. A few sweeps over the nail to remove shine is all that is needed—no heavy-duty sanding required!

Pigment Discoloration

The black specks may also be due to pigment within the gel polish itself. Darker gel formula colors, especially reds and blacks, contain heavy loads of pigment. If the gel is not applied perfectly smooth, these dense pigments can pool at the edge of the nail and become trapped after curing.

Using sheer, neutral gels is an easy fix for this issue. Nude and pink shades have minimal pigment, making staining less likely. Thinner gel formulas also help prevent pooling and unevenness. A sheer gel topcoat completes the manicure while allowing your natural nail to show through, camouflaging any discoloration.

Fungal Infections

In some cases, black dots on the nails may be caused by nail fungus. The fungi that cause onychomycosis can create dark debris under the nail. This infection is more prevalent with acrylics and dip powders compared to gel polish.

Be sure to inspect your nails closely for other signs of fungal infection, like yellowing, thickening of the nails, or foul odor. See your doctor promptly if you suspect a fungal infection, which will require oral or topical antifungal treatment.

Switching to an antifungal nail polish like Funginix can also help clear up the problem.

While annoying, the pigmentation caused by gel manicures is harmless for most people. Being choosy about your nail salon and tech, plus taking good care of your nails between appointments, can help avoid the dreaded dark spots.

With proper prep and greater precision with each gel application, you’ll be sporting a flawless, stunning mani.

How to Avoid Black Stains When Getting Gel Manicures

Let Tech Know You’re Prone to Stains

If you know your nails are prone to black stains after gel manicures, be sure to tell your nail technician upfront. This allows them to take extra precautions during the appointment. For example, they may file the nails more gently, avoid over-scrubbing the cuticles, and seal the free edge with extra layers of gel or top coat to prevent pigment from seeping in.

Request Gentle Filing

One of the main causes of black stains is over-filing of the nail plate during gel removal. Request that your tech uses a light touch and avoids digging into the nails with the e-file. Frequent buffing and friction can thin out the nails, making them more transparent and allowing dark pigment to show through after the service.

Use Cuticle Oil During Filing

Ask your nail tech to apply cuticle oil around the nails before using the e-file. The oil creates a barrier that protects the sensitive skin and seals in moisture. This may help minimize trauma that allows stains to occur. Reapply the oil as needed throughout the gel removal and manicure process.

Apply Nail Strengthener Base Coat

Using a nail hardener or treatment base coat underneath gel polish is advisable, especially if you get black marks frequently with manicures. Base coats like Sally Hansen Hard As Nails reinforce thin, peeling nails and help prevent moisture, debris, and pigment from seeping in.

Removing Existing Black Marks From Nails After Gel

Buff Stains Gently

One simple method for removing existing black stains or marks from the nails after gel manicures is to gently buff the stains with a nail file or buffer. Start by filing the surface stain lightly in a back and forth motion.

Take care not to over file or buff too hard as this can further damage the nails.

An article on WikiHow recommends using a fine grit buffer specifically made for nail care for best results in removing stains and discoloration. They advise to buff gently in one direction across the nail to slowly wear away the stained layers.

Use Oil to Soak Off Gel Polish

Another method is to soak cotton balls in oil and hold them against the nails to help break down the gel manicure. This allows the dark stained gel layers to be more easily removed. Oils such as coconut, olive, almond or vitamin E oil work well for this.

According to nail care experts at Byrdie.com, essential oils with moisturizing properties can help soak gel polish off safely and effectively without excessive filing or rubbing that could worsen stains.

Try a Stain Remover Gel

Specialized stain remover gels and nail whitening products can also help lift and erase black marks from gel manicures. These are brushed onto clean nails and contain enzymes that work to break down stubborn stains.

A 2021 article from InStyle recommends stain eraser gels such as Eve Hansen Gel Stain Remover and Mylee Gel Stain Remover as top products for removing dark stains from gel nails with ease.

Use Whitening Treatments

Expert nail technicians advise using natural whitening treatments such as hydrogen peroxide, baking soda mixes and whitening toothpastes to lift deeper nail stains without harsh chemicals. Applying these periodically for a few minutes before thoroughly rinsing can gradually brighten and remove darkened marks on the nails over time.

When to See a Doctor for Dark Marks Post-Gel Manicure

Getting black spots or dark marks on your nails after a gel manicure can be alarming. While they are often harmless, there are times when seeing a doctor is the best course of action:

Infection

If the marks are accompanied by pain, swelling, redness, throbbing, foul odor, or pus, you may have a nail infection. Fungal and bacterial infections can occur when the nail bed gets damaged during gel removal. See a dermatologist promptly for an evaluation and possible antibiotic treatment.

Melanonychia

Linear dark streaks on the nail that appeared after the manicure could signal melanonychia, a harmless condition where melanocytes (pigment producing cells) activate. However, melanonychia can sometimes indicate a rare nail melanoma.

Get checked by a doctor, especially if you have a family or personal history of skin cancer.

Nail Separation and Bruising

Trauma from aggressive gel removal can cause nails to separate from the nail bed or become bruised. See a dermatologist if the detachment or bruising is significant. Leaving it unchecked can impede proper nail regrowth.

Allergic Reaction

Though rare, dark nails post-gel manicure may result from an allergic reaction to gel components. See an allergist or dermatologist if the marks are accompanied by itching, rash, swelling, or shortness of breath, which can signal a severe reaction.

In most cases, dark marks on nails after gel application are harmless. But it’s always wise to get an evaluation if they don’t go away after a few weeks or are accompanied by worrisome symptoms. Catching any problems early leads to better outcomes.

With proper treatment, the nails should return to their healthy, beautiful best.

Conclusion

While gel manicures make nails look great, the preparation work can sometimes leave unsightly black stains behind. Being gentle during filing and buffing can help avoid marking up the nail plate. If stains do occur, properly removing gel polish and gently buffing may eliminate spots in many cases.

Persistent or spreading dark marks could indicate an underlying nail condition, and warrant seeing a dermatologist. With some care, those beautiful gel manicures can stay flawless from cuticle to tip.