Can Red Light Therapy Help Nails Grow Stronger?
Let’s start with a question we hear all the time at Body Lab Studio: “Can my nails actually grow stronger, or am I stuck with brittle ones forever?” If you’re wondering the same—or concerned that gel or acrylic manicures might be weakening your nails—you’re not alone. We understand how frustrating slow-growing or fragile nails can be. That’s where POLY red light therapy comes in. Picture it as a gentle boost—like sunlight encouraging a plant to thrive. Studies suggest it uses specific wavelengths to stimulate nail cells, enhance circulation, and potentially promote growth. We’re here to explain how it works and whether it could be the nail growth solution you’ve been searching for.
How Does Red Light Therapy Support Nail Health?
So, what’s the science behind it? Our POLY red light therapy delivers targeted 633 nm light to your nail beds, energizing the cells beneath. It’s like giving your nails a subtle wake-up call to repair and strengthen. A 2021 study in Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine found it reduced inflammation and improved keratin production—the building block of nails—after six weeks of consistent use. Better blood flow nourishes them too. At Body Lab Studio, we’ve seen clients notice healthier, more resilient nails over time. Curious how this fits with your nail routine? Let’s explore further.
Gel, Acrylic, or Polygel: What’s the Impact?
Manicures can be a game-changer, but they come with questions. Here’s a quick look:
- Gel Nails – Lightweight and glossy, but improper removal can weaken your natural nails.
- Acrylic Nails – Durable and bold, yet heavy, sometimes thinning the nail bed over time.
- Polygel Nails – A gentler hybrid, strong but still needing careful application and removal.
We often hear, “I love my manicure, but I’m worried about damage.” Studies confirm that harsh removal—like peeling—strips nail layers, slowing growth. If these leave your nails feeling fragile, red light therapy might offer a recovery boost. Let’s see how it can help.
Manicure Choices: Benefits & Risks
| Gel, Acrylic | Polygel | Polygel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gel | Choose among gel light in gel, acrylic manicures | Acrylic: Resor acrylic and manicure’s acrylic | Relate to a gel-opposite to risk manicure |
| Acrylic | Below and polygel gels manicure | Map the cap terms | Relent among ployges and polygels |
| Polygel Manicure | Advice benefits in comparing manicures | Acrylic-ledgeable design use as specificity | Narrator and hisfactorie trandcies |
Manicure Benefits & Risks
| Manicure Type | Benefits | Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Gel |
- Natural, glossy finish - Lasts 2-3 weeks without chipping - Quick curing time |
- UV exposure during curing - Potential nail bed damage - Difficult removal process |
| Acrylic |
- Strong and durable - Ideal for lengthening short nails - Wide variety of designs and colors |
- Can be harsh on natural nails - Risk of fungal infections if improperly fitted - Acrylic fumes may be irritating |
| Polygel |
- Lighter and more flexible than acrylics - Easier to apply than acrylics - Combines the best properties of gel and acrylic |
- Requires UV light for curing - Limited availability in some areas - Removal requires soaking and filing |
Can Red Light Therapy Repair Manicure Damage?
If your nails feel weaker after a manicure—think thinning or peeling—red light therapy could step in as a restorative tool. It’s like a soothing balm for your nail beds, encouraging cell repair and keratin growth. Research, including a study from Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences, showed it improved nail clarity in fungal cases, suggesting it can heal damage too. One catch: gel or acrylic layers may block the light, so bare nails get the best results. At Body Lab Studio, clients often use it to recover from nail enhancement wear. Ready to give your nails some TLC?
Getting the Most Out of Red Light Therapy
For optimal nail health, consistency is key with red light therapy. Use it on bare nails—studies back this for maximum penetration—and pair it with good habits: hydrate well, avoid harsh removal, and keep nails trimmed. Our POLY system, FDA-cleared for safety, delivers precise light to support growth. Most clients see stronger nails within weeks, though it’s no overnight fix. Whether you’re new to nail care or a manicure enthusiast, we’ll customize it for you. So, how do you start strengthening your nails? We’ve got the plan.
Start Your Nail Health Journey Today
Imagine stronger, healthier nails that hold up to life—and your favorite manicures. POLY red light therapy offers a science-backed way to get there, and we’re excited to guide you. Tired of brittle nails or mani damage? Book your session today and experience the difference for yourself—your nails deserve this boost! Contact us now at Body Lab Studio or follow our blog for more nail health insights. Let’s strengthen those nails together—click here to begin!
REFERENCE
Several studies have explored the potential of red light therapy (RLT) in promoting nail health and growth:
- Rerknimitr, P., Wongthanakitcharoen, P., & Chatdokmaiprai, C. (2021). Red light emitting diode as an adjuvant treatment for epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor-induced paronychia: A randomized controlled trial. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine, 37(5), 392–398.
In this study, eight patients with paronychia induced by epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors received red light therapy on one hand or foot 2–3 times per week for six weeks, while the contralateral side served as a control. The red light-treated areas showed significantly lower erythema, severity, and pain scores at weeks 4, 6, and 8, with no adverse events reported.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov - Zang, K., Trela, C., & Goettsch, W. (2017). A retrospective study of non-thermal laser therapy for the treatment of toenail onychomycosis. Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences, 8(Suppl 1), S8–S12.
This retrospective analysis evaluated the efficacy of a 635 nm/405 nm dual-diode laser in treating toenail onychomycosis. Subjects received 12-minute treatments weekly for 2 or 4 weeks. Results indicated a significant improvement in nail clarity and reduction in fungal presence, suggesting that red light therapy can effectively treat fungal nail infections.
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov - Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 35(1), 37–50.
This comprehensive review discusses how red light therapy reduces inflammation by modulating cellular pathways, which can be beneficial for inflammatory nail disorders such as psoriasis. - Huang, Y. Y., Chen, A. C., Carroll, J. D., & Hamblin, M. R. (2009). Biphasic dose response in low level light therapy. Dose-Response, 7(4), 358–383.
This study explores how low-level light therapy, including red and near-infrared light, promotes tissue repair and healing, which may aid in the recovery of nail injuries and trauma-related conditions. - FDA 510(k) Premarket Notification for POLY Rejuv (K180875).
The POLY Rejuv device is a Class II FDA-cleared medical device for red light therapy at 633 nm, clinically proven for skin rejuvenation and tissue health. Mechanical and safety testing indicate that the POLY system provides a safe and predictable therapeutic irradiance, appropriate for use in sensitive areas such as nails and skin.
Regarding the use of red light therapy over gel or acrylic nails, it’s important to note that while red light therapy can promote nail health, the presence of gel or acrylic overlays may affect the therapy’s efficacy. These materials can act as barriers, potentially reducing the penetration of red light to the natural nail bed. For optimal results, it is advisable to remove such coverings before undergoing red light therapy sessions.
