Gel Nail Strips in Pregnancy: What to Know

We can't tell you that any cosmetic, including our gel nail strips, is right for your pregnancy, so we don't make pregnancy claims. What we can do is share the facts about our formula: HEMA free and TPO free, vegan, cruelty-free, CPNP registered, REACH compliant and 14-Free. If you're pregnant, check with your GP or midwife before you use them.

Lots of people search for this, so here's what we know, what we don't, and a few simple tips if you and your GP or midwife are happy for you to go ahead.

Can I use gel nail strips while pregnant?

That's a decision for you and your GP or midwife, who know your health. We're a nail brand, not a medical service, so we won't call any product safe for every pregnancy.

If it helps, take the formula facts below to your appointment, or show them our product safety and ingredients page.

What's in Velvora gel nail strips?

Velvora gel nail strips are real semi-cured gel, cured to around 80 per cent in production. You apply them and finish the cure under a UV or LED lamp.

• HEMA free and TPO free
• Vegan and cruelty-free
• CPNP registered
• REACH compliant
• 14-Free

These are facts about the formula and the rules it meets. CPNP registration and REACH compliance are about cosmetics and chemicals regulations, not a medical judgement about pregnancy, so they don't replace advice from your GP or midwife.

What about the UV or LED lamp?

Lamp time is short. Each hand needs 60 seconds under a UV or LED lamp, with thumbs done separately, and very dark or glittery shades need an extra 15 to 30 seconds. If you're unsure about using a lamp while pregnant, ask your GP or midwife.

If you'd rather skip the lamp altogether, polish strips are real nail polish in a strip, with no lamp and no drying time. They last around a week and come off with ordinary nail polish remover.

Comfort tips if you do your nails while pregnant

• Choose a well-ventilated room. Open a window if you can, especially if pregnancy has made you more sensitive to smells.
• Keep lamp time brief. Cure for the recommended time only, with no extra rounds just to be sure.
• Patch test first. Apply and cure a single strip, then wait a day before doing a full set.
• Keep the gel off your skin. Pick a strip slightly smaller than your nail so it doesn't touch the cuticle or sidewalls, and don't apply over broken skin.
• Stop if anything feels wrong. If you notice redness, itching, swelling or soreness, take the strips off and speak to your GP, midwife or pharmacist. The NHS guidance on allergies explains the common signs.
• Get comfortable. Set everything out first and sit at a table, so you're not bending over for long.

Our guide to applying gel strips walks through sizing, pressing and curing step by step.

Can pregnancy change how long strips last?

It can. Some people find their nails grow faster, feel softer or get oilier during pregnancy, and that can make strips lift sooner. Clean the nail well, let it dry completely and press each strip down firmly before curing.

Gel strips give up to 14 days of wear on fingernails. In our own wear tests strips typically last 10 to 14 days, but nail changes, hand washing and housework can all shorten that.

How do I take them off gently?

Add a few drops of cuticle oil round the edges, wait, then lift each strip with a wooden stick and peel it back slowly. No acetone is needed. Never peel them off dry, as that can take layers of your natural nail with it. Our removal guide has the full method.

Common questions

Can I use gel nail strips while pregnant?

It's a question for your GP or midwife, because we can't make pregnancy claims about any cosmetic. What we can tell you is that our gel nail strips are HEMA free and TPO free, vegan, cruelty-free, CPNP registered, REACH compliant and 14-Free, which is useful to mention at your appointment.

Are Velvora gel nail strips HEMA free?

Yes. Velvora gel nail strips are HEMA free and TPO free, as well as vegan and cruelty-free. That's a fact about the formula, not medical advice, so check with your GP or midwife if you're pregnant.

How long do my hands need to be under the lamp?

60 seconds per hand under a UV or LED lamp, with thumbs done separately. Very dark or glittery shades need an extra 15 to 30 seconds. If you'd rather not use a lamp, polish strips need no lamp and no drying time.

What should I do if my skin reacts?

Stop using the strips. Take them off gently with a few drops of cuticle oil round the edges, then lift with a wooden stick, and speak to your GP, midwife or pharmacist about the reaction.

If you and your GP or midwife are happy for you to go ahead, the Velvora Gel Nail Strips Starter Kit has two sets of your choice, a cuticle oil pen and the mini UV/LED lamp, or you can browse all our gel nail strips.