Going for a Manicure? Don’t Forget to Apply SPF First

A fresh manicure is one of those simple self-care rituals that just feels good — the warm soak, the hand massage, the glossy finish. But before you head to the salon, there’s one step that deserves a spot in your routine right alongside choosing your nail color: applying SPF.

It might not be the first thing you think of when you’re picking out a polish, but protecting your hands before a manicure is an easy way to care for your skin while you care for your nails.

Ahead, we’ll explain why SPF matters in the salon, what UV lamps actually do, and how to keep your hands protected without disrupting your appointment.

UV Lamps, Explained

Nail salons often use lamps to help dry regular polish and cure gel manicures — but many of these devices emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, both UV lamps and LED lamps produce UV radiation, primarily in the form of UVA rays. These rays have been linked to premature skin aging and skin cancer.

The good news? The Skin Cancer Foundation notes that even the most intense of these nail lamps presents only a moderate UV risk, significantly lower than UV tanning devices. Still, if you’re getting gel manicures regularly, or if your hands are frequently exposed to these lamps, adding SPF to your routine is an easy way to lower that exposure even further.

How to Protect Your Hands During a Manicure

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying a broad spectrum sunscreen to your hands 20 minutes before they’re exposed to UV lamps. Here are a few other ways to protect your skin during your appointment:

Let regular polish air-dry naturally when possible.
Ask for an air blower or fan that doesn’t use UV light.

These small steps can help reduce unnecessary exposure while still letting you enjoy the manicure you love.

What Type of Sunscreen Should You Wear During a Manicure?

Your hands deserve sunscreen that feels comfortable, absorbs quickly, and won’t leave a slippery residue. PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 checks all of those boxes, and more! Here’s why it’s a great match for manicures:

It offers broad spectrum SPF 50 protection
It’s lightweight and non-greasy, so your hands won’t feel slick
It’s fast-absorbing and never sticky or tacky
It helps hydrate your skin
It’s water resistant for 80 minutes, which helps it stay put through hand washing or that post-polish rinse

It’s everything you need for a quick pre-appointment SPF moment!

Make SPF Part of Your Nail Appointment Ritual

Protecting your hands is easy with Supergoop!Just apply your favorite SPF before you leave the house and let it sink in on the way to the salon. It’s a small step that helps keep your hands protected while you enjoy your favorite self-care routine.