Constant use of acrylics can affect can your nail growth over time weakening your nails, making them prone to breakage. In addition, they dry out the natural oils on your nails making them more prone to splitting. This is much worse if MMA is used because it makes your nails more sensitive to trauma.
Acrylic nails can also damage the nails in the longer term, as the surface of your natural nails is filed down for application, meaning the natural nail becomes weaker.
Acrylic nails are exceptionally strong and with the right care will last 2-3 weeks, after which they will begin to naturally grow out. Without the right care and maintenance, your acrylics can lift, chip or peel sooner than the 2-3 week mark.
Give your nails a good break of three to six months and ensure that they are fully recovered before going for a new set of acrylic nails. Use over the counter medications and supplements to treat your nail. Always visit a professional nail technician when you notice any signs of off nail color or damage to your nails.
1. BE PATIENT, IT'S A PROCESS. it takes about 9 months to fully grow out your nail from cuticle to tip, so that's your baseline!
All of our pros said that your nails could be nursed back to health, without a doubt, but it'll take time. Your damaged nail needs to grow out completely so that it can be replaced with a healthy nail. While you wait, stick to regular nail polish, get regimented about moisturizing, and stay away from acrylics.
Fungal nail infection. This can occur when moisture collects under acrylic nails. It is more common with nails that are left on for 3 months or longer. This type of infection can also happen if you reglue the artificial nail before you clean the gap.
Acrylics last between six to eight weeks. You will need to refill them every two to three weeks depending on how fast your nails grow. You can also refill your acrylic nails as they begin to grow out to keep the appearance of the nails for longer.
If you want to wear artificial nails for more than a few weeks, you'll need touch-ups every 2 to 3 weeks to fill in the gaps that appear as your nails grow. Frequent touch-ups can seriously damage your natural nails. In short, artificial nails can leave your nails thin, brittle, and parched.
Gel nails, while durable, aren't as strong as acrylic nails. They are more flexible than acrylic nails and less resistant to chipping or breaking. In general, acrylic nails are more durable than gel nails, but gel nails have a more natural look.
Background: Acrylic nails harbor more bacteria than natural nails, and wear is not recommended for health care workers (HCWs).
Severe and un-treated cases will appear as dark green or even black spots on the nail. More than often, this is caused by moisture getting trapped between an enhancement and the natural nail; poor application or poor tech hygiene.
Peeling and flaking
Paper-thin nails after acrylics are another common issue. Gel and acrylics cause the nails to lose moisture and become brittle, flaky and peeling. This can also be caused by improperly peeling the gel and removing the nail plate.
You should avoid products with acetone because it will cause your acrylic nails to deteriorate. Acetone will also leave pits and make your nails soft. Aside from acetone, avoid anything that has the potential of damaging the acrylic. You should say no to high heat and chemicals such as turpentine and Goo-Gone.
► Inhaling Acrylic Acid can irritate the nose, throat and lungs. ► Acrylic Acid may cause a skin allergy. ► Long term exposure may affect the kidneys and lungs. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit (REL) is 2 ppm averaged over a 10-hour workshift.
Do acrylics ruin your nails? Many people get acrylic nails to have stronger, natural nails but Sherrille says they actually weaken and damage natural nails long-term (beware of picking off your acrylics). But, done correctly and with breaks in between you can limit the damage and ensure nail health.
A basic manicure, with the right polishes, is the healthiest for your nails. When we say the 'right polishes' we mean the best nail growth polish or breathable nail polish. The harsh chemicals in many polishes often degrade our nails. Using an organic polish that contains vitamins, is the best way to avoid damage.
Vaseline, Jojoba oil, and coconut oil can be used to replace the shine and flexibility of the original acrylic. Make sure you “buff” the jelly/oil into the nail with a soft cloth of very soft toothbrush. This will not only keep them looking healthy, but keep them from cracking.
The easiest way to remove acrylic nails fast is to cover them with a cotton ball soaked in pure acetone, wrap your fingers in tin foil, and let them sit for 30 minutes. The acetone will help break down the acrylics, so you can buff or scrape off the rest with an orange stick or cuticle pusher.
Non-acetone nail polish remover, hot soapy water, cuticle oil and a nail file are all great options that won't damage your skin or natural nails. Bear in mind that some of these methods (like using a nail file) may take longer than acetone, but they'll help keep your nails healthy.