Damaged nails after acrylic

Getting a bad set of nails is unfortunately a far too common occurrence than we wish it was. Before the nail tech can start applying the acrylic they must prep the nail first. This is one of the instances that can cause damage to the nail. In order for the acrylic to adhere to the nail bed, the natural nail must be “roughed up”. Meaning the natural shine of the nail must be removed and small scratches are made to give the acrylic a better surface to adhere to.

Find a nail tech who cares

Sometimes the nail tech is in a hurry or they just simply do it by mistake, but they end up roughing up the nail too much. This can cause sore and thin nail beds. If your nails have been roughed up too much, this can cause your nails to be sore for a short duration after you appointment. Typically they stop hurting within a day or so and shouldn’t bother you unless you have your nails removed.

What else causes nail damage?

Another way your nails can get damaged is when you go in for a fill. That is where the term “ring of fire” comes from. This is a half circle shaped indent that can be red or sore.  Typically the nail tech uses a drill bit called a mandrel that looks like a sander. When they are drilling away any lifting that may have happen during the last few weeks and they rough up the new growth of your nail, the nail tech can cause damage if they are in a hurry or are not focused on what they are doing. This is why it is important to go to a skilled nail technician and go no longer than 2 weeks in between appointments. By doing this, it will cause less lifting around the cuticle and less drilling for the nail tech.

Damage during fills

I know it can be tempting to chew on your nails, pick at them, or peel them off, but DON’T do it.  I’ve seen my clients forcefully peel off their nails and a  large layer of your nail can come off with it.  This is not something you want to do because it leaves your nails thin and sore. Chewing on your nails causes the acrylic to weaken and is more likely to crack and cause more serious damage to the nail bed. The phrase ” nails are like jewels, don’t use them like tools” should be ever ringing in your mind after you get your nails done. The more you use them like a tool the more likely they will break and cause potential damage to your nails.

There are a lot of factors that come into play with damage and artificial nail enhancements. All in all, do the research and find a skilled technician in your area.

How can I fix my nails?

The aftermath of a bad set of nails is the worst. Being left with thin, sore, brittle nails is not anyone’s definition of fun. While there isn’t a magical over night fix, there are a few things you can do that will help.

Apply this every other day. Remove it after a week or so and start over until your nails feel better.

Biotin supports the integumentary system and will help your nails grow faster.

After incorporating these two things you should start to see a difference within 14-30 days. You can continue both as long as you want.