Do acrylic nails ruin your own nails?

Have you ever considered getting your nails done but are concerned about damaging your natural nails? Damaged natural nails and artificial nail enhancements are a hot topic. So many struggle with brittle nails that won’t grow or just love the durability and look of artificial nails. There are three main reasons your nails get damaged. Damage can happen from the nail tech and it can also happen from the client if they chew on, pick, or peel off their nails.

Application

Acrylic nails are applied with a brush, monomer (liquid), and powder. This service can be bothersome to some people who are sensitive to smells, the monomer is what gives nail salons that pungent “ nail” smell.  The brush is dipped into the liquid and then into the powder to create a moldable substance called a “ bead” of acrylic. That bead is then placed on the nail bed to form perfectly to the nail. The nail tech has to be very skilled to get the proper liquid to powder ratio. Too much liquid and you have a runny blob of acrylic that leaks into the cuticle, while not enough and you have a dry bead that doesn’t adhere properly to the nail bed.

The first way your nails can get damaged.

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.

The second way your nails can get damaged.

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.

The third way your nails can get damaged.

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 do I fix my damaged nails?

If you’re stuck with the aftermath of a bad nail experience, here are a few things that can help your nails grow out faster.

Do you have any questions? Leave them down below! Our licensed nail technician would be happy to answer them for you.