Getting your nails done with acrylics, gel polish, or press-on extensions can make your nails look fabulous. However, some people worry that gluing artificial nails onto your natural nails or using certain nail polish formulas could damage your actual nails. Is this true? Here’s what you need to know about how nail extensions and enhancements affect your real nails
What are Nail Extensions?
Nail extensions refer to artificial nails that are glued or attached on top of your natural nails. Acrylic and gel are two common materials used to create nail extensions at nail extensions salons
Acrylic nails are made from a liquid acrylic powder mixture that hardens into a plastic-like material. The acrylic is shaped into an artificial nail and bonded to your real nail using adhesive glue. Acrylic nails are strong and durable.
Gel nails are made by brushing layers of polymer gel polish onto your natural nail and curing it under a UV or LED lamp. No glue is needed for gel nails. The gel hardens and adheres to your real nail. Gel nails tend to be more flexible than acrylics.
Press-on nails are pre-shaped artificial nails made of plastic, acrylic, or gel that adhere to your real nail with glue or adhesive tabs. You can easily pop press-ons on and off as needed.
Do Nail Extensions Damage Your Real Nails?
Done properly, most experts agree that getting artificial nails or enhancements does not permanently damage your actual nails. However, certain risks do exist.
When applied correctly without trauma to the nail bed, acrylic and gel extensions do not affect the matrix of your natural nail, which is the part that controls growth and strength. But nails must be properly prepped and primed for maximum safety.
Over time, the glue used for acrylic or press-on nails may weaken your real nails. Repeatedly gluing on and removing false nails can increase the risk of thinning and peeling.
To avoid damage when wearing artificial nails:
- Don’t pick or peel gels or acrylics off. Always have them professionally removed.
- Give your nails a break between sets.
- Apply cuticle oil daily to condition nails and cuticles.
- Use a gel nail polish base coat underneath acrylic or gel overlays.
- Avoid cheap press-on nails or low-quality salon products.
- Properly trim, file, and shape extensions to match your natural nails.
Do Gel Nail Polishes Harm Your Nails?
Gel manicures have become hugely popular thanks to their long-lasting shine and chip-resistant wear. However, some people claim that gel polish formulas and UV lamps used to cure them can weaken and thin your natural nails. So should you avoid gels altogether?
Most evidence indicates that when applied correctly, gel polishes do not significantly damage nails. One study tested three brands of gel polish and found no meaningful difference in women’s nail thickness after 18 months of wear.
However, another study showed that a chemical called HEMA found in some gel polishes could permeate the nail plates over time, causing slight thinning.
To Protect Your Nails When Opting For Gel Manicures
- Look for HEMA-free gel polish brands.
- Use an LED lamp rather than UV to cure gels. LEDs may cause less damage.
- Apply nail oil between gels to nourish and moisturize.
- Take occasional breaks from gels, allowing your nails to breathe.
- Properly cleanse nails before applying and removing gels.
- Avoid excessive filing of the natural nail surface.
- Watch for early signs of damage like brittleness and peel away from the nail bed.
While no long-lasting manicure option is permanently damaging to nails with proper application and removal, give your natural nails some breaks in between salon visits. And be vigilant about overfilling or picking gels or acrylics, which can weaken the nail bed. The expert nail technicians at The 20 Nail Story in Kolkata know just how to apply acrylics and gels to protect your natural nails while giving you gorgeous, long-lasting enhancements. Their top-quality salon products and meticulous attention to nail health mean you can get a fabulous manicure without worries. Happy and healthy nails begin with professional care and daily moisture. With simple precautions provided by reputable salons like 20 Nail Story, your nails can look fabulous in extensions while remaining strong and beautiful.
