When you think of acrylic nails, the first thing that probably comes to mind is how damaging they must be for your natural nails. Acrylics involve gluing a fake nail onto your real nail, which can’t be good for it. And then there’s the fact that once the artificial nails are removed, your natural nails will be left bare and perhaps even weaker than before. So do acrylics ruin your nails? Read on to find out… Acrylic nails are extremely popular right now – there are plenty of celebrities who can’t seem to get enough of them. But with their negative connotations, are they really worth all the fuss? Do they actually damage your own nails in some way? Let’s take a closer look.
Do Acrylics Ruin Your Nails?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of acrylics used, how well they are applied, and how well they are maintained. In general, though, if acrylics are not applied and maintained properly, they can definitely damage your nails.
Why Do People Get Acrylic Nails?
- It’s trendy – Acrylic nails are a popular choice for those who want to look good but don’t have the time or money to go to the salon. You can simply do it at home and get a nice manicure whenever you want.
- It’s cheap – The price of acrylic nails is very affordable, especially when compared with other treatments that involve going to the salon. You can get away with having acrylic nails for a few weeks or even months at a time, which means that you don’t have to worry about paying for them over and over again.
- It can be permanent – Acrylic nails are usually made using liquid acrylic (which is also known as ‘liquid vinyl’). This means that they are extremely durable, so they can be left on your natural nails without causing any damage whatsoever. However, should you wish to remove them at any point in the future, they will simply peel off.
Are Acrylic Nails Bad For Your Natural Nails?
1. They Can Damage Your Natural Nails
Acrylic nails are very easy to remove, and once they’re gone, your natural nail will be left bare. This means that it could become weaker and more prone to splits and cracks.
2. They’re Brittle
Acrylics are made from a plastic-like material that is used in manufacturing artificial nails. This material is known as acrylic resin, which is very brittle. When you apply acrylics on your own nails, you’ll probably notice that they break easily if you accidentally press them too hard or if you drop them on the ground. This is because the acrylic resin breaks easily when it is exposed to various chemicals in the environment such as water or sunlight. If your natural nail breaks easily due to this kind of damage, then it will also be likely to split or crack when it’s exposed to these same chemicals later on down the line as well. So while acrylics may look pretty, they’re not worth it if you end up with a brittle and weak nail later on down the line.
3. They Can Make Your Natural Nails Weak
Acrylics are made from an acrylic resin, which is very brittle and susceptible to breaking easily. This means that when you apply them to your nails, you’ll probably notice that they are strong at first but eventually start to weaken as time goes on. This is because the acrylic resin breaks easily when it is exposed to various chemicals in the environment such as water or sunlight. If your natural nail breaks easily due to this kind of damage, then it will also be likely to split or crack when it’s exposed to these same chemicals later on down the line as well. So while acrylics may look pretty, they’re not worth it if you end up with a brittle and weak nail later on down the line.
4. They Can Cause An Allergic Reaction
Acrylics have also been known to cause allergic reactions in some people. If you notice that your nails are breaking up and becoming thinner and weaker, there is a good chance that you may be allergic to acrylic resin. This can be a bit of a bummer if it’s something you’ve been trying to avoid.
5. They’re Not As Durable As Natural Nails
Natural nails are made from keratin, which is a natural substance that is found in our bodies and hair. This makes them stronger than acrylics and more resistant to damage from chemicals in the environment. Acrylics are made from plastic-like materials that are used in manufacturing artificial nails. These materials are known as acrylic resins, which are very brittle and easily broken when exposed to various chemicals in the environment such as water or sunlight. If your natural nail breaks easily due to this kind of damage, then it will also be likely to split or crack when it’s exposed to these same chemicals later on down the line as well. So while acrylics may look pretty, they’re not worth it if you end up with a brittle and weak nail later on down the line.
6. They Can Cause An Infection
Acrylics are known to cause infection in some people due to their plastic-like materials being very porous and allowing bacteria and fungus to thrive in them. If you notice that your nails are breaking up and becoming thinner and weaker, there is a good chance that you may be allergic to acrylic resin. This can be a bit of a bummer if it’s something you’ve been trying to avoid.
Tips For Maintaining Your Natural Nails After Applying Acrylics
1. Don’t Mess With Your Natural Nails
If you let your natural nails get damaged in any way, they may never recover. Acrylics are made of plastic, so they will eventually break down and become brittle. This means that any damage to your natural nails can lead to them breaking off. So if you have acrylic nails and you notice that they are starting to look a bit flimsy or broken, don’t attempt to repair them yourself. Instead, contact a professional nail technician for help.
2. Don’t Use Polish Or Gel On Your Natural Nails
If you decide to use polish or gel on your natural nails after applying acrylics, it could be extremely damaging for them. Acrylics are typically applied with a UV gel base coat that dries quickly and is designed to prevent the natural nail from absorbing the polish like it normally would do naturally. But if you apply a clear polish over top of this gel base coat, you may be doing more damage to your natural nails than good.
3. Don’t Use Nail File On Your Natural Nails
File your natural nails after applying acrylics because it could cause the artificial nail to become loose and break off. So instead, leave them alone and let them grow out naturally. This will allow them to grow strong and healthy again in no time at all. If you do need to take off a little bit of the acrylic, use a metal file instead of a plastic one because plastic files can wear down your natural nail, causing it to break off.
4. Don’t Use Acrylic Remover On Your Natural Nails
Acrylic removal typically involves acetone and alcohol, which are highly damaging to your natural nails and can completely ruin them if applied too often or too heavily on top of the acrylic gel base coat (which is what they are typically applied with). So don’t even attempt to use these products on your natural nails.
5. Don’t Push Your Nails Back Into The Gel Base Coat
If you decide to push your artificial nails back into the gel base coat after removing them, it can cause the acrylic nail to become loose and break off. So instead, leave them alone and let them grow out naturally again. If you want to take a little bit of the acrylic off, use a metal file instead of a plastic one because plastic files can wear down your natural nail, causing it to break off.
6. Don’t Touch Your Acrylic Nails With Your Natural Nails Or Scissors
If you are wearing acrylic nails and you accidentally get some of your natural nails stuck in between the sides of the acrylic nail and your real nail (which could happen if they are not cut properly or if they are too long), don’t try to pull it out yourself with your fingers or scissors; this is extremely damaging to your natural nail and can cause it to break off. Instead, don’t panic, just immediately remove the acrylic nail from the real nail with your fingers or a plastic file.
Conclusion
When it comes to acrylic nails, there are two sides to every story. On the one hand, they’re a great cosmetic accessory that can boost your self-confidence and make you feel beautiful. On the other hand, they’re very damaging to your natural nails. To avoid damaging your natural nails, make sure you follow the aftercare instructions given by your nail technician. You can also apply the best nail strengthener cream for soft nails to maintain your natural nails and avoid damage.
