If you love having perfectly manicured nails, you’ve probably tried acrylics or gel nails at some point.
These nail enhancements give you a glossy, long-lasting finish and can even help your nails look longer and stronger.
However, the downside is that acrylics and gels, when not used properly, can lead to nail damage.
We all want beautiful nails without sacrificing their health, so how can you strike the right balance?
In this post, I’ll share 5 tips I’ve learned to keep nails healthy and damage-free while still enjoying the benefits of acrylics and gels.
As someone who’s been through a few nail mishaps myself, I know how important it is to find a routine that protects your nails while achieving salon-quality results. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
5 Tips to Prevent Nail Damage from Acrylics and Gels
Tip 1: Choose Quality Products
One of the easiest ways to prevent nail damage from acrylics and gels is by opting for high-quality products. Not all acrylics and gels are created equal, and using subpar products can lead to weakened nails and even allergic reactions.
Why Quality Matters:
- Stronger Bonds: High-quality gels and acrylics bond better to your natural nails, reducing the likelihood of lifting or damage during removal.
- Fewer Chemicals: Better products often contain fewer harsh chemicals, which can strip your nails of moisture and weaken them.
- Longer Wear: Investing in quality products means you’ll spend less time touching up your nails and more time enjoying flawless manicures.
When you’re at the salon, don’t hesitate to ask about the brands they use. If you’re doing your nails at home, be sure to choose reputable brands that specialize in nail products. Look for reviews and testimonials to guide your purchase.
Tip 2: Don’t Skip the Prep Work
Nail preparation is a crucial step before applying acrylics or gels. I’ve learned the hard way that skipping this step can cause damage to your natural nails. A well-prepped nail surface ensures better adhesion and minimizes the risk of lifting and premature chipping.
Steps for Proper Nail Prep:
- Clean Nails: Wash your hands and nails thoroughly to remove dirt, oils, and old polish.
- Buff the Surface: Gently buff your natural nail to remove the shine. Be careful not to overdo it! Over-buffing can thin your nails and make them more susceptible to damage.
- Cuticle Care: Push back your cuticles and trim any excess skin around the nail. This creates a neat surface for the acrylics or gels to adhere to.
- Nail Dehydration: Apply a nail dehydrator to remove moisture from the nails, helping the acrylic or gel adhere better.
While prepping your nails might take an extra 10 minutes, it’s an investment in nail health. Trust me, taking this step will make your nails last longer and avoid unnecessary damage.
Tip 3: Give Your Nails Breaks Between Applications
Acrylics and gels are tough on your nails, especially when worn for long periods. Over time, these enhancements can cause your natural nails to become brittle, thin, or even infected. One way to prevent this is by giving your nails regular breaks.
Why Breaks Matter:
- Strengthen Natural Nails: Just like muscles need rest to recover, your nails need time to breathe and repair.
- Prevent Infection: Constantly wearing acrylics or gels can lead to trapped moisture beneath the enhancements, which can lead to fungal infections.
- Prevent Thinning: Prolonged use can weaken your natural nails, leaving them more prone to breakage.
I recommend removing acrylics or gels every 3-4 weeks, allowing at least a week or two of downtime before applying a new set. During this break, you can use strengthening nail treatments to help your nails recover.
Tip 4: Avoid Over-Soaking During Removal
One of the most common mistakes I see people make is over-soaking their nails when removing acrylics or gels. While soaking is part of the removal process, leaving your nails submerged in the solution for too long can cause damage. The harsh chemicals can weaken the nails and dry out the surrounding skin, making your nails more vulnerable.
How to Safely Remove Acrylics and Gels:
- File the Surface: Gently file the top layer of the acrylic or gel to reduce the amount of product you’re removing.
- Use Acetone Sparingly: Soak a cotton ball in acetone, place it on the nail, and wrap it in foil. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
- Avoid Forceful Removal: Once the acrylic or gel has softened, gently scrape it off with a cuticle pusher or orange stick. Don’t try to force it off as this can damage your natural nail.
- Moisturize After Removal: After all the product is removed, treat your nails with a nourishing oil or hand cream to replenish the moisture that acetone can strip away.
Taking the time to remove acrylics and gels properly will save you from unnecessary damage and promote healthier nails.
Tip 5: Hydrate and Nourish Your Nails
Acrylics and gels can dry out your nails, especially when they’re constantly exposed to acetone and other harsh chemicals. Hydration is key to maintaining nail health and preventing cracks, splits, and other damage.
Hydration Tips:
- Nail Oil: Apply cuticle oil to keep your nails moisturized and supple. I love using a nourishing oil that contains vitamin E and jojoba oil to promote nail strength.
- Hand Cream: Don’t forget your hands! A good hand cream can help keep both your skin and nails hydrated. Look for one that is rich in shea butter or glycerin.
- Hydrate From the Inside Out: Drinking plenty of water and maintaining a balanced diet can also help promote healthy nails. Foods rich in biotin, such as eggs, nuts, and leafy greens, are great for strengthening nails from the inside.
By regularly moisturizing and nourishing your nails, you’ll keep them in the best shape possible, even with acrylics or gels.
Conclusion:
Acrylics and gels can be a fantastic way to achieve beautiful, long-lasting nails, but they don’t come without risks. By following these five tips—choosing quality products, prepping your nails, giving your nails breaks, avoiding over-soaking during removal, and hydrating regularly—you can keep your nails healthy and strong while still enjoying fabulous manicures.
Remember, it’s not about completely avoiding acrylics or gels, but about using them in a way that doesn’t compromise the health of your natural nails. If you want to achieve salon-quality nails at home, take your time and care for your nails the right way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can acrylics or gels cause long-term damage to my nails?
- If applied and removed correctly, acrylics and gels should not cause long-term damage. However, prolonged use without breaks can lead to thinning or weakening of your natural nails.
- How often should I take breaks from acrylics or gels?
- Ideally, take a break every 3-4 weeks. Giving your nails time to recover will help keep them strong and healthy.
- What’s the best way to remove acrylics or gels without damaging my nails?
- File the surface of the nails, soak them in acetone for 10-15 minutes, and gently scrape off the product. Avoid forceful removal to prevent damage.
- Can I use acrylics or gels if my nails are already damaged?
- It’s best to wait until your nails have recovered before applying acrylics or gels. Otherwise, the added pressure can worsen the damage.
- What are the best products for nail care while wearing acrylics or gels?
- Look for nourishing oils, cuticle treatments, and strengthening base coats. Products with vitamin E and biotin are especially helpful.
- How can I prevent fungal infections while wearing acrylics or gels?
- Give your nails breaks between applications, avoid moisture buildup under the nails, and ensure proper removal to reduce the risk of infection.
By following these steps, you can enjoy the beauty of acrylics and gels without compromising your nail health. Happy manicuring!
