In the world of acrylic nails, the adage “Too much of anything is bad” needs to be repeated more frequently than usual because many people are so infatuated with acrylic nails that they can’t fathom taking a few weeks off. There is no denying that acrylic nails are classy and gorgeous, but too much of anything, even acrylic powder, is dangerous.
Acrylics shouldn’t damage nails, but if they are applied improperly, with poor quality products, or removed improperly, either by bad products or methods, they can cause significant damage. This is why it’s crucial to avoid acrylic for a week after the previous removal to help your fingernails regain their strength.
Why You Should Take A Break From Acrylic Nails?
When acrylic is done correctly by a skilled technician with the necessary products and routine maintenance, as well as a proper nail removal process, acrylic nails shouldn’t cause any significant harm. But unfortunately, when these products and processes are not met, you will not notice any of these signs.
Even when done by an expert, the application of acrylic nails is very straining on natural nails. It involves drilling, filing and the use of chemicals which can damage your natural nails if worn for too long. Additionally, it is important to give your nails a break to prevent fungal or bacterial infections that can occur if the nails are not properly cleaned.
How Often Should You Take a Break From Acrylic Nails?
It’s generally recommended to take a break from acrylic nails every 3-4 weeks to allow your natural nails to breathe and recover.
During the break, it is recommended to use moisturizing oils to help strengthen and nourish the nails. It’s also a good idea to avoid using harsh chemicals or products on your nails and to make sure you maintain good hygiene practices.
Signs You Need To Take A Break From Acrylic Nails
Here are some signs you need to take a break from Acrylic nails:
1. Thin Nails After The Removal Of Acrylic Nails
Depending on how you remove your acrylic nails, the removal of acrylic nails involves a lot of filing and the use of chemicals. Instead of filing, you can use this soaking method as filling your natural nail may cause them to become weak and thin if filed down too much.
Also, nail treatment and chemicals can cause nails to break easily. Poorly formulated or inappropriate removers can also dry out and harm the skin around the nail. If this occurs, you should stop using acrylic nails until your fingers have healed.
2. Stained Nails After The Removal Of Acrylic Nails
After the removal of your nails, a quality acrylic product shouldn’t leave a stain on your fingernails, unless the products are not of good quality. Utilising inferior products or intensely coloured acrylic nail powders might leave stains on your nails after removal.
On rare occasions, the colourant in dark polishes can chemically react with your nails. If you see an acrylic stain on your nails after removal, it is best to avoid acrylic nails for a while. Here’s how to remove acrylic stains from your nails:
3. Dry Cuticle After Removal of Acrylic Nails
Dry cuticles may also indicate that you need to stop using acrylic nails for a while. Dry cuticles can occur for a variety of reasons, and the materials used in the removal procedure make them worse. Therefore, if you notice a dry cuticle, there are oils you can use to improve the condition of your fingernails. However, avoid the acrylic world while receiving treatment.
4. Brittle Nails After Acrylic Nail Removal
If your nails split easily, chip, crack, and become weak after removing acrylic nails, you may have brittle nails. In addition to the products used during removal, the application process can also contribute to this because many products contain harsh chemicals that, if applied frequently, can harm your natural nail plate. If you notice brittle nails after removing previous acrylic nails, it is time to take a break.
How You Should Protect Your Nails During Acrylic Intervals
Here are some suggestions on how to safeguard your fingernails so you don’t have to stay away for a while if you adore acrylic nails and can’t resist them.
- Always Start With A Good Base Coat
Make sure to always apply a clear base coat before applying acrylic powder. This is one of the most crucial manicure steps. This will not only prolong the life of your manicure but also act as a barrier between the acrylic powder and your natural nail plate. Doing this will help you avoid stained nails after nail removal and make your nails healthier. Here is a good base coat you should try.
2. Regularly Moisturise Your Nails With Cuticle Oil
It’s not necessary to have dry cuticles before moisturising your fingers; many nail technicians use cuticle oil to moisturise their clients’ nails after they’ve had their nails fixed. This helps increase the circulation around your nails and keeps peeling and fungal infections at bay.
For this reason, it’s crucial to use cuticle oil at least once a day to keep your nails moisturised. Here is an example of an excellent cuticle oil you can apply to your finger.
3. Use A Nail Strengthener To Fix And Protect Your Nails.
Apply a nail strengthener to your nails before going to the salon to have acrylic nails fixed. This is very important to avoid brittle and thin nails, as improper removal of acrylic nails and regular fixing of nails can result in a thin or brittle nails.
A nail strengthener will help protect your nails from bad acrylic products; it can also help your weak fingernails by repairing them until they’re strong, healthy-looking, and shiny. This is why nail strengtheners are advantageous; you can also strengthen your nails by using a paraffin wax bath.
4. Shorten Your Nails.
If you enjoy having long nails, you will need to shorten them if you can’t take a break from acrylic nails. Short nails are safer because they don’t hit things as long nails do; long nails can injure and damage the natural nails underneath when they strike something. The pain you feel when this happens is nothing compared to the damage done to your nail bed.
There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that acrylic nails are harmful to your nails, but the products you select to fix and remove your nails may have an impact on how damaged your nails get. If you adhere to these instructions, you’ll be able to protect your nail bed and fix your acrylic nails without encountering any problems that would force you to take a break from acrylics.