The Damages of Artificial Nails and How to Avoid Them

Women who have short nails that do not seem to grow properly often choose to nurture what nature has not given them – long, artificial nails. There is no doubt that long, healthy-looking nails can boost your confidence and make your hands look wonderful. However, when applying artificial nails, it is important to know how artificial nails can damage your natural nails. The following are some of the risks of artificial nails that you can expect. To avoid damaging your natural nails, read on to discover valuable tips for artificial nail application that every woman should know.

Can Artificial Nails Really Damage My Natural Nails?

The answer is yes. While not common, there are several risks when applying artificial nails, including:

1. Nail fungus – fungus develops in moist areas, like the gaps between natural nails and artificial nails. When applying artificial nails, you or your nail care professional must make sure that the nails are well-glued, and that there are no gaps between your natural nails and artificial ones. If gaps exist, water and other liquids can get in and cause fungus to develop, which is very difficult to get rid of.

2. Nail mold – yes, the same mold that you find in damp places can develop on your natural nails as a result of artificial nail application. Similar to fungus, mold is also formed as a result of moisture; when liquids are trapped between your natural nails and artificial nails, mold may form. In the beginning, the mold will appear white, and it will change colors to green and blackish as time goes by. The mold can weaken your natural nails, which is why it is risky to have artificial nails sometimes.

3. Infections and breakage – artificial nails create mechanical pressure on your natural nails that can damage their strength. Also, the use of various adhesives and saps leads to the breakage of nails, causing them to be weak, frail, and lack natural shine. Artificial nails can also cause infections that affect the nails and the skin around them, so you must take precautions when artificially elongating your nails.

How to Protect Your Nails from Artificial Nail Damage?

As you can see, artificial nails can damage your natural nails, sometimes irreparably. That doesn’t go to say that you should not use artificial nails when you desire. It just means that you need to take several precautions when elongating your nails:

• Only go to licensed salons – when going to a nail salon, make sure it has an up-to-date state license that your nail technician is licensed by the state board. That way you will know that you are in the hands of a professional who knows how to apply and care for artificial nails.

• Make sure the nail technician only uses sanitizes/disposable tools – cleanliness is vital with cosmetic treatments, especially nail care. When you go to your mail appointment, make sure the nail technician sanitized the tools or that he/she is using disposable tools. Nails fungus and other infections are easily transferable through unclean tools, so you must make sure that you receive a clean manicure whenever you go to the salon.

• Give your nails a breather – make sure you give your natural nails a breather every once in a while. Take off the artificial nails (carefully) and pamper your natural nails with nourishing and nurturing products that will strengthen them and give them a natural shine and boost.

• Do not be tempted to glue nails by yourself – there are many at-home nail kits that you can use to glue your own artificial nails at home. The kits are easy to use, and they come with all the things you need to give yourself long nails. However, when applying acrylic or gel nails by yourself, it is likely that you will not do a perfect job, which can cause fungus and infections. The kits allow you to save money, but you will need to pay a lot more for fixing the problems that arise from the self-adhesion of artificial nails, so you should only go to a professional nail technician if you want longer nails.

• Follow nail-kit instructions to the T – if you insist on gluing your own nails, make sure you follow the instructions on your nail kit to the very last detail. You should also watch instructional videos of people who have tried such kits and can give you tips for success. Also, make sure you purchase a high-quality kit with strong artificial nails from reputable companies to be certain that you get the best.

Artificial nails are perfect for nail biters and those who cannot grow long nails. If you love the artificial nail look, you have to make sure that you avoid the problems that can arise from acrylic or gel nails. Whether it is with a technician or at home, take good care of your natural and artificial nails, and you will enjoy long, healthy, and shiny nails.