Yes, let’s face it, acrylics and gels – they are the ultimate solution if you want your nails to look as polished for weeks.
From the traditional techniques used on French tips right up to today’s colorful piece of art or the more recent shape and design of acrylics and gels give people a way of portraying an outlook on life that is shown on their nails.
But there’s one question I get asked over and over again: ‘What measures do I have to take so that my nails will not damage while doing acrylics or gels on them?’
It is such a relevant topic as, honestly, people do not wish to have those awful, brittle nails after taking off their beautiful set of acrylics.
Fortunately, it is not impossible to have the best of both.
Okay then, here is all I know that will help you maintain your natural nails regardless of how frequent you are in the nail salon.
Understanding the Basics of Acrylics and Gels
First of all, let me explain what acrylics and gels are for those people who might be newcomers to the world of nails.
Acrylic nails are done with the use of a liquid monomer and powder polymer that is used to put on a strong plastic layer on your natural nails.
They are long lasting and can be molded and elongated to the pining of your heart.
But gels are somewhat in a different league all together.
Gel polish is applied like a typical nail polish solution but is dried under a UV or LED lamp hence making the product durable with a shiny appearance.
Another one is gel extensions and this also functions like the acrylics in that they elongate the nail but the formula used in this is not acrylics.
I do love acrylics and gels very much though they do pose some danger to your natural nails in case you are not cautious.
Therefore, how do you avoid such damage?
Again, it is possible to conclude that the secret is in preparation, aftercare, as well as in choice of products and hairdressers.
Prep Your Nails Properly
Nail care is very important before you can even consider getting acrylics or gels on your nails.
This, I believe, is a point that I have to emphasize a lot!
Here’s what I recommend you (or your nail tech) do before getting any enhancements:
Clean and Shape
Begin with washing the nails, make sure that they are clean.
It is said that remnants of dirt or oil or even nail polish can hinder the ability of acrylic or gel on your nails.
Once the nails are washed, use an emery board to shape the nails into the preferred style.
Be gentle with your file – nothing that is harsh that can hurt the nail bed.
Buff, But Don’t Overdo It
It is important that somehow, the surface of nails is polished to enable better holding of the acrylic or gel.
All the same, a little bit of effort in this direction goes very fast.
It’s therefore important not overbuff your nails but rather use techniques that aim at strengthening and thickening your natural nails.
I always make a point of telling people that the idea is to sand off the smoothness – you do not have to sand too hard.
Hydrate Your Cuticles
Brittle, rough and ugly cuticles do not only look good and can cause infections and nail issues in the future.
In case you are intending to get acrylics or gels on your nails, ensure that you moisturize your cuticles first.
That’s why I’m speaking of rich cuticle oils containing the beneficial additives such as jojoba oil, vitamin E, and coconut oil.
There is nothing like a little tender loving care in this department to bring out a world of difference.
Choosing the Right Nail Tech
I can’t say this enough: look for a person who knows what they are doing!
It is very important that the nail tech who is filing your nails is not heavy handed or is using poor quality products on your natural nails.
Ensure they are certified, they are neat and they should not be harsh on the skin.
A good nail technician will always put the health of your nails into consideration even while producing the best artistry on your nails.
Oh yes, for those of you who like to do your own nails at home, the same rules apply to you.
Ensure you are buying the right quality products, do this slowly and don’t hurry.
It is very important to make a little extra effort to maintain healthy nails.
Regular Maintenance is Key
In the same way that you need to trim your hair, take care of your skin every day, the same applies to nails.
This is especially true where acrylics or gels are used.
Here’s how to keep your nails in tip-top shape while rocking your long-lasting manicures:
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Well-groomed nails and cuticles are such a necessity in today’s world, you really have to take good care of them.
The acrylics and gels may feel a bit dry and this is quite alright considering the fact that our hands come into contact with chemicals, cleaning products, or even dry air.
Apart from cleaning, use a cuticle oil at least once a day for your nails.
I assure you they will not be grateful but glad as well.
Avoid Picking or Biting
Still, there is one thing that you shouldn’t do – this is to constantly play with your acrylics or gels.
If you begin to see lifting or chipping do not attempt to peel them off!
It can remove layers from your natural nail which damages and makes them weaker in the process over time.
But it is preferable to visit your nail professional to fix them or, in the process of doing it at home, you should soak them off using acetone.
Take Nail Breaks
Of course, who does not love having new acrylics or gel nails but it is occasionally important to leave your nails bare.
From my personal experience I advise that you should allow your natural nails some rest which can be done by not putting on an extension for at least a week or two every two months.
While doing this, ensure you chase away the dryness by moisturizing, feeding and building up the nails with nail treatments or with a strengthening polish.
The nails will be so much healthier for the next set you will be doing!
The Removal Process Matters
Another key issue that people get wrong is poor polish removal.
I think we all have been there; waiting for gels to be removed or wanting to remove acrylics.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you, this is the fastest way of damaging your nails!
Acrylics and gels have to be dampened and thus, the process of their removal has to be also as smooth as possible.
Soak, Don’t Peel
People who want to remove their polish at the comfort of their homes should start by applying acetone on the nails.
As for acrylics, it is better to wrap every nail in a cotton pad which is soaked in acetone and then use the foil to fix this pad.
Allow them to sit for approximately 15-20 minutes.
For gels, submerging gel on acetone for 10 min should work.
As soon as the product becomes soft, use a wood stick or a cuticle pusher and get rid of that acrylic or gel.
So you need to make sure that they do not remain there for such a long time, but if it is quiet still, do not just push it, not even the need to soak the nails a little more.
Basically, the aim is to remove the product while making sure the natural nail is not damaged in any way.
Buff Lightly After Removal
I found that depending on the nail type or after acrylics or gels have been removed, the nails are slightly ridged, uneven.
This is also a great time to apply a strengthening base coat or nail hardener to help strengthen your nails as it will take sometime in regrowing.
Nourish and Strengthen from Within
You are what you eat too in this case this means that it is not only the outside of the nails that should be well maintained, the nails also need to be nourished from within.
The diet you take determines the strength and the growth that your nails receive although adding some nutrients can do wonders.
Biotin and Nail Health
Biotin is one of the supplements I love because of its benefits towards nails.
This is a B vitamin that helps maintain skin, hair and nails and from my experience, taking supplements that contain this vitamin turned out to be effective.
Also, you can take biotin through some foods such as eggs, nuts, and seeds or it is also available in the form of supplements in case you want to have strong nails.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Actually, drinking water as the nail treatment is an effective way and the lack of water is one of the most common causes of brittle nails.
If your body is full of water, then your nails and even the cuticles that you have will be alright.
I always advise folks that water is your best ally not just for glowing skin but for nails that are robust and healthy too.
Final Thoughts: Healthy Nails Under Acrylics and Gels IS Possible
Bottom line?
Your nails shouldn’t pay the price for acrylics or gel even if you can’t seem to get enough of them.
So, if you would like to have beautiful natural nails it is quite easy to take care of them and make them stronger, moisturized and healthy.
So for the beginners, the most important thing which has to be emphasized is that everything depends on preparation, care, and the proper techniques of removals.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be rocking fabulous nails without any of the damage!
