Why Do My Nails Hurt After Getting Them Done

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Have you ever walked out of a nail salon with beautifully manicured nails, and ask yourself why do my nails hurt after getting them done?

You’re not alone in this puzzling experience.

Nail pain post-manicure can be an unexpected and unwelcome occurrence that leaves many wondering what went wrong.

From soreness to sharp throbbing, the discomfort can vary in intensity and duration, causing distress to those seeking nail perfection.

Let’s delve into the intriguing world of why our nails sometimes rebel against our pampering efforts.

Unveiling the Culprits: Common Causes and Contributing Factors

So, why exactly do your nails decide to throw a tantrum after being treated to a fresh coat of polish?

There are several factors at play here, each contributing to the potential discomfort you may be feeling.

One common cause is the pressure exerted during the filing and shaping process.

While necessary for achieving that flawless nail shape, excessive or rough handling can irritate the sensitive nail bed underneath.

Why Do My Nails Hurt After Getting Them Done?

So, you know that feeling when the nail technician is vigorously filing and shaping your nails during a manicure?

Well, that pressure can actually cause some discomfort post-manicure.

When they’re shaping your nails, it’s like they’re sculpting a miniature work of art on your fingertips.

But all that friction and pressure can leave your nail beds feeling a bit sore afterward.

It’s like giving your nails a workout, except instead of feeling strong and fabulous right after, they might feel a tad tender.

Let’s talk about those fancy nail products that make your nails look absolutely stunning.

While they work wonders for aesthetics, some of them can be harsh on your delicate nail beds.

The chemicals in nail polish, gel polish, acrylics, or even the acetone used to remove them can sometimes irritate the skin around your nails.

Your cuticles might rebel against these foreign substances by becoming inflamed or itchy, leading to that annoying post-manicure discomfort.

Now, this one is a bit more serious.

Sometimes during a manicure session gone wrong or due to inexperienced technicians applying too much force, trauma can occur to the delicate nail bed underneath our gorgeous polished nails.

This trauma could lead to pain and tenderness in the area as it tries to heal itself post-manicure.

It’s essential to ensure proper care and gentle handling of our precious nail beds during any manicure session to avoid such mishaps and keep those tips looking fabulous without any unnecessary pain!

Types of Nail Pain After a Manicure

After a fresh manicure, it’s not uncommon to experience some tenderness around your cuticles.

This could be due to the cuticle pusher exerting pressure during the manicure process or from the skin being slightly irritated by the nail polish or other products used.

The delicacy of the cuticle area makes it sensitive to manipulation, so some soreness in this region is quite normal and usually subsides within a few days.

If you’re feeling a sharp pain or throbbing sensation in your nail bed after a manicure, it could be a sign that there was too much pressure applied during filing or shaping of the nails.

This discomfort may also indicate that your nails were trimmed too short, causing irritation at the nail bed.

The nerves in this area are sensitive, so any excessive force can lead to pain and throbbing sensations.

It’s essential to allow your nails some time to recover and avoid further trauma.

Sensitivity to touch or pressure on your nails post-manicure can stem from various factors such as over-filing, aggressive buffing, or even using harsh chemicals during the nail treatment.

If you find that even gentle pressure on your nails causes discomfort, it’s likely because the protective layers of your nails have been compromised during the manicure process.

This sensitivity can make simple tasks like typing on a keyboard or buttoning up clothes uncomfortable.

It’s best to give your nails some rest and gentle care until they regain their strength and resilience.

Relief for Nail Pain

After a painful manicure experience, your nails and cuticles may be crying out for some TLC.

One of the best ways to soothe the discomfort is by applying a luxurious cuticle oil or cream.

These products are specially formulated to nourish and hydrate the delicate skin around your nails, providing instant relief from soreness and tenderness.

Gently massage the oil or cream into your cuticles, allowing it to penetrate deeply and work its magic on your stressed-out nails.

For a pampering treat that will ease your nail pain and leave you feeling rejuvenated, try soaking your nails in warm water infused with Epsom salts.

The warm water helps to relax your muscles while the Epsom salts work wonders on reducing inflammation and soothing any soreness.

Simply fill a bowl with warm water, add a few tablespoons of Epsom salts, and let your fingers luxuriate in this revitalizing soak for 10-15 minutes.

Feel the tension melt away as the Epsom salts work their magic on your achy nails.

Prevention is key when it comes to avoiding nail pain after getting them done.

To ensure that you don’t experience discomfort in future manicures, make sure to steer clear of harsh chemicals in nail products that can irritate your sensitive nail beds.

Additionally, be mindful of excessive filing during manicures as this can weaken your nails and lead to pain down the line.

Opt for gentler products and techniques that prioritize the health of your nails while still keeping them looking fabulous.

Knowing When to Seek Professional Help

If you find that the throbbing or discomfort in your nails lingers on for several days after your manicure, it’s time to pay attention.

While some post-manicure tenderness is normal, persistent pain could indicate an underlying issue that needs professional intervention.

Don’t brush it off as just a reaction to the nail treatment; listen to your body’s signals and seek advice from a nail technician or healthcare provider if needed.

Your nails can tell you a lot about your health, so keep an eye out for any unusual changes post-manicure.

If you notice discoloration such as dark spots or greenish hues, significant swelling around the nail bed, or any discharge like pus oozing out – these are red flags that shouldn’t be ignored.

These symptoms could indicate an infection brewing beneath the surface of your beautifully polished nails.

Sometimes our bodies give clear signals when things are not right.

If you start seeing red streaks extending from the nail towards your fingertip or experiencing fever along with intense pain in your nails, it’s time to act swiftly.

These are classic signs of an infection taking hold and spreading – and infections should never be taken lightly when it comes to our delicate digits!

Wrapping Up: Why Do My Nails Hurt After Getting Them Done

Let’s recap what we’ve learned about why your nails might be aching after that pampering session.

From the pressure of filing and shaping to the potential chemical irritants in nail products, various factors can lead to post-manicure discomfort.

Trauma to the nail bed during the process and even excessive handling can also play a role in causing that painful sensation.

Taking care of your nails goes beyond just looking pretty; it’s also about keeping them healthy and pain-free.

Choosing reputable salons that prioritize nail health, communicating any discomfort during the process, and opting for gentler products can all contribute to a more pleasant post-manicure experience.

Remember, your body sends signals for a reason – listen to them!

If something doesn’t feel right or if you experience prolonged pain, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

While nail pain after a manicure may be bothersome, it serves as a reminder to prioritize self-care and mindful beauty practices.

By understanding the reasons behind this discomfort and taking proactive steps towards healthier nail routines, you can ensure that your next manicure leaves you feeling not only glamorous but also pain-free and confident in your self-care choices.

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Jessica has finished her education in nail design a couple of years ago and since then has been working in her own nail studio based in Holbrook, Arizona (US). She's our resident color expert and her favorite nail design styles are ombre and marble nails.

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