4 Dangers of Acrylic Nails

by Left Brain on October 18, 2007 · 259 comments

Kay’s curious: What are the dangers of using acrylic and tips?

nailsThe Left Brain responds:
The good news is, overall, it’s pretty uncommon for acrylic nails to cause significant health problems. Of course, that’s assuming that the technicians are careful and have properly sterilized their instruments. Nonetheless, there’s still cause for concern. From Dermatology Times, here are four dangers of acrylic nails:

1. Nasty nail abuse

Mistreating your artificial nails can have serious consequences. It’s particularly bad to make the mistake of using your nails as a tool. According to Zoe Draelos, M.D., a High Point, N.C., dermatologist “Some of those nail sculptures are so rigid that a lot of people will use them, for instance, to clean things or as some type of screwdriver. The problem, says Dr Draelos, is that “the bond between the artificial nail and the real nail is stronger than the bond between the real nail and the nail bed, so it rips the nail from the nail bed, and that creates a space for which infection can occur.”

2. Chemical calamity

Chemical allergens used in acrylic nails and nail polishes can also cause problems. The top offenders: formaldehyde (which is used to crosslink polymers), methyl methacrylate (the resin that make up the bulk of the nail); and the tiny metal balls in the bottom of your bottle of nail polish. (That’s because the balls can contain traces of nickel, a known allergen.

3. Cursed UV cure

Gel-sculptured nails (the kind that requires curing with a UV light) can be problematic for people who are on photosensitizing medications. Dr. Draelos warns that “if a customer is taking something like tetracycline, which can sensitize them to light, there could potentially be a phototoxic reaction in the nail bed if the sculptured nails are cured under a bright light.”

4. Perilous polish removal

Nail polish removers can be damaging to (real and artificial!) because of their drying effect. Once the nail is dried out it can easily peel and crack. Dr. Draelos recommends using nail polish remover only every other week – which means you should do a good job of applying polish so it lasts.

Source: Dermatology Times

What do you think? Are fake nails worth tempting fate? Leave a comment and share your worst nail nightmare.

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{ 255 comments… read them below or add one }

Lynnette October 28, 2008 at 8:11 am

Amber,
You need to stop going to places like that. Trust me, ALL those other womens’ nails are hurting just like yours. Some can take the pain more and others just think it is supposed to hurt.
Getting your nails done should be a spa experience. If your nails hurt, then you need to RUN out of that shop.
buenos dias,
Lynnette

Jude October 30, 2008 at 1:21 pm

Lynnette
I went to a reputable salon, I had gel and acrylic nails both with the same effect, no dremel, no slop all over my fingers, done by reputable techs in reputable salons, no MMA in sight … Do you know all the chemicals in fake nails? Do you know what each chemical is and what the side effects are?
I tried forever to get a list but was stymied at each attempt.
It’s not difficult to understand that these are not healthy product regardless of who or where you go. Once you develop an allergy to acrylics, and every product from gels to silk wraps to nail hardeners has them, you are allergic for life. It’s a great disservice to chalk up every bad reaction to a chop shop. There is a bevy of information stating the obvious dangers, but mostly, it’s common sense. Chemical such as these are dangerous. More and more women are suffering because of them and it will continue. I would suggest that doctors and the media have no ulterior motive other than the safety of their patients and/or readership. There is no question of honesty. They have done the research and have seen the results. I would question your motivation first, seeing as your career is beholden to these products.
Other Fake Nail websites state the dangers. Perhaps you should do the research and tell women the truth. If I visited your shop and I would still suffer from the same side effects. Regardless of the care and attention I would no doubt receive.
Fake nails, while pretty, are dangerous and allergies, once diagnosed, are for life.

Vicky November 11, 2008 at 7:49 pm

Well, my nails are a mess. I went to a reputable salon and she applied the acrylic nails – have been doing this for several years. About a month ago after a fill, my cuticles and around my nails became red, infamed, and bled. A couple of days later I had infection around both thumb nails. It itched and was very, very painful. I figured she had gotten something on them she shouldn’t have. When I went back last week for a fill, they were rough with dried skin all around them. I told her what had happened and she said, “Oh, I’ll just try this other product.” Well by that evening I could tell that I was going to have a major problem. Then next night I soaked and filed until I got them off. One week later they are still sore, dry, swollen a little, red, and UGLY. I have kept vitamin e on them every day, but I will NEVER get nails on again. She works for a very good friend of mine who also is my hair stylist – so I don’t want to cause my friend a problem. But I did show my friend my nails and she said she would take care of it with the technician. But I can’t seem to get my nails well. Any suggestions on how to soothe them?

Carol November 19, 2008 at 5:20 pm

Hi Lynnette:

I’m so glad I found your site. I stopped using acrylic nails about 13 months ago after much pain and blisters. I always thought I was just a sensitive person. I never knew they were using illegal products. Your description of chop shops sounds just like the place I frequented. I’m so glad you’re educating people.

Since I moved to the desert 5 months ago, the skin around my fingernails has become very, very dry. Cuticle oils don’t help. I’ve noticed in the past that when I have acrylic nails, my cuticles do well, when I don’t have them, my cuticles suffer.

Because my nails are so thin (just like my hair LOL), it’s hard to keep them looking nice without the acrylics. I’ve looked everywhere for something to help them. I never before heard of using resins as a topcoat for strength.

I’m considering go back to the acrylics (or resins) if I can find a good technician in Tucson, AZ. Do you know of anyone here?

Thanks,
Carol

Ann November 23, 2008 at 8:51 pm

Hi Lynnette:
I am growing out my acrylics so it is easier to play my cello /seasonal music & all coming up.
Well whenever I asked for shorter nails the tech did not understand me I meant short enough to play the cello with.
And my nails grow pretty fast and acrylics take time to file down. Once I cut them with nail trimmers I was in such a hurry.
Anyways I had new ones put on & saw the state of my nails underneath this September, so now my nails are half new nail- never been covered, and half the last acryllic. I filed it flatter but two nails part chipped off. So I filled it with nail polish after filing.
Sally Hansen’s 10 day nail polish 17 infinite natural & 01 honey make them less noticable. 01 clear keeps the color on.
I have my nails as short as my fingertip.

I have lines in many of fingernails- length ways, groves I think from asthma medicine /hazardous air quality in this air basin. That is what I liked about acrylics they covered smooth. I want to use some nail polish or product to keep the lines from showing. My favorite color is nude beige shimmer and gold (like metalic) deep bronzed gold. It really shows groves.
What do I do to have no groves with my natural nails ?? cold season is here I am not stopping inhaling asthma medicine anytime soon LOL so that remedy to the nail lines is out of the question.

Thanks- Ann

missy December 14, 2008 at 8:42 pm

HELP My pinky finger got stuck in the door and my real nail and my acrylic nail was pulled away from my finger. They are still attached but only by a little bit. I have kept a bandaid on it and have soaked it in hydrogen peroxide. What else can i do?

Jasmine December 15, 2008 at 5:18 am

Acrylic nails look very nice. But i never dare to wear them, since i am afraid of allergic reaction. Though i know many people who have been wearing them for years, facing no problems.

Lisa Lisa December 18, 2008 at 1:20 pm

Hey I have a question, when I have my nail done, the next day they are swollen, red, and itch so bad I almost can not stand it. Does any one know what is wrong with them and what to do besides not having them done

Jali December 21, 2008 at 4:48 pm

Lynette,
I recently bought some products off a website to try doing my own acrylic nails, and my number one worry is the possibility of MMA in the monomer I am using. My products are shipped from Hong Kong (I live in Canada), and while the monomer does smell (as I expected it to), there is no label on the bottle to list the ingredients or warnings, or even directions… nothing but the name of it, really.
[http://mellowstuff.com/images/acrylic-liquid-m01.jpg] That’s an image of what the bottle looks like, with the lilac-tinted monomer within. I’m just a bit concerned about the possibility of MMA… I’m not a nail tech, just trying this out as a hobby, to do those really pretty 3D nails like the Japanese girls have…

Everyone says the number one alerts of MMA monomer are the smell, the strength of the nails, and how difficult they are to remove… My product has a smell, and I work on a keyboard all day both at home and at work, and I’ve not had a problem yet (that is, no breaks, no trauma or anything to my natural nails) and I have not experienced any physical reaction to the product, other than disliking the smell (I just crack open the nearest window and I’m fine.)

But… Silly me, in my exuberance to try making my first set of nails, I forgot about primer, and they pretty much popped off on their own within a few days (no pain, no damage to my natural nail.. I figured they just didn’t stick without a primer, haha) So I tried a new set with primer and it’s been a whole weekend with zero appearance of the nail trying to come off. The primer I use is labeled “no-burn acrylic primer” but I haven’t heard of any problems with MMA being in a primer…

Thanks in advance for your advice,
Jali

Janet January 4, 2009 at 1:47 pm

Lynnette,
I’d like to find a reputable salon or tech in zip code 84103 or 84123. Are you able to help? Thanks!

Janet January 4, 2009 at 1:48 pm

Oops, the zip code should be 84120 [West Valley, Utah] or 84123 [Murray, Utah].

taylor girl January 12, 2009 at 10:36 am

hi i am 14 years old and i bite my nails, so my mom is taking me to get acrylics, so that they can grow. but ever since i read this im scared to death of getting them.
now i dont know what to do.

Diva April 11, 2009 at 10:36 pm

I developed an allergy to acrylic but I still wear acrylic nails. I just wash my hands really well after getting my nails done and then get a paraffin dip or two. I also take Zyrtec and own a paraffin bath. If the reaction gets really bad I use Caladryl with hydrocortisone cream over it. It clears it up very well.

Also, the bond between the fake nail and real nail is NOT stronger than the real nail and the nail bed. I’m in cosmo school and I know that isn’t true. Also my acrylic nails would never pop off if that were true.

Nina April 30, 2009 at 7:31 pm

im thinking about getting acrylics for a dance coming up soon. after reading some of the comments posted i became kind of… oh i dont know.. scared?? some of the effects described sounded like something i didnt want to get myself into. i want to know how to know if the nail tech. is using MMA or EMA because if i know for sure that they use EMA i’ll do it. i just dont want to ruin my nails!! :(

please help! the dance is in 2 weeks!

Angie B May 10, 2009 at 8:54 am

I’ve been getting my nails done for over 10 years…as long as you keep them clean you shouldn’t have a problem. I get a fill every 2 weeks & a full set every 2-3 months. I normally take them off to let them breath in between.

Karen May 10, 2009 at 5:36 pm

I need to know some reputable salons in Little Rock, AR that don’t use MMA and know what they’re doing. My place does pretty solar nails but I’ve got quite a few of those “rings of fire.” And they did use a power drill to prep the nail for my first set. I don’t know if they use MMA or not.

Patricia May 11, 2009 at 1:44 pm

Nina…if the salon has an odor and all the techs are wearing masks, you can pretty well figure they are using MMA. MMA destroyed my nails and nail beds and finally after 9 long months I finally found a salon where there is NO ODOR and no one wears a mesk. The owner pays $500/gallon for the liquid. She took the time to explain (in english) every step as she did my brand new sets of gels (without tips). They look beautiful.

Siggi May 13, 2009 at 3:14 pm

Just a quick comment since I read somebody’s post regarding a bacterial infection. She said the “term is pseudomonas”. Pseudomonas is not the term for a bacterial infection. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the actual organism, not a term for an infection.

Shonnie May 15, 2009 at 8:38 am

Lynnette,

I have been researching acrylics and gel nails for two days. I had acrylics off and on since 97. A friend of mine who is a professional nail technician taught me how to do them myself and I did a great job but when time became a restraint…I resulted to Nail Shops. A lot of these shops were very clean ( just opened) but they are long gone and now there are the Asian Nail shops everywhere. I am uncertain if these places are called Chop Shops????

I am new to my area and went back to my home state and city this week. I got my nails done. after reading about gel nails from various sites I knew what to expect… I called various places and asked about gel nails and and asked if it were ” Liquid” they said yes or No…went to one shop and after she applied the tips, she was placed powder on my nail. I stopped her and said this is not gel. Gel is liquid, she called her boss and her boss said she do good job for you, it is gel, and it will be okay. She had a bottle like nail polish…I said No. If this is your gel nails please do not use it.
I did let her put acrylics on my nails without the gel. My nails hurt from the drill and I asked her not to use it. 100% Asians in my area use the drills.

Also…

I have been to ” American” owned businesses… They used real nail enhancement supplies but they were so cheap that my nails either lifted or feel off.

What is a girl supposed to do?? Not have any nail enhancements????

GM May 16, 2009 at 7:48 am

It states on my nail studio flyer they don’t use MMA. However, he does use the liquid and powder with a large brush. My nails look great but I’m worried… He does use electric files but this has never ever hurt and he seems to use a very slow speed on this. Does the nail always have to be filed before putting the acryli on – he told me it isn’t the acrylic which harms your nails its the fact he has to file and take the shine off that does the harm – is this true. When my daughter had gel nails put on he still used powder when applying – I’ve always had gel before and it came out of a pot as ready made. I love my nails and everyone comments on how good they look but I’m just bit concerned after reading all of this.

Judy June 11, 2009 at 11:19 am

I have been wearing acrylic nails now for 13 years. I believe the success of this goes to my technican that has done my nails during this time. She never uses a drill on my real nails when I change to a new set. She adheres the set properly as well as her fill-ins. I have been blessed my never having a fungus or infection of any kind. Do your research on your Tech and tell them your desires. Build a working relationship with her/him and I know you will have the same success.

agnes June 12, 2009 at 12:03 am

I just got acrylic – white top nails done. It’s been rushed because it was near closing hours and the shapes are asymmetrical… and they don’t look natural… i was rather hoping for nails that looked real. How do i know how skilled a tech is?

Lynnette June 12, 2009 at 7:30 am

Damage to the nails is NOT from the electric file it is from an UNTRAINED tech who misuses and abuses them.
I use an electric file–not a dremel– on all my clients. They have NO damage to the nails.
Yes you need to prep the nails but there is NO need to shred them.
If your tech is using a liquid and powder and telling you you have gel on, RUN out of that place. Gel is NOT a liquid and powder. It is GEL.
If you had a tech rush putting your nails on go back and tell them you want them even.
I do not like to do asymmetrical nails, but I have begged clients to sit still, loosen up and sit straight, but if they do not do the above, they will wind up with uneven smile lines.
Yours sounds like it was rushed.
Skill level? You do not know. You take a chance. And, just because a tech has done nails for YEARS does NOT give them the skill. I see FUGLY nails all the time from “seasoned” techs.
Have to run, but please feel free to ask anything.
Buenos dias,
Lynnette

sheila June 20, 2009 at 4:29 am

I have been going to the same place for years to have my nails done. Yesterday after the tec put the acrlic on my nails. I felt like my nails caught on fire! They burned under my nail. I had to blow on them. The light made it worse. What on earth happened? I asked her if she changed her product. She said no your skin just so thin. In two weeks my skin got thin? Anybody have a clue to this?

Suada June 25, 2009 at 12:04 pm

I’m just wondering, because i’m only a teen and i’ve bought fake nails from a store recently, is it safe to wear them like once?

x.

Sherry June 26, 2009 at 12:26 pm

I had never been in a nail salon until three days ago when I decided to try acrylic nails (my natural nails are horrible and gross). After I got home from the salon I noticed that my hands and fingers were very sore. I figured it was from all the manipulating, grinding and sanding and that it would take a couple of days to get over the soreness. This morning, I woke up with my hands throbbing with pain, along with all of my other joints (knees, wrists, shoulders, feet). I also had a terrible headache, started last night. Since I usually get a headache whenever I am running a fever, I took my temperature when I got out of bed this morning and it was 100 (which is high for me… I usually have a low normal tip under 98). Right now I feel awful and I hurt all over. All of my joints are throbbing and I’m still running a low-grade fever. I don’t have any other symptoms (no cough, sore throat, congestion).
I was just wondering if this could be some kind of reaction to the acrylic nails. Could the chemicals cause you to run a fever and have achy joints?
I’m new at this, so please forgive me for the ignorance. My nails are now so pretty and I hate to have them removed, but I don’t like being this sick.
thanks

Lynnette June 28, 2009 at 7:22 am

Sherry,
There is NO way you should be feeling like that. I would like to know what type of place you went, but from your description, it sounds like a chop shop. YES, you could be reacting to one of many things.
*MMA– which I am sure you have on your nails
*NO manipulation, shredding and grinding should EVER be done to your nails. This is NOT a requirement to have beautiful nails. Getting your nails done should be PAIN FREE.
*I can guarantee that every file and implement that was used on you was used on every other person in that shop for weeks. They do not wash and sanitize their files and implements. Sooooo, this leaves EVERY SINGLE PERSON who gets their nails done open to get whatever infection a previous customer may have.
Do you know that the person before you was infection free? Did they have hepatitis?
I would like to see what your nails look like. Can you take a photo and send it to me?
You should see a doctor and explain to him/her what you experienced. Fever means infection.
You need to find a reputable SALON. You will pay more, but you will hopefully have a much better experience.
Do NOT let them remove the nails. They rip and tear them off. Let them grow out.
If you want to see pretty nails, you need to find some techs on Facebook and look at their nails.
Check out my pages:
http://www.facebook.com/nailtech
buenos dias,
Lynnette

Nancy July 26, 2009 at 6:36 am

Hi Lynnette
You sound like such a great nail tech I wish you were closer to me! (Central Wisconsin).
Ok so I did go to the chop shop, we went on a whim and I had not researched before what to look or ask for.
After reading these posts and others on the web I will not go back.
But my question is what to do now. First what do I ask to make sure my next salon is reputable? They can make it look nice on the surface and be friendly and all but there must be ways to look past this and see what products and procedures are really being used.
Can you just ask if they use EMA rather than MMA?
MMA sounds so horrible will it hurt to leave it on while it grows out or would it be better to have them taken off?
If you know of any reputable places in the Central Wisconsin area I’d love to hear about them. Best wishes and thanks

Nancy

Dianne July 30, 2009 at 4:37 pm

I have used acrylic nails for 4 years straight. I take very good care of them and i’ve never had a problem. After reading website after website. I still do not find any danger risk from stopping me in having my acrylic nails. If anyone knows any different i’d like to hear your opinion. I hear alot of negative comments on possible future nail complications but no real evidence of an actual case.

josie August 4, 2009 at 1:00 pm

hello,
i work in a office as a secretary and i do alot of typin and routing through boxes to find equipment,
so which nails would be best?
they have to be outgoing and not have the risk of coming off.
write back soon x

tink August 14, 2009 at 1:37 pm

i just removed my fake nails two months ago and my nails ARE STILL a mess. the damage cause my the fakes is worse than my nails EVER looked! they peel, break and HURT all the time it will takr 6 mo to a year to get them normal again. the fakes are NOT forever and at some point you will have to remove them, had i known the damage the fake nails cause i would have NEVER put them on!!!!!!!!!!!!

Manda August 18, 2009 at 9:44 pm

I wore acrylic nails for several years. I liked them because they look really nice, and It’s easier to do chores without worrying about using gloves. In addition, worrying about chipping and or peeling was no longer a bother. However, after taking them off, my nails became very fragile. Any other application of a new set or a fill in with acrylic would be painful and would actually burn. Once when I removed my acrylics, I ended up with a hole in my pinky finger nail…. I’m serious, there was a small circle of natural nail missing. I had to wait for my natural nail to grow out. The damage does eventually grow out but it takes a while. With regular wear of acrylic nails, after removal, nails may take several years before your natural nails return to full average strength. Now, I’ve learned to resist the plastic but I see other women with them and at times makes me want to get a set, but then I think about the time, money, and instances of pain, and the condition of my natural nails after wearing acrylic nails, that makes me not want to get fake nails. For me personally, what it takes to get a “fill-in” is what it takes for my gas to last a week. If you’re going to get acrylic nails, definately do your research and be prepared to accept the time and care that it takes to restore your natural nails once the acrylic is off.

goldie September 4, 2009 at 1:12 pm

I had acrylics on and i took them off and my real nails are green in spots, what is this from? What can i do for it?

kae September 7, 2009 at 7:49 pm

acrylics and other fake nails can be painful if your nail bed is especially curved or flat, since the tips are only made to average curvature. this is the pain angie felt that went away overnight as her nails adjusted to the “pull.” i’m currently experiencing this and it’s a little-known problem since most people fall within the normal range for nail shape. it’s not the pain of a chemical burn or allergy, i know this from experience. this is what some of you may be experiencing, too.

Veronica September 23, 2009 at 12:58 am

I just put on some airbrush nails I bought at Claire’s Boutique and I’m wondering what is the safest way to remove them? I’ve read to use acetone but I do not want burns.

Martha September 26, 2009 at 6:35 pm

I had p&w’s done today…..my fingers are now itchy and a little numb. This happened two months ago when I had them done. I have had arcrylics for about 13 years. Why am I now having this problem? My fingertips will swell and split…and then peel….why does this happen?

melissa October 3, 2009 at 8:48 pm

hi, do you know a reputable nail salon in the 31410 area code…thanks

Barbara Cook November 15, 2009 at 2:02 am

I’d had acrylic nails for years; then decided to have them removed. Up to that point, I’d never had a problem. A few years later, however, I decided to have them put back on. That’s when the problems started – redness, extreme itching, and actual separation of the real nail from the nail bed. I’ve gone to a dermatologist, and the prognosis is a wait and see scenario. She prescribed a cream that I use around my nail area and cuticles 3-4 times per day. Every few days, now, though, I have another real nail come loose. At this point, I’m using super glue to hold them on and covering them with bandaids for extra protection. I’m hoping that the nail will grow back before loosing the old nail so I won’t have nasty looking fingernails. I don’t recommend acrylic (or any other kind of unnatural nail) to anyone. It’s not worth the misery and risk of permanently damaging the nail bed.

kelly December 10, 2009 at 3:36 pm

i personally love acrylic nails. i have been getting my nails done since i was thirteen years old, and i am now nearly seventeen. i like them so much as they make my nails look so much better. ovet the yearsn i have cracked my nails, and broken them off, by accident, through fault of my own. the only major problem i have ever had was the time when my natural nail was ripped off. i i went to pick up something up off my bed, and i caught my false nail at an awkward angle. n doing so, the artificial nail ripped off, taking my entire natural nail with it. i went to the doctors and the nurse there cleaned it covered it with something to help aid the healing process, then a bandage. i went back as required in order to have the dressing changed. after three visits, i was told to keep it dry and covered with a plaster until the nail grew back. a person in my family told me that it would take at least two years for my nail to grow back, and that i would never be able to have a false nail on that finger again. i continued having my nails dont while my nail was growing back. this happened at the end of april, and ny the beginning of september i was able to have an acrylicf nail on that finger (which as my ring finger). overall it took four months for my nail to grow back properly. now it is like it never happened. i still wear acrylic nails, and i will continue to wear them for years to come.in my opinion the nals you purchase in chemists are false nails. as ong as they are done by a professional and look professional, they are incredible.

lexi December 10, 2009 at 8:47 pm

hi, im 16 and im going on a cruise for vacation near the end of december. and im thinking of getting acrylic nails. I’ve gotten manicures & pedicures since I was about 5yrs old and I’ve never had an issuse with nail problems before. and I’ve been going to the same salon without any problems. but ive never had acrylic nails. I would like to get acrylic nails for our cruise next week but I’ve heard the horror stories behind them so im wondering if their a good idea? my mom has always had acrylic nails and she said that she would prefer me to not get them because they’ve ruined her nails. but I would only have them for two weeks, the extent of the cruise. because I play so many sports I can’t afford to injure my nails in any way because I would be jeapordizing my fingers & nails for volleyball and other sports. so I was hoping for your opinion if it would be a good idea?

Lori December 15, 2009 at 9:00 pm

I have been getting my nails done (acrylic) for several years, off and on. As of the last year when I have gotten my nails filled within a few hours of having them done my cuticules get red swollen and extreamly itchy. My whole hands to my wrist will itch. Then after about a week they start drying and all the skin peels off. What can I do for the discomfort now and what would be making me have this reaction??? At first I thought it was the primer so I went to a nail tech and she had some acid free primer. Unfortunately a few hours later the itching started and I don’t know what to use to make it stop. I have never itched so bad even when I had chicken pox. Please help!!!!!

Katie Tarren January 11, 2010 at 3:26 am

I wear false nails all the time infact i only leave them off 1 week between each set, at frist i saw no bad effect and loved my nails, but lately i noctice it has been gettiong painful each time i get them renewed. When i asked why the tech said my nails were paper thin and the nail bed was very danaged. Therefore i suggest that you should let you nails have mopre time recovering after each set and only get them done for a treat.

Lynnette January 12, 2010 at 1:09 pm

I am going to direct this post to everyone who posted recently. I have not received any of the responses here to get back to anyone, and I just recently came on due to getting a notification!!!!
OKAY— first of all— artificial nails will NOT hurt your nails. Artificial nails will NOT ruin your nails. Your nail tech is ruining your nails.
If your nails are thin and have rings of fire, (see my web page), then the person doing your nails is UNEDUCATED and HURTING you for NO reason!
There is NO need to give your nails a break. Your nails do NOT breathe. Would you think of stopping coloring your hair to give it a break? Hair and nails are made up of keratin, nails – hard, hair- soft.
If you are experiencing pain, itching, peeling, etc, then you are the victim of overexposure.
Most likely your person has used a big brush and got the monomer all over your skin. Over time, you will have allergic reactions and will no longer be able to wear nails.
Also, you probably have MMA on your nails. Go to my website and read the page, “What is on YOUR Nails?” It explains MMA. I would be willing to bet that all of you who have had the reaction have MMA or have gone to a SHOP that uses MMA.
One more thing…. sometimes medications can cause an adverse affect when wearing artificial enhancements. For the record, I do not do FALSE NAILS. I make nails beautiful and care about my clients. In my business, you get what you pay for. So, if you are looking for cheap, you are going to get CHEAP and the consequences that come along with it.
Good luck to everyone. Oh, and to the young girls, please, save your money and go to a GOOD REPUTABLE salon. Stay away from the cheap shops. It is in your best interest!
buenos dias,
Lynnette

Candace January 14, 2010 at 10:25 am

Lynette,
From reading all of the emails…I’m afraid that I’m going to a chop shop. The tech that does my nails frequently sands too long and I will feel a burning sensation on the tops of my nails. I’m about a month in on a set of gel nails and I need to make the decision to either have them filled or take them off. I’m getting nervous and I’m not sure what is the best way to remove them. I really don’t relish the thought of having them dremeled off…should I just let them grow out or have them soaked?
Thanks
Candace

Sophia January 19, 2010 at 6:09 pm

No nightmare here. I’ve been wearing acylic nails for over 10 yrs without ever having a “nightmare”. The secrets are:
1) Go to a nail technician who has a GREAT reputation. She will use top quality products and she will have the experience to know what is right for you. She will guide through the pros & cons of the products, your lifestyle with fake nails, etc.
2) If you have a cracked nail or notice ANY bubbles at all under the acrylic nail, go and see your technician immediately. Do not wait for your next app’t that’s 3 weeks away. You do not want water or any other subsance to get under that product and possibly cause infection or fungus.
3) Wear rubber gloves ALL THE TIME. Other than bathing/showering, you should be protecting your hands/nails anyway. Too bad if you don’t like the “feel” of the gloves. Suck it up “buttercup” and do what is right.

Hope this helps anyone considering getting acrylic nails.

S

Lynnette January 20, 2010 at 8:12 am

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Wearing nail products– acrylic or gel– will NOT cause fungus. Getting water between the nails and product will NOT cause fungus. It is not too common to get fungus on the fingernails, although I have seen it on older clients. It is usually seen on the toes.
Fungus is a yellowish/whitish, usually thick area UNDER the nailplate.
The greenie you see sometimes on nails is a bacterial infection. It is NOT fungus. It is NOT mold.
Lynnette

Candace January 21, 2010 at 11:33 am

How do I remove gel nails?

Lynnette January 22, 2010 at 8:50 am

Candace,
If you got “gel” nails at a “chop shop,” they are NOT gel nails.
If they are true gel nails, go back and have your nailtech remove them.
REAL gel nails need to be filed off.
CHOP SHOP “gel” nails also need to be filed. They are MMA and NOT gel at all.
buenos dias,
Lynnette

Ashley February 15, 2010 at 11:55 am

I want to get acrylic nails done for Kings Ball which is coming up next week, I asked my dad if I could get them done and he said no. I asked him why he wouldn’t let me and he said that they ruin my nails unless I go somewhere good. I have been going to the same nail shop for 2 years and have watched them put acrylics on other people. I don’t want them to grind my nails down because i have really healthy and thick nails, about how long would they stay on if I asked them not to grind my nails down or if I should even get them at all.

Lynnette February 17, 2010 at 8:09 am

Ashley,
First of all, if you are getting your nails done at a reputable salon, NO product will hurt or ruin your nails.
Your local chop shops WILL ruin your nails because they take NO pride in their work. Their only job is to get you in and out and take your money.
They use a DREMEL and THAT destroys the nails and could permanently damage your matrix.
I would suggest you get a manicure since you say your have healthy nails.
Find a NICE salon that is clean and will UNDERSTAND what you want. IOW speaks ENGLISH.
If you patronize chop shops, they HAVE to grind your nails for the MMA to stay on your nails. MMA is ILLEGAL to use on nails in most states. Go to my website and look up What is on YOUR Nails? and see what MMA is all about.
Lynnette

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