If you're anything like me, you love getting acrylics!
There's just something about having perfectly shaped, polished nails that makes me feel so put-together, even on my busiest days.
I'd wear acrylics all the time if I could—but did you know that doing so can actually be bad for your natural nails?
Many nail technicians recommend resting your natural nails between acrylic sets.
Let me tell you about some of the reasons why!
Your Nails Need to Breathe
Your natural nails need oxygen to stay healthy. The process of applying acrylics covers your entire nail plate, which can limit oxygen exposure.
Over time, this lack of air can weaken your nails, which makes them more susceptible to breakage. A short break allows them to get the air they need to recover.
You Can Avoid Brittleness
Have you ever removed your acrylics and noticed your natural nails feel flimsy?
That's a common issue. The filing and buffing required for acrylic application can thin your nail plate. Without a rest period, your nails don't get the chance to regain their natural strength, which leads to brittleness.
It Prevents Discoloration
If you want to prevent yellowing of your natural nails, you need to let them rest between appointments! Constant acrylic wear can sometimes cause a yellowish tint on your natural nail bed.
This can be due to the adhesive and chemicals used in the acrylics, or sometimes even a mild nail infection that can develop when moisture gets trapped between the acrylic and your natural nail.
A short break gives your nails time to return to their natural color so the yellow doesn't become persistent.
You Can Spot Issues Early
It's hard to see what's happening underneath a full set of acrylics. Wearing them for too long without a break can mask issues like fungal infections, brittleness, or discoloration until they become more severe.
Taking a break from your set for at least a week lets you inspect your natural nails for any potential problems.
The reason for the full week is that it allows you to spot issues like thinning or discoloration that might only become apparent a while after the acrylics are removed. When you catch these problems early, you can treat them before they become more serious.
You Can Rehydrate Your Nails and Cuticles
The chemicals used for acrylics can dry out your nails and the skin around them. A break gives you the opportunity to rehydrate. You can use cuticle oil and moisturizing lotions to nourish your nails and cuticles, which helps them stay strong and healthy for your next set.
Time for a Nail-cation?
So, should you let your nails rest between acrylics?
Yes!
Now, if you really want to refresh them back-to-back, that's fine once in a while.
Just make sure you give them time to rest occasionally, so you don't have to deal with some of the issues I mentioned above.
This will keep your natural nails strong and ready for your next beautiful set!