55 Facts About Acrylic Nails To Know Before Heading To A Nail Salon!

Sakshi Thakur
Oct 14, 2022 By Sakshi Thakur
Originally Published on Jan 31, 2022
Edited by Rhea Nischal
Fact-checked by Pratiti Nath
55 Facts About Acrylic Nails To Know Before Heading To A Nail Salon!

While some people are born with naturally strong, healthy nails, many aren't.

The artificial nail approach is great for anyone who desires long nails but is unable to achieve or maintain their desired nail length or form on their own. Acrylics aren't more harmful than other types of false nails, provided they're properly cared for.

This involves removing them appropriately with artificial nail products, filling them on a regular basis, and keeping them clean and dry. All of this keeps microorganisms from entering further into acrylic and infecting you.

Gel extensions can be considered safer since they do not utilize as many harsh chemicals as acrylic nails. Acrylic nails often employ chemicals such as methyl methacrylate and toluene, all of which can severely damage your own nails or nail beds.

What are acrylic nails?

Simply described, acrylic nails are a mixture of powder and liquid monomers. These are blended into a glob of dough, molded into your nails with a brush, and air-dried.

Acrylics cure without the use of light and are ideal for modifying the form or length of your natural nails. People who wish to modify the form of their nails or want to add length to them often use acrylic nails.

  • When you obtain a full set of acrylics, the artificial nail technician will generally add tips or use nail forms to give you a more natural look. Each acrylic is then molded and polished as required. The very topmost layers are where all the designing is done in a salon.
  • It is safe to have acrylics as often as you wish. Make sure you investigate nail technicians in your region. Ensure you go to someone who is adequately qualified and skilled in administering them.
  • Since 3000 BC, people have been applying nail lacquer to their nails. Beeswax, egg whites, gelatin, and vegetable colors were among the components.
  • In Ancient Egypt, nail polish was used to identify class ranks. Lower-class ladies wore nothing but white and pastel colors, whereas upper-class women painted their nails red.
  • Acrylic nails were first introduced in 1978 by a dentist called Fred Slack. Years before, in 1934, a dentist named Maxwell Lappe invented Nu Nails, which was an artificial nail made for nail biters.
  • Nail paint bottles that have been opened have a shelf life of roughly two years. When air is added to nail polish after it has been opened for the first time, certain chemicals evaporate, causing the lacquer's consistency and formula to alter.
  • Try not to polish your nails on a flight. Most airlines will not permit it.
  • Jeff Pink, the creator of the nail polish company Orly, is credited with popularizing French manicures in America when he began using them to speed up the makeup process for actresses who change costumes frequently. However, Max Factor is credited with introducing French manicures to Paris in the '30s.
  • Fingernails grow at a rate of 0.01 ft (3.5 mm) each month on average. The rate at which your nails develop is also affected by your age and genetics.
  • Men's nails grow more quickly than women's.
  • The nail on your middle finger is the fastest growing.
  • Your thumbnail is the slowest to develop.
  • Typing with your nails really promotes their development.
  • Nails grow faster in the summer than in the winter.
  • Excessive stress has been shown in studies to hinder nail development. People also resort to becoming nail biters.
  • Nails are associated with 10% of all known dermatological diseases. Fungal infections, bacterial infections, vertical lines, and ingrown toenails are examples of these.

Benefits Of Acrylic Nails

Acrylic nails are essentially natural nail extensions, consisting of a combination of liquid and powder.

  • Your natural nail bed is filed down, and this combination is applied with a brush on top. This mold is then molded and filed into the desired nail form. The application of the nail polish is similar to that of a regular manicure, with a base coat, color, and topcoat applied and dried with a fan. Then the desired shape is given to enhance its beauty.
  • The keratin cells of your own nails will become healthy with the use of cuticle oil. You can buy cuticle oil at a salon near you. Hair is also made of similar keratin cells.
  • Acrylic nails are long-lasting, lasting up to four weeks.
  • They are tough, strong, and resistant to damage.
  • They act as a barrier between the natural nails and the environment.
  • Their smooth surface is ideal for nail art.
  • There is greater variety, and the client can select the length of the nail. They are not expensive due to their widespread availability.
  • Because there is no extension, gel nails are more akin to a traditional nail polish manicure to enhance beauty and shape.

How to take care of acrylic nails?

Acrylic nails, which are artificial nail extensions that are applied over natural nails, will conceal short and weak nails.

  • Many individuals incorrectly assume that it requires no maintenance. Acrylic, contrary to common assumptions, can cause a slew of issues. As a result, these fake nails do require some sensitive loving care.
  • Proper maintenance of your acrylics will not only keep them looking fantastic, but will also protect you from any health issues. Not only that, but you should take care of your real nails as well. Taking care of both your natural and artificial nails will help to prevent degeneration, damage, and nail infections.
  • Handle your acrylics with care.
  • If it concerns acrylic aftercare, the major point to keep in mind is to be gentle with them. It should not be used as a tool, just like your natural nail, especially if you have long nails. Avoid using your nails to open cans or pry items open. Do not lift heavy objects.
  • A broken acrylic nail may be excruciatingly painful.
  • Furthermore, wear gloves when performing chores that have the potential to harm your nails, such as gardening and dishwashing. Wearing gloves will prevent your nails from being destroyed in an accident or from being harmed by certain substances.
  • Another key thing to remember while taking proper care of your acrylic nails is to keep them dry.
  • Limit exposure of your acrylic nails to water since it can cause lifting and nail fungus as well as damage to the acrylic. Excessive water exposure might cause the acrylic glue to weaken and come undone. When this occurs, germs may enter, leading to fungal illness.
  • After washing your hands, make sure to properly dry them. When washing your hands, you should also avoid being harsh with your nails.
  • When performing chores, use waterproof gloves to decrease the quantity of water that gets under your nails.
  • Acetone should not be used.
  • Of course, if you have a long and clean nail bed, you will enjoy the thought of experimenting with different nail paints. However, before removing your present nail polish, check to determine if you're using an acetone-free polish remover.
  • You should take this into consideration and exercise extreme caution while selecting a polish remover. Acetone-containing products should be avoided since they will cause your acrylic nails to degrade.
  • Acetone will indeed leave pits in your nails and soften them.
  • Maintain the health of the skin surrounding your nails.
  • It is also important to maintain the health of the skin around your nails. It's just as vital to keep this region clean and healthy as it is to take care of your nails.
  • You may accomplish this by hydrating your hands on a daily basis. Keep an eye out for indications of dryness, redness, and, most importantly, peeling of the skin surrounding your nails. These symptoms may suggest an infection, so keep an eye out for them.
  • Maintain good personal hygiene.
  • Washing your hands thoroughly with an antibacterial soap on a daily basis will lower your chances of contracting an infection.
  • Before going to bed, run an alcohol swab beneath your nails to check that they are clean and free of dirt and bacteria.
  • In the event of any damage, avoid DIY methods.
  • If your acrylics chip or split by accident, do not attempt to fix them. Self-repair of damaged acrylic might cause more harm than good.
  • Damaged artificial nails can lead to infections and spoil your fingers forever.

Dangers Of Acrylic Nails

 Nail polish can cause allergic reactions in certain people. People who have this allergy are frequently allergic to formaldehyde, which is found in many nail polishes.

  • They can cause trouble in your nail bed. Acrylic nails are substantially stiffer and have a much stronger connection than natural nails and nail beds.
  • They can weaken your nails. They dry out the natural oils on your nails, making them more prone to splitting.
  • Infections can be caused by bacteria and fungi
  • Once your nails are split, the space between the nail and the nail bed is exposed, creating a warm environment ideal for the growth of germs and fungus. As a result, the use of acrylics on a regular basis makes therapy difficult due to recurring fungal infections.
  • Acrylic nail application chemicals are hazardous; they may include resins and formaldehyde, both of which have been related to cancer.
  • Acrylic nails can induce contact dermatitis as well as long-term allergies in certain women.
  • Acrylics, even when placed correctly, limit nail development because they require your nails to be trimmed back for the acrylics to attach effectively to your nails. Your nails must be bathed in acetone throughout the removal procedure, which hinders their development.

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Written by Sakshi Thakur

Bachelor of Science

Sakshi Thakur picture

Sakshi ThakurBachelor of Science

Sakshi is a skilled content writer with extensive experience in the education industry. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for helping others, she has developed a reputation for excellence in academic content writing. She has worked with esteemed professionals such as Mr. Kapil Raj, a professor of History of Science at the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales in Paris, further enhancing her knowledge and expertise. Sakshi is well-versed in the latest developments in e-learning and has a deep understanding of how to engage students and make learning fun and accessible. In her spare time, she indulges in her creative passions, including painting, embroidery, and listening to soft music. She also enjoys exploring new cultures and traveling, which helps her broaden her perspectives and inspire her writing. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Science from Panjab University.

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Fact-checked by Pratiti Nath

Bachelor of Science specializing in Microbiology, Masters of Science specializing in Biotechnology

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Pratiti NathBachelor of Science specializing in Microbiology, Masters of Science specializing in Biotechnology

A Master's in Biotechnology from Presidency University and a Bachelor's in Microbiology from Calcutta University. Pratiti holds expertise in writing science and healthcare articles, and their inputs and feedback help writers create insightful content. They have interests in heritage, history, and climate change issues and have written articles for various websites across multiple subjects. Their experience also includes working with eco-friendly startups and climate-related NGOs.

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