{"id":1160,"date":"2024-01-07T16:44:43","date_gmt":"2024-01-07T16:44:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/?p=1160"},"modified":"2024-01-07T16:55:25","modified_gmt":"2024-01-07T16:55:25","slug":"how-to-keep-nails-healthy-with-acrylics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/how-to-keep-nails-healthy-with-acrylics\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Keep Nails Healthy With Acrylics"},"content":{"rendered":"
If you love getting acrylic nails but struggle to keep them looking healthy, you’re not alone. Acrylic nails require special care to prevent chipping, cracking, and damage to the natural nail underneath. The good news is there are things you can do to care for acrylic nails properly.<\/p>\n
If you’re short on time, here’s the key to keeping acrylics healthy: avoid water exposure, moisturize cuticles daily, file gently, and give nails an occasional break from extensions<\/b>.<\/p>\nPrepare Nails Properly Before Application<\/h2>\n
Trim and file nails into the desired shape<\/h3>\n
Before applying acrylic nails, first trim and file natural nails<\/b> into the desired length and shape using a nail clipper and file. Trim nails straight across to prevent cracks and breaks which can lead to infection.<\/p>\n
Smooth sharp edges with a fine grit nail file in one direction to prevent weakening nails. File nails to your preferred length and shape whether you want them short, long, squoval, almond or another stylish look.<\/p>\n
Next, gently push back cuticles<\/b> around the nail using a cuticle pusher or orange wood stick. Do not cut or tear cuticles as this can damage nail beds. Then use cuticle nippers to carefully trim off any excess dead skin.<\/p>\n
Removing cuticles prevents lifting of the acrylic nails later on since acrylic adheres best to natural nails rather than skin or cuticles. Keep the cuticle area clean and dry.<\/p>\n
The final prep step is to apply dehydrator and primer<\/b> which ready nails for acrylic by removing excess moisture and oils while allowing better acrylic adhesion. Using a brush, apply dehydrator evenly over nails and allow to dry completely.<\/p>\n
Next swipe primer over the entire nail plate according to package directions. The primer creates a tacky surface enabling acrylic powder to strongly bond to natural nails for long-lasting wear.<\/p>\n
When you have acrylic nails, it’s important to carefully dry them after exposing them to water. Water can soften the acrylic and allow moisture underneath the nails, which can lead to lifting and other damage over time. Follow these tips for properly drying wet acrylics:<\/p>\n
After washing your hands or showering, gently pat your nails dry with a clean, soft towel<\/b>. Don’t rub hard, as this can scratch the nail surface. Blotting absorbs excess moisture without putting too much pressure on the nails.<\/p>\nUse a blow dryer on a low, cool setting<\/h3>\n
While rubbing with a towel removes some moisture, using a blow dryer ensures your nails and nail beds are completely dry. Set your dryer on the coolest setting to avoid overheating the acrylics. Hold it several inches from your hands and gently blow air over each nail for 30-60 seconds<\/b>, moving the dryer continuously to evenly distribute air.<\/p>\nBe extra diligent drying under the free edge<\/h3>\n
Pay close attention to drying underneath the free edge of the nail, where it meets the skin. Water easily gets trapped there, causing lifting and green tinges over time. After towel drying and air drying the tops of your nails, use a cotton swab to carefully dry underneath each tip<\/b>.<\/p>\n
Always be gentle when inserting the cotton under free edges to avoid breaking the bond.<\/p>\n
In a 2017 survey by NAILS Magazine (1)<\/a>, over 90% of nail techs said properly drying acrylics is vital for longevity. So don’t skip this step after hand-washing or bathing. Taking a few extra minutes to thoroughly dry your acrylic manicure helps prevent damage and keeps nails looking fabulous.<\/b><\/p>\n Keeping the cuticles and nail beds moisturized is key for healthy nails with acrylics. Massaging in a nourishing cuticle oil helps soften the cuticles and prevent peeling or overgrowth (source<\/a>). Some great ingredients to look for are vitamin E, jojoba oil, and coconut oil.<\/p>\n Take a few minutes each day to gently work the oil around the nail beds and cuticles – this promotes circulation which brings blood flow to strengthen nails.<\/p>\n The free edge, or white tip part of the nail not attached to the nail bed, can get very dry with acrylic nails. Dryness leads to cracks and peeling. Prevent this by slathering on a thick moisturizer like petroleum jelly or cuticle cream under the free edges.<\/p>\n The moisturizer creates a protective barrier to seal in moisture. Reapply daily or whenever the nails are looking dry.<\/p>\n While external moisturizers help on the outside, taking biotin supplements can strengthen nails from the inside out. Biotin is a B vitamin that aids keratin production – the protein our hair and nails are made of.<\/p>\nMoisturize Cuticles and Nails Daily<\/h2>\n
Massage cuticle oil into the nail beds and cuticles<\/h3>\n
Apply thick moisturizer like petroleum jelly under free edges<\/h3>\n
Strengthen nails by taking biotin supplements<\/h3>\n