If you've ever had acrylic extensions done, you know how it can transform your nails and affect their health.
On the one hand, acrylic nails add length and strength. On the other hand, once they are removed, your nails can become brittle and weak. So the question arises: is it worth getting a new manicure right away or is it better to take the time to restore your nails? We hope you will choose the second.
In this article we will tell you how to strengthen your nails after acrylic removal and why it is important to take breaks between extensions.
1. Remove with care
Acrylic nails are often considered harmful to natural nails, but the problem usually lies not in the material itself, but in the process of removing it. Acrylic is attached to the nail through a chemical reaction between a liquid monomer and a powdered polymer. Once this solution is applied, it is moulded to the shape of the nail where it hardens into a durable coating. However, sometimes the solution does not fully adhere around all edges, which can cause it to peel off. In such cases, many people start picking the acrylic, which is strongly discouraged. Peeling off acrylic leads to brittle and weakened nails that need strengthening.
We recommend starting the acrylic removal process by cutting off as much of the material as possible, being careful not to touch the natural nail. Then on each nail you need to put a cotton disc moistened with acetone and wrap it in foil. The process of removing acrylic takes longer than gel, so patience will be required.
If you are patient and careful when removing acrylic, you may not have to worry so much about how to strengthen your nails after removing it. However, if you have particularly thin or weak nails initially, or if you wear acrylic nails frequently, there are a few ways to strengthen your nails that may help.
2. Give your nails some attention
Even if the acrylic has been removed with care, your nails still need extra care and nourishment to stay beautiful and healthy. Don't forget that a nail is like a canvas, so it's important to get it back in perfect shape to enjoy its perfection again. Regular use of a nail strengthener will help keep your nails in perfect shape between salon visits.
3. Take a break
Although acrylic nails offer many benefits such as length, strength and durability, it's important to remember that overuse can have negative consequences. Acrylic molecules are larger than gel molecules, which requires the creation of deeper grooves to bond with the natural nail. Acid primers are often used for this purpose. This explains why your nails may be sore even a day or two after a salon visit.
However, soreness is not the only consequence of using acrylics. When acrylic is aggressively removed and used frequently, damage to the matrix of the nail can occur. The matrix is the anatomical part of the nail responsible for its growth. Damage to the matrix can cause various abnormalities such as surface irregularities, white spots, bumps and grooves. In addition, when removing acrylics, you can accidentally damage the cuticle, which not only worsens the appearance of the nail, but also increases the risk of infections.
4. Consider a different type of build-up
If your nails have become thin, weak or painful after acrylic extensions, you may be considering giving up on long nails. However, there is good news: there are alternatives, such as gel extensions. Not only is this method easier to remove than acrylics, but it can also help strengthen your nails. Also consider biogel extensions, which are a great option for strengthening your nails and keeping them healthy.
Regular health checks for your nails are just as important as checking other parts of your body. Visiting a dermatologist to check the condition of your nails is recommended to detect hidden changes that may be concealed by cosmetics. Annual uncoated nail examinations will help the doctor to assess the condition of the nails in detail.
