Nail health is important and while we may want to run in and out to get our nails done as cheaply and quickly as possible, a bad tech can cause other health related issues. Many want to go get their nails done and have no idea what to get or what to ask for. Let’s keep our nails pretty and healthy, shall we?
From a Licensed Nail Tech for 7 years; here are some options and what you should look out for:
Nail Types
Acrylic Nails
Acrylic nails are the use of a powder and liquid called monomer. The two when combined cause a chemical reaction that hardens within seconds.
Acrylics can be put over tips or sculpted over a form to your natural nail.
Sculpted nails provide a stronger nail, less likely to break at the tip, but in the event of lifting at the cuticle it is important to soak the acrylic off with acetone as to not damage your natural nail.
With tips, lifting can occur because of the natural curve of our nails and the glue wears away.
It is very important to always remove the nail if lifting occurs to prevent water getting between the acrylic and your nail and leading to the potential of the growth of fungus.
Gel Nails
Gel nails are just as strong as acrylic but are applied quite differently. (In my opinion they’re a pain to do but they are pretty).
A gel, applied in multiple thin layers must be cured under a UV or LED lamp for a minimum of 2 minutes. They too can be sculpted over a form or applied over a tip. While it is less likely to get lifting at the cuticle, gel over tips can lift for the same reasons as Acrylic over tips.
Gels also should be removed by soaking in acetone.
Gel or Shellac Manicures
These are commonly used in place of polish because they last longer (typically two weeks ) without chipping when applied correctly. They are cured under a UV or LED lamp the same as gel, however they are only used to replace regular polish, not as nail enhancements. These also can be soaked off with acetone.
What to look out for
Be Aware
A major concern in the nail industry that many are not aware of is the use of a Monomer called Methyl methacrylate. (MMA). Please take the time to read more about the dangers of toxic monomer by clicking here.
Safety and care of your nails
NAILS SHOULD NEVER BE FILED OFF with a drill, (Electric file) or ripped off. These are just a couple of the major causes of nail damage, thinning and weakening of the natural nail.
As a nail tech, I would not put another set of nails on this person until they are fully grown out and healthy again, which can take months.
Sanitation
Nail health is important, please do your research to find what is best for you and the best salon in your area that uses only quality products such as the few I listed above.
Polish Perfect says
I like doing my own nails but there are times that I want to relax and go to a nail salon. It’s not easy finding a trusted nail tech but I’m happy that my friend referred me my fave nail tech. I don’t have to go through the hustle of trying out other salons.
Daria says
Thank you Christa for your honesty.
I honestly had no idea about these things.
I was at the mercy of my nail tech!!!!
Nancy says
Hi I had my nails dipped today.When the tech filed my nails it hurt it felt like she was sawing. I had to tell her to be gentle more than once. Is this a normal practice? I think I’m going to find another nail salon. Like I’ve read, “it shouldn’t hurt! Any thoughts? Thank you
Anne says
I did gel nails before christmas, and grew then long and strong until recently, but my nail tech used the drill and filed them thin and weak. I tried to save them by doing a shellack manicure but it all either lifted or got ripped/broken off. Soooo painful. I hate my nails now, and I’m considering buying Kiara Sky-dip powder to do my own acrylic nails to save them and build strong nails on my own…
Jenny says
Great article! So, what do you do to your own nails to make the acrylic stick if you aren’t using a drill? I really want gel tips but am so afraid of the damage! Why do I tell the tech? Thanks so much.