- Are artificial nails Worthed? -

The promise of acrylic nails seems so sweet – more permanent than a regular polish, easy to maintain and a way to strengthen and lengthen those short, 'ugly' natural nails – but the side effects can be scary. Here's everything you need to know about gel and acrylic nails.

Short-term: not problematic.
Long-term: VERY PROBLEMATIC TO YOUR NATURAL NAILS.

Nail Infection (very unlikely but possible)

According to Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D. (2012) Sometimes a gap develops between the acrylic nail and the natural nail. If the acrylic nail is bumped or jarred, it can separate from the natural nail. This gap provides a moist, warm environment in which a nail infection can flourish. A nail infection might also occur if acrylic nails are too long or too rigid, or the nails are applied with unsanitary tools. If you develop a nail infection, your natural nail might become thick or ragged and appear discolored.

Allergic Reaction

It's also possible to have an allergic reaction to components of acrylic nails or the adhesives used to apply them. This can result in redness, swelling and pain around the nail.

Flammable

Some ingredients in acrylic nails are highly flammable, so they must be kept at a distance from hair straighteners, dryers or curling irons, as well as from heat and flames when cooking [source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration].

Cursed UV cure

Gel-sculptured nails (the kind that requires curing with a UV light) can be problematic for people who are on photosensitizing medications. Dr. Draelos warns that “if a customer is taking something like tetracycline, which can sensitize them to light, there could potentially be a phototoxic reaction in the nail bed if the sculptured nails are cured under a bright light.”

Nasty nail abuse

Mistreating your artificial nails can have serious consequences. It’s particularly bad to make the mistake of using your nails as a tool. According to Zoe Draelos, M.D., a High Point, N.C., dermatologist “Some of those nail sculptures are so rigid that a lot of people will use them, for instance, to clean things or as some type of screwdriver. The problem, says Dr Draelos, is that “the bond between the artificial nail and the real nail is stronger than the bond between the real nail and the nail bed, so it rips the nail from the nail bed, and that creates a space for which infection can occur.”

How to minimize risks

If you choose to have acrylic nails applied in a salon, take steps to minimize the risks:

• Stick to salons that display a current state license, and work only with technicians also licensed by the state board.

• Be wary if you notice fumes. A strong odor could be a sign that the salon is poorly ventilated.

• Make sure your nail technician properly sterilizes all tools used during your treatment and washes his or her hands between customers.

• Soak your nails in a fresh bowl of soapy water before treatment begins.

• Don't allow your cuticles to be pushed back or trimmed. This can increase the risk of a nail infection.

• Don't allow the surface of your natural nails to be filed or roughened before the acrylic nails are applied. This weakens your natural nails.

• Request a new nail file — or consider bringing your own, since nail files can't be sterilized.

If you opt to apply acrylic nails at home, follow the safety precautions printed on the package. Work in a well-ventilated area, and be careful to protect the skin around your nails from the chemicals used to apply acrylic nails.

If you suspect a nail infection or have redness, swelling or pain around a nail, consult a dermatologist for an evaluation.

Interesting Fact: Some hospitals don't allow employees to wear artificial nails due to the risk of infection to patients. What’s even more eye-opening? Several deaths of premature infants in the late '90s were blamed on an acrylic nail infection transmitted by a nurse!

If you don't have, don't fake it... make it.

Yours truly
-MJ-