My Love For Acrylics and Gels
Wearing acrylics and gels isn’t the new norm it’s really been around for a long time. I can remember begging my mother at 15 years old to get a full set for a special occasion. She was apprehensive about it, given my age, but she agreed. After I got my first full set I felt like I was one step closer to womanhood. I enjoyed the femininity of it all. I felt pampered. I was hooked. With my allowance money, I became a regular.
I choose to keep getting gels because my real nails keep breaking. I also like increasing the length of my nails, playing around with different shapes and designs. The nail polish also lasts so much longer on acrylics and gels than on my real nails. Getting a regular manicure these days is almost a waste of money because it chips the minute you walk out of the salon.
It’s pretty normal to go once or twice a month to get a fill-in, new design, or color change. This all depends on your budget, need for change, or profession etc. However, I have learned from experience that it pays to give your nails a break sometimes.
The Hazardous Nature of It All
If you google “acrylic nail infection” you might want to keep a garbage can or toilet nearby. It’s pretty horrible and unfortunate to see. The truth is if you don’t give your nails a break you can get an infection, fungus, dry natural nails, possible nail and finger loss (very extreme cases). The chemicals used to apply acrylic nails are damaging and include resins and formaldehyde which can cause cancer. You can also get an allergic reaction resulting in inflammation and thinning of the beds.
When nail removal is needed most of the time acetone polish remover is used at salons. Acetone drys out your nails tremendously especially if you have to soak them off. In fact, sometimes your skin will look really white if you’ve used too much acetone on it. Unfortunately, the non-acetone polish solvents don’t work as well and fast as acetone does. This why I believe that they will continue to be used.
Nail Treatment
Every 2 months I take off my false nails and to give my real nails little a rest for a week. I do a DIY treatment.I also drown my cuticles in Jojoba oil daily and apply a treatment nutrient-packed base coat.I feel like it works very well. It gives me a chance to rehydrate and repair my nails.
I can’t say that I will give my gels and acrylics right anytime soon. However, giving your nails a break wont hurt. Taking biotin can also will help to strengthen nails and promote growth.
Leave a reply