How to Get Healthy Nails After Acrylics
As a rule, when nails are put under stress — like when you get acrylics — they crack. If your nail health wasn't up to par before acrylics, or you went to a salon that was careless about how they applied or removed them, dealing with damage afterward is nearly inevitable. Luckily, there are ways to heal your nails after acrylics.
It's fairly easy to mend damaged tips, as well as prevent them from even happening in the first place. If you're a big fan of having acrylics, rest assured that you don't have to say goodbye for good.
Meet Our Expert
Amy Ling Lin is the founder of the nailcare brand sundays and has more than 10 years of experience in the nail industry.
Candice Idehen is a celebrity nail artist and owner of the New York City-based nail bar Bed of Nails.
Fleury Rose is a celebrity stylist and in-house creative director at Wild Oleander Beauty Bar in Brooklyn, New York.
Read on for advice on healing your nails after having acrylics, all from top nail pros.
How Acrylics Can Damage Your Natural Nails
According to nail expert Amy Ling Lin, getting acrylics begins by filing your natural nails and applying a primer. Then, an acrylic nail is placed on top. Eventually, the nails will have to be removed.
There are two ways to remove acrylics, and Ling Lin suggested that "there is an extremely high chance that either of these removal processes can and will damage your nail bed." First, you can soak nails in an acetone-based solution — which can weaken them by drying them out. You can also remove acrylics via e-file — which can weaken nails by removing too many layers.
There is an extremely high chance that either of these removal processes can and will damage your nail bed. — Amy Ling Lin
You're not guaranteed to see damage after a set of acrylics — there are many different factors at play — but it can happen.
"The condition of the natural nail after acrylic nail removal varies greatly depending on the skill level of the technician who's applied it, as well as the quality of the product used," noted celeb stylist Fleury Rose.
Related: We Tested 13 Press-On Nail Sets, These 6 Give You a Salon-Worthy Mani in Minutes
If a nail technician doesn't know what they're doing, they may file your nails improperly, creating thin and brittle nail beds, said celebrity nail artist Candice Idehen.
"Usually, your nails hurt to the touch and are visibly damaged," Idehen explained. "They may be extremely thin and flexible. Another sign is if they begin to break easily or tear."
Chipping, flaking, and indentations or grooves are also results of improper nail technique. Another source of nail damage may come from the salon's products.
Idehen said there is one substance that is banned in the U.S. because of the damage it causes, but some salons still use it.
"MMA Methyl Methacrylate causes damage to the natural nail because of its prep and adhesion process," she said.
Idehen encouraged those getting acrylics to do their research, find reputable salons, and splurge on better services.
Related: 6 Expert-Approved Ways to Strengthen Damaged Nails
Damage can also be a result of peeling off your acrylics, which Idehen strongly urged you to resist doing.
"When you peel off acrylic or any other enhancement, for that matter, you take off several layers of your natural nail with it," said the nail pro.
If your nails fall into any of the categories above, don't panic. Our nails can be nursed back to health pretty easily.
How to Repair Damage from Acrylic Nails
At-Home Treatments
You don't need to break the bank receiving treatments to get your nails healthy again, and one solution may already be in your kitchen.
"Using olive oil works wonders in restoring hydration to the nail," said Idehen, adding that you can also purchase a drugstore treatment, like OPI's nail strengthener, Nail Envy.
Idehen recommended applying it every first, third, fifth, and seventh day of the week. At the end of the week, she said to remove and start the process again.
Professional Treatments
When your nail is too far gone for any at-home hacks, Idehen recommended receiving a professional treatment like the IBX Nail Strengthening System.
"It's like a Keratin treatment for your nails," Idehen said. "It uses protein and hydrating oils to fill in all the areas of damage on your nail, resulting in a much healthier nail even after one service!"
Related: Save These Acrylic Nail Ideas as Inspiration for Your Next Appointment
Wait It Out
All our pros agreed that your nails could be nursed back to health, without a doubt, but it'll take time. Your damaged nail needs to grow out completely so that it can be replaced with a healthy nail. While you wait, stick to regular nail polish, get regimented about moisturizing, and stay away from acrylics. When in doubt, go see a pro for their advice.
How to Prevent Future Damage
Waiting it out before receiving your next acrylic set may be a bummer, but there is hope. Idehen said you don't have to give up acrylics for good. It's all about finding the right salon with experts who will take care of your nails. You also have to resist the urge to pick and peel them off yourself.
"Usually, these types of salons are going to charge a premium or may be ran by an independent nail tech who has opted out of the traditional salon setting so that she can spend the extra time caring for the natural nail while providing services," said Idehen.
While this may cost you a bit more money, it's so worth it if it means keeping your nails from being damaged. She also suggested finding a salon that uses Apres Gel-X, a soft gel extension system.
"It will give you a similar look and feel with more versatility," said Idehen.
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