|
iVillage women discuss how to get the best acrylic nails in the business
Will acrylics ruin my own nails?
I'm having acrylic nails fitted but I'm worried about how they will affect my nails underneath My friend has had hers done at the same salon and her nails look fab, not like some of the other - obviously fake - ones you see around. Is there less chance of my nails being damaged if it's a reputable salon using good-quality products, or will my nails be ruined anyway?
jacquie710
A1. Stick to natural
Acrylic nails look great but unfortunately, they do damage your nails. The acrylic is adhered to the nail and when you remove the acrylic, it takes away a layer of your nail. This will make nails very weak and paper thin. It could take you months before your natural nails return to normal.
If you already have nice nails then I wouldn't get acrylic nails, just keep looking after your own. If your nails are in bad condition then just go for a manicure, and use a good hand cream and massage cuticle oil in every day. People tend to admire natural nails more than acrylics.
waxy1086
A.2 Try a combination
I've just completed a Manicure/Pedicure and Acrylic Nail course at college and since then I've done a few acrylic nail sets on my friends at work and so far, they've been pleased with the results.
Personally, I think acrylics are OK, depending on the nail technician and her experience, and providing you have a break in between to give your own nails a chance to recover. I'm sure you'll look fantastic and dead glam when you've had them done!
Julieb271
A.3 Ask the salon to remove them
I've been having acrylic nail enhancements for over a year and love them. If you go to a good salon that uses quality products you shouldn't have problems. As with any sort of nail enhancement, if you want to take them off, don't rip them off yourself as this will damage your natural nail, but go back to the salon. I say go for it and enjoy them!
footiemagpie1
How to find a good technician
- Check her qualification... that she does actually have one! As long as she has a qualification and can tell you what she had to do to get it, that's a good start.
- Any technician worth her salt will answer any questions or concerns you may have with patience, and should be proud of her abilities.
- If you aren't sure about her products, check them out. All qualified techs will use labelled, registered products in clearly marked containers. If you don't trust them, go elsewhere.
- She should be working in clean conditions and should be sanitising and sterilising her equipment and both your and her hands as she goes.
- If you're relaxed because she is and happy with all the other checks, use her, if not, stay away. Trust me, qualified technicians stand out, because of their nail care knowledge, products and nail health advice. Hope this helps anyone who isn't sure.
carole-ann
Choose the right kind of acrylic
I'm a qualified nail technician. Acrylic nails do not damage your nail beds if they're applied properly and if they are maintained. Book a rebalance appointment every two to three weeks - your technician should inform you of this.
Nail technicians do not have to use high quality acrylic, and a lot of salons use MMA. This type of acrylic is like cement and can damage your nail bed. MMA also causes a lot of allergic reactions. Good-quality acrylic is flexible and will bend or break before it damages the nail underneath. Salons that use MMA are usually cheaper than good salons.
Because it's so hard, nail technicians using MMA use electric drills to shape the enhancement, which is fine when used properly, but it's much nicer (I think) to hand file the nail as it's much gentler. You should always ask the salon if they use MMA.
There are things you can do to look after your natural nails when wearing extensions. Your nail tech should inform you of this and make necessary products available to you. It is always a good idea to take their advice and phone immediately if you have any problems.
gem16
Go for GELs
I qualified as a beautician three years ago and my advice would be, if you're getting fake- nails, go for the GEL ones - they're the best. Acrylic nails are OK but a lot harsher on your nails. Acrylics don't last as long as GEL nails and are usually the same price in most salons. Also, they shouldn't damage your nails.
crazyblondebabe
|