Acrylic manicures create a dense layer over the nail, which can damage one’s health. Photo attribution to Esther Animalu.
by Esther Animalu, staff reporter
Accessories, tips, glitter and glue, are all components of enhancing one’s look of their acrylic nails.
They create a firmly dense layer over the client’s natural nails. However, an acrylic nail manicure can be heavily damaging for one’s health. The product becomes solidified and hardened when it is exposed to air. A nail polish of the client’s choice is then coated over the artificial nails.
According to AOL it states, “Acrylics may create inflamed or itchy cuticles if the tools used to apply them are worn out or coarse. Be mindful of those which have sharp odors — this is a sign that something is off… It might be hard to spot, but infection below the nail bed can become all too real.”
“I think that fake nails shouldn’t be worn constantly because they affect the growth of your nails and the glue that’s used is really strong. I had acrylic nails a few times and it completely ruined my real nails, and it was also a lot of money. I think it’s a waste of money and it damages your natural nails,” sophomore Julianne Sucre said
Although wearing acrylic nails may be trendy and pleasurable, they open the gateway to risky repercussions. The acrylic artificial coverings that fit over one’s natural fingernails causes more implications when the product and application of the acrylics are constantly being overused.
In reference to the Mayo Clinic, “If an acrylic nail is damaged or as your natural nails grow, a gap can develop between the acrylic nail and your natural nail. This gap provides a moist, warm environment in which a nail infection can flourish… It’s also possible to have an allergic reaction to components of acrylic nails or their adhesives. Signs of a nail infection include redness, swelling and pus.”
“I’ve been wearing acrylic nails for a long while now, and I really like them. But I have not experienced any problems with them so far,” junior Giovanna Esposito said.
Generally, every salon-goers’ motive when getting their nails done, is to achieve a satisfactory and trendy nail design, in accordance to their own tastes. However, constant exposure to heavy and toxic chemicals, gaps caused by the acrylic nails, and frequent usage of acetone can take a serious toll on one’s overall wellness of their natural nails.
As noted by the Huffington Post, “there really are no healthy alternatives to adding a false ‘coat of armor’ to your nails. Instead, she suggests taking a break from polish and acrylics in order to achieve strong, youthful nails… When shopping for nail polishes that aren’t loaded with harmful chemicals, Washick recommends those that are free of resins and formaldehydes. You’ll usually be able to spot them because the product will boast something along the lines of ‘3-Free” or “5-Free.’ That means that those polishes are free from known harmful chemicals.”
In order to consolidate and repair unhealthy and damaged nails, avoid using artificial enhancements that may eventually lead to infections. Also, use natural products and light nail polish, then air dry when done. Acrylic nails may appear to be stylish and fashionable, however, the onslaught of contamination and skin irritation should not be toyed with at its expense.