The Dangers Of Using Acrylic Nails

It is true that using acrylic nails can look great, they are perfect for special occasions, and they transform the look of our hands. But they can also cause many problems that would be best avoided.

You can enjoy the look of acrylic nails, but they come with a high price tag on your health.

In this article we will tell you about everything you need to know about the dangers of using acrylic nails.

Read it before you decide to use them or not.

Why is it so popular to use acrylic nails?

More and more women of all ages are wearing artificial nails or extensions. Using acrylic nails gives a feeling of “perfection” because they are made of plastic. They are seen in fashion magazines and on celebrities.

It’s easy to see why women prefer to use acrylic nails: they cover the flaws in natural nails, and they just look perfect. Acrylic nails are painted and often covered in design, which is impossible on shorter or rough natural nails.

If you have a bad habit of biting your nails or you need them to look good because of your job, acrylic nails are an easy option.

The same goes for weddings, parties and other special events in our lives.

Watch out for artificial nails

Although using acrylic nails may seem harmless, both application and use can cause problems. Let’s take a look at what happens at the salon when we get acrylic nails:

• The chemical compounds used, resin or formaldehyde, can cause inflammation, the natural nail detaching from the skin, burns, pain and allergic reactions.
• There are even cases of some women who have completely lost their natural nails and destroyed them completely. If this happens, the nail will never grow back.
• You will probably inhale toxic fumes and other irritants  if the salon where you get your nails fixed is not well ventilated.
• Some salons use a substance called methyl methacrylate to attach nails. This chemical causes serious damage to the respiratory tract and by direct contact with the fingers.

• Using a hair dryer to dry your nails faster is a very common mistake. The problem here lies in the fact that some of these substances used to apply acrylic are flammable on contact with high heat.

• Beauty salons often do not clean and sterilize their tools and materials when they have finished using them on a customer. This means that the next customer is likely to contract some disease, such as fungi, that the customer had before them.
• Also, make sure that the esthetician wears latex or plastic gloves. A cut or small wound on the hands is the ideal place for all types of diseases that spread by contact to thrive.

• Do not cut or press on your nails. Do not forget that the cuticle acts as a natural barrier to prevent infections and harmful microorganisms from entering your body.
• Wash and dry your hands before applying the nails, so there is no moisture on the nails. This prevents fungus from spreading when the nails are in place.

More problems with using acrylic nails

When you leave the beauty salon, the consequences do not end even if the salon is a recognized one with qualified staff.

The most common side effects are:

• Acrylic nails are completely rigid and can cause damage from the slightest blow. This means that the plastic nail pulls the natural nail with it. This is extremely painful and it takes a long time for the nail to grow back.

• Artificial nails come with a much higher risk of infection. Bacteria and microorganisms that cause disease can accumulate in any pocket between the natural nail and the acrylic nail.

• Allergic reactions are common with artificial nails. This is because of the plastics and toxins they are made of. The result: red, swollen and itchy fingers.
• If the acrylic nail is damaged, it will be much easier for dirt, viruses and bacteria to accumulate. When this happens, remove the damaged nail and replace it with a new one as soon as possible.

Using acrylic nails is not a decision that should be taken lightly.

If, after reading this article, and despite the dangers, you still want to use acrylic nails, get them done at a professional salon by a qualified esthetician. Make sure the area is well ventilated, bring your own file and look for changes or pain in your fingers and nails.

If necessary, remove a nail that causes problems until the pain subsides. And whenever possible, give your nails a break from acrylic.