Taking care of acrylic nails involves a few key practices to ensure their longevity and maintain healthy natural nails underneath. Here's a breakdown of essential care tips:
Gentle Handling is Key
Treat your acrylic nails with care. Avoid using them as tools to open things or pick at objects. This prevents breakage and lifting.
Keep Them Dry
Excessive moisture can weaken the adhesive and lead to fungal infections. After washing your hands or showering, thoroughly dry your acrylics and the skin around them.
Avoid Acetone
Acetone is a powerful solvent that can dissolve acrylic nails. Use acetone-free nail polish remover when changing your polish to avoid damaging your acrylics.
Maintain Healthy Cuticles and Surrounding Skin
Keep the skin around your nails moisturized with cuticle oil. This promotes healthy nail growth and prevents dryness, which can lead to lifting or cracking of the acrylics.
Practice Good Hygiene
Regular handwashing is essential for overall hygiene and helps prevent bacterial or fungal growth around your acrylics. Use a nail brush to gently clean underneath the nails.
Don't DIY Repairs
If your acrylic nail chips, breaks, or lifts, resist the urge to fix it yourself. Attempting DIY repairs can worsen the damage and potentially harm your natural nail. Instead, schedule an appointment with a professional nail technician. They have the tools and expertise to safely repair or replace the acrylic.
Schedule Regular Maintenance Appointments
Regular fill appointments (usually every 2-3 weeks) are crucial to maintain the integrity of your acrylics. Fills help to prevent lifting, reinforce weak areas, and keep your nails looking their best.
