In high school, I decided to try acrylic nails for the first time after seeing my friend Lydia frequently get hers done. Intrigued, I accompanied her to a quaint nail salon nestled in a strip mall. We both chose vibrant colors for what we thought was a stylish French manicure (it was the early 2000s, so bear with me) and settled into our chairs. My nail technician pulled out a rotary drill and began working on my natural nails, which was alarming. After the acrylic application and further drilling to shape the hardened material, I was left with long, square nails, decorated with rhinestones that were all the rage back then. However, I quickly realized that my nails were incredibly sore, feeling as though they had been caught in a door.
This discomfort stemmed not from the acrylic itself but from the technician’s use of a drill on my natural nails. While this practice is commonplace in many budget salons, it is entirely unnecessary and can cause significant damage, not to mention discomfort. The drill is intended to prepare the nail bed by removing oils and roughening the surface for better adhesion of the acrylic. However, a gentle hand file can achieve the same results without inflicting pain or harm.
The issue with using a drill lies in the lack of control over the pressure applied. There’s no gauge for how deep the drill penetrates the nail bed, and by the time you feel discomfort, it’s often too late. Even if the salon maintains cleanliness and follows proper sanitation protocols, the primary risk comes from the drill itself, which can effectively compromise the integrity of your natural nails.
During my three years as a nail technician at a reputable spa, my colleagues and I never used a drill on natural nails. Our approach was to hand-file everything to maintain nail health, strength, and comfort. When done correctly, acrylic nails, assuming no allergies or improper products are used, do not inherently damage nails. They can enhance nail length, prevent chipping, and even allow for artistic expression. If acrylic nails fit your style, there’s no reason to avoid them, provided you choose a skilled technician who uses appropriate tools.
Improper nail removal, especially if done without soaking, can lead to severe damage by tearing layers of the nail bed along with the acrylic. However, the drill is typically the main source of pain and damage. Drilling can thin out the nail bed significantly, leading to long-term weakness that can only be rectified by waiting for new, healthy nail growth.
If you notice your technician reaching for a drill during your appointment, don’t hesitate to ask them to use a hand file instead. This request is entirely reasonable and won’t add significant time to your appointment. It’s crucial to prioritize your comfort and the health of your nails over speed.
Should your technician refuse your request, consider finding a new salon. Alternatively, you might explore other nail services, such as gel manicures, which are gaining popularity. Gel polish, cured with UV or LED light, bonds effectively to the nail and offers extended wear. For a classic approach, a traditional manicure may also be a great choice.
Always ensure that your technician uses sanitized and sterilized tools, and don’t hesitate to voice any concerns you have throughout the process. Nail care should be a pleasant experience, free from pain and adverse effects on your natural nails.
For further insights on similar topics, you can check out this informative piece on intracervicalinsemination.com, or explore resources on fertility from Make a Mom and CCRM IVF.
In summary, when considering acrylic nails, be mindful of the techniques used by your technician. Prioritize your nail health by opting for hand filing and ensuring a clean, safe environment.