When you hear people talking about painting their nails, the thought of it seems so complicated and tedious.
They are usually talking about having long-lasting acrylic nails done at a salon or spa.
Acrylics have created a surge in popularity over the last decade or so
While they do cost a little bit more than the PVCs and keratone alternatives, the end results are far superior.
If you go to a salon to have your acrylic nails done, you’ll be provided with acrylics that come pre-acetified.
These nails come already “stickered” so that they won’t be able to dry out as quickly.
The downside of this is that they will need to be filled every three to six weeks.
This means you’ll be paying for it each time you get your nails manicured.
Your natural nails will only need to be cleaned every other week
Once you’re through cleaning and conditioning, your nails will be long-lasting and resistant to the elements.
However, if you do not maintain them as well as you should, there are possible long-term effects to your hands and nails.
If you don’t take care of your nails properly, they can suffer from the harsh effects of detergents, artificial nails, and even bleach.
Chemicals commonly used in nail and hair products can affect the chemical balance in your nails, leaving them prone to breakage and dullness.
As a result, some products are no longer recommended while others must be completely avoided.
Harsh cleaning agents such as turpentine can create long-term problems
This type of chemical commonly found in face and body cleansers can lead to dry skin and can eventually cause irreparable damage to your nails.
Should you paint your nails before or after a shower?
Before, the solution used in painting your nails has already been stripped away from the nail bed where the natural nail is derived.
In doing this process, no further cleansing agents or chemicals are applied onto your nails.
However, the effects of these harsh chemicals may still be felt.
The residue left behind on your nails may not only be irritating but it can also cause them to become dry, brittle, and break easily.
After, your nails have been exposed to water, the natural ingredients of the acrylic paint may have begun to react with water and form contaminants.
What is the effect of water on acrylic paint?
Water can slowly dissolve acrylic paint, causing it to flake and peel off.
This constant chemical process can eventually weaken the nail and make them vulnerable to breaks and cracks.
In addition to leaving an undesirable white coating on the nails, the constant exposure to water can also cause them to become brittle.
If you continuously use water based acrylic paints, they will surely start peeling off within a few weeks.
Should you paint your nails before or after a shower?
Some people are using acrylic paints before a shower to remove traces of nail polish that have been left behind on their nails.
This is done by soaking the hands or the feet in a bowl filled with warm water for half an hour.
Once the water has completely dried up, then painting the nails usually follows.
Both of these techniques are effective, convenient, and affordable.
However, if you want to have healthy, strong, and attractive nails without having to spend so much money, it is best to go for natural acrylic paints.
They are safe and effective as well as long-lasting.
It is a good idea to paint your nails with natural products
For one, it makes the nail appear healthier and stronger.
Acrylic paints are usually water based and can provide a sense of protection for the nails.
A healthy nail also looks more attractive.
Plus, they are less likely to peel off than other products in the market.
But when it comes to beauty tips, the debate still rages whether acrylic or natural is better.
Many experts however, would recommend that if you do not have perfectly white and pink nails, it is best to go for natural products.
They can help maintain the overall health of your nails without making them look too oily.
How to transform your nails
On the other hand, if you feel that you need to do something drastic to transform your nails into something that is not smooth and pink, you can go ahead with painting your nails.
However, one thing you should keep in mind is that you should only use acrylic paints on your fingernails.
If you want to try out natural products, use your fingernails and wash them regularly.
This will prevent you from inadvertently exposing your nails to the chemicals contained in other artificial cosmetic products.
Your nails can look great, but if they are not healthy, they will never look great.
How can I shower without ruining my nails?
It is important that the proper steps be followed to prevent damage to the skin and cuticles while washing one’s hands.
One of the most common problems related to taking proper care of one’s nails is when nails get soiled with water.
The problem is not the water, per se; the problem is the soap.
Soap, even when using mild soaps, can and will damage the cuticles on the tips of one’s fingers.
Can soap damage your nails?
It can be quite surprising, actually, what kind of damage soap can do to one’s nails.
Shampooing with harsh soaps is bad for most people, but it is especially bad for people who have dry or brittle fingertips.
After washing one’s hands with a harsh soap, the cuticles on the tips of one’s fingers tend to get damaged.
This is because the soap removes natural oils from one’s skin, and then rinses off along with it.
If this is a problem, one can take special care to wash their hands as soon as they get the feeling that something is off.
Wash your nails often before applying paint on them
To start off with, one should always wash their hands before putting any kind of cuticle or fingernail polish on them.
If one has just applied a coat of polish, then one should wait until the polish has dried before washing their nails.
Doing this keeps the polish from rubbing off with the soap, which will in turn make it easier to clean.
Applying nail polish to one’s nails, particularly the cuticles, should only be done once one gets the feeling that one’s nails are in good enough condition to withstand the polish.
Applying too much can cause the cuticles to become loose, which would allow water to enter into the nails and damage them.
Use the proper amount of nail polish
In addition to this, nail polish remover is also a danger when used without the proper amount.
Using nail polish remover without using the proper amount is like trying to drink oil by mistake.
Another thing to consider here are the different types of nail polish.
Water-based types of nail polish are recommended if one tends to be outside a lot, because these tend to adhere better to the cuticles.
Oil-based types of polish can last longer on one’s nails, but they have less adhesion to them.
Either one can use their own preference, but either type will usually do the trick.
What happens if you use too much soap?
As for the soap itself, sometimes too much soap can be harsh on one’s nails, which could cause damage.
When one cleans their nails regularly, it is less likely to cause damage due to the cleansing.
So let us move onto the next step here.
The next step in taking care of one’s nails, after one notices that they are starting to become dry, is to use a cuticle pusher.
The cuticle pusher works by pushing the cuticles back up, and sealing them off from further drying out.
This can sometimes be done manually with one’s own tools, or can even be done with a manicure tool.
Wash your cuticles properly
Be sure to wash your cuticles well to remove all traces of the pusher, otherwise this can cause damage to the cuticles.
Once the cuticles are sealed off, it is time to apply a good top coat of clear nail varnish to help protect the nails from further damage.
Be sure to apply at least twice, or more depending on the amount of cuticles on one’s hands.
A good top coat can also keep the nails from cracking
It is important to not touch the nails while the top coat is on, as the varnish may accidentally get into the nails and make them brittle.
When the nails are cleaned, be sure to let them air dry.
This can be done in a normal window, or under sunlight.
Doing so will ensure that the nail will grow back healthy and strong, and will look great for months to come!
To speed up the process, applying a coat of gel should do the trick.
Be sure to use the gel only on where the nail is damaged, because the acid in the gel can actually damage the nail and cause it to become more brittle than before.
These are some very helpful tips on how can I clean my nails without ruining my nails.
