Image: Imaxtree
It?s safe to assume that nail art in all of its forms is here to stay. And while everyone isn?t into crazy colors and designs, elongated nails a la Kylie Jenner and krew (sorry, we had to!) are more popular than ever. Equally as intriguing are the too-good-to-be-true, long-lasting effects of gel manicures. Who wants to deal with chips anyway" Beyond aesthetics, however, both treatments can wreak havoc on your delicate nail beds, cuticles and hands.
?Regardless of what manicure you choose (gel or acrylic), your weekly routine trip to the nail salon weakens your nail plates through dehydration, making them frail and thin,? explains Static Nails founder Alexis Irene. ?Your hand as a whole also becomes dry, damaged and affected by things like UV lights. Once you remove the acrylic and gel that’s when you will see the real damage ? discoloration, infection, dryness, frail, brittle nails, chipping, slowed nail growth, fungus and even the loss of a fingernail.? Um, yikes" Since you have to remove your acrylics or gel nail polish at some point (keep them on for three weeks max!), we tapped three nail experts to help you revive your nails to their previous glory.
Scale Back Your Service
We support #selfcaresunday just as much as anyone else, but consider getting a regular mani instead. ?By getting gel/acrylic nails every two weeks, it highly suffocates the nail plate and the nails are unable to breathe naturally,? shares celebrity manicurist and owner...