Do You Have To Give Your Nails a Break?

Written by Cristina ~ Category: Beauty & Wellbeing ~ Read Time: 2 min.

Manicures are a luxurious treat, and how can’t they be? A perfectly manicured set of nails can instantly transform our look, adding a touch of polish and sophistication to any outfit. Having our nails done is the ideal way to pamper ourselves and do something nice for us. It's a form of self-expression, a way to showcase our uniqueness and add a touch of personality to your overall look. There is an internal bliss every time we scroll for nail inspiration and finally pick our favorite color and design, especially when we are happy with the result. 

However, a lot of us wonder whether this constant exposure to nail polish actually damages them and whether we need to let our nails “breathe.” According to Desmond Shipp, MD, of the Ohio State University, we don’t. The idea that nails need to breathe is a common misconception. Nails get their oxygen from the blood, not the air. Problem solved then. Not exactly, because, according to Shipp, frequent polish changes can dry our nails out, so giving them a break for proper hydration is essential.  

The type of product we use is important as well. Regular nail polish is generally less damaging than gel, but frequent application and removal can still dry out the nails. Gel polish can be rough on nails, as the removal process often involves harsh chemicals that can strip away the natural oils. Another issue is that gel nails require UV light to harden. These processes can weaken the natural structure of the nails and dry them out, making them more fragile and prone to breaking. 

So, should I stop going to the salon?

You can always go to the salon, but it is advisable to inspect your nails between applying color and look for any signs of nail damage, such as discoloration, splitting, or peeling. If your nails feel "thin" or "weak," it's a good sign you might want to take a break. 

manicure break

Also, if your nails are in good condition and you don’t want to deprive yourself of a good manicure, you can take a break from gel/acrylic manicures for a couple of weeks and use regular nail polish so that you spare some between the removal of gel which will help your nails strengthen. 

Tips for keeping your nails healthy

There are some things you can do to keep your nails healthy and in good condition without having to sacrifice your manicure, such as applying cuticle oil or hand cream throughout the day to keep your nails and the surrounding skin hydrated. Also, a strengthening treatment while on a break can help fortify weak nails and prevent breakage. Make sure that you use a base coat when applying red or dark polish to prevent staining or white patches from forming. Also, choose the right salon for you and your nails and make sure that they use gentle methods to remove the gel/acrylic manicure so that you don’t end up with brittle nails. A necessary factor to consider is curing. “Choose a salon that uses an LED curing light rather than a UV curing light. LED lights still emit UV radiation but at lower levels than UV light, and they cure nails faster, decreasing UV exposure,” Hadley C. King, MD, FAAD explains.

It took 2 coffees to write this article.


About the author

Cristina

Cristina and beauty are one and the same. Cristina is mysterious, extravagant, and when she has free time, she loves shopping for beauty products and trying them on. She knows who should wear what and what is the best moisturizer in the market. Can't say we don't need her!

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