Natural Nails After Acrylic

Going back to natural nails after acrylic has its share of challenges.

Get healthy nails!

Are you ready to ditch acrylic and go back to au natural? Natural nails are much easier to care for and require much less expense than acrylic nails. Whether it’s a career change or lifestyle change that prompts your desire to go back to the basics, the following tips will help you care for your natural nails and improve their health as they return to their buff state.

Artificial nails, no matter how pretty, take a toll on the health and integrity of the nail bed. Many women who wear artificial nails with hopes to return to natural nails after acrylic are shocked when their nails appear brittle, splitting, and thin.

The chemicals applied in step by step acrylic nails, including nail sculpting powders and gels, can cause damage on the underlying nail. Depending on the extent of artificial wear and the health of the nail prior to having false fingernails applied, damage may vary.

The first step in improving the natural nail health is to remove the acrylic or gel nail or tip. This can be done either professionally or at home with the use of pure acetone. Keep in mind acetone is extremely drying, so use the chemical wisely. Many people opt for professional removal of their artificial nails to minimize additional damage.

Once the false nails are removed, the nail bed may appear jagged, dry, and shocked. The natural nail has been kept from oxygen and has suffered decreased stimulation, so the nail bed and fingernail growth has been stunted.

The following steps will help you return to healthy nails after artificial nail removal:

• Opt for weekly manicures: Weekly manicures, although an additional expense, will help stimulate the circulation of the nail bed, promoting its growth. If you would rather opt for an at-home manicure, simply fill a bowl with warm water, and allow fingers and cuticles to soak for at least 10 minutes per hand. Follow nail bath with a stimulating massage on each hand.
• Cuticle oil: Cuticle oil such as vitamin E or olive oil should be applied during the massage. The essential vitamins found in these natural oils will help promote healthy nail growth.
• Trim nails: As nails begin to grow, keep them trimmed. Don’t be in a hurry to let your natural nail gain length; instead, make overall nail health and thickness your goal. A thin, damaged nail that grows quickly hardly stands a chance at surviving for long. Rather than deal with disappointment, understand nails may need to be kept short while the body rebuilds the damaged tissue.
• Apply strengthening products: Many nail care base coats have strengthening and stimulating properties. Find a base coat that will help strengthen the nail bed and apply the product every three days if needed.
• Ridge fillers: Ridge fillers work wonders for covering up the unsightly torn and jagged ridges that may remain on the nail bed after artificial nail removal. Apply a ridge filler directly under your nail polish layer.
• Avoid color: Although you can still paint your nails as desired, the less exposure to chemicals the better for your nails as they rebuild their strength. If you must wear nail polish, try alternating one week one, one week off.

Returning to natural nails after acrylic is a process that requires patience and realistic expectations. Once you’ve become used to the durability and thickness of your artificial nails, natural nails may not seem as appealing. Keep in mind the long term benefits of natural nails include less maintenance and reduced chemical exposure, not to mention the extra money you’ll save!

Once nails have returned to a healthy state, treat them well and paint them with fun, bright colors. Although they may be shorter and thinner than their artificial sisters, daily care will be easier and more rewarding.

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