Do you love wearing fake nail enhancements owing to their versatility? Do you remember when you last painted your natural nails or are you used to wearing faux nails? Are you guilty of getting your nail extensions done regularly only to be worried about the damage later on? Think no more! We are here to help you with your concerns.
Artificial nails are one of the greatest trends in the fashion industry. But the trend does come at a price. So the question is, does nail glue damage nails? Risks and complications of glue-on nails will be discussed in this article. Read on to know more.
Does Nail Glue Damage Nails? Risks and Complications of Glue-On Nails
Nail art isn’t just about pretty-looking nails; it’s a way to express yourself. And if you are a fan of press-on nails or fake nail extensions, you surely know the beauty of flaunting beautiful nail designs without having to worry about growing your nails long.
Well, nails are the only thing you can get in shape without exercise! But that may raise a question in your mind – does nail glue damage natural nails? No, we are not scaring you from artificial nails. Though they are good, there are some risks and complications associated with glue-on nails.
Let’s talk more about it.
What is a Nail Glue?
A nail glue like any other glue is an adhesive liquid used for attaching the fake nail tips to the natural nails. Artificial nail enhancements like press-ons and acrylics can be affixed to your nails using a liquid glue that comes in a self-applicator packing. It can either have a brush-on applicator or a dropper mechanism to ease your life when working with faux nails.
Besides fake nails, liquid nail glues are also used for repairing chipped or cracked free edges of natural nails or other quick fixes needed in your manicures. They are also sometimes available in different formulas like gels or double-sided adhesive tabs that serve different purposes. But liquid glues are the most used and versatile options as they allow better control over the application.
Ingredients in Nail Glue
Wondering why the question arises whether glues have damaging effects on your natural nails. Well, the reason is that there are various chemicals used as ingredients in making nail glues. In fact, the strength, effectiveness, and lasting capacity of a glue greatly depend on the ingredients used in it. Some of these are harsh and harmful chemicals like:
1) Acetone resistance
We all know that most of the false nail extensions are removed with the help of acetone soak. To reverse this effect, most strong nail glues are formulated with chemicals that are resistant to acetone to increase durability. It may now sound like it is good and important for increasing the longevity of your manicure. However, these chemicals complicate and lengthen the removal process causing dryness and brittleness of the nails.
2) Cyanoacrylate
One of the key ingredients in liquid glues is found to be cyanoacrylate. This chemical is known for its strong bonding properties which help the fake nails and layers of products adhere well to the base. It also has a characteristic that supports fast drying but if not handled correctly and adequately, this ingredient in a nail glue can cause severe damage to the natural nails.
Types of Glue-On Nails
Most of the nail enhancements available in the market today are glue-on nails in some or the other way. Be it press-on nails, fake acrylic nails, or acrylic and gel manicures, all of them make use of fake nail tips that are to be glued on the natural nails. It could either be glued on the entire nail as in the case of press-ons or can be glued on the free edge of the nail as in the case of acrylics.
To affix any of these fake tips on the nail bed, different kinds of nail glues are used in different ways and quantities. However, all these variety of options have their own characteristics and impact on nail health.
Press-On Nails vs. Other Glue-On Nail Enhancements
Acrylic manicures or acrylic nail extensions have been trending for decades now. Press-on nails are a temporary and easier alternative to these acrylic nails. Acrylics are made using a combination of powder polymers and liquid monomers, both of which are strong chemicals. These chemicals are layered directly on the natural nails and oftentimes, a fake nail tip is also attached to lengthen. Also, the removals require over-exposure to acetone which is again a strong chemical that can make the nails weak and brittle. Though acrylics are highly durable, they can cause more harm and destruction to your natural nails. On the contrary, the only chemical used in applying press-on nails is nail glue which is why there is less damage to the natural nails.
Another safer alternative to acrylics is a gel manicure which uses gel polish that cures under UV light. Sometimes, gel extensions are also done by gluing a fake nail tip at the free edge just like in the case of acrylic extensions. Though gel nails use chemicals safer than those in acrylics, the removal of gel nails can be tricky. Since the removals require acetone soaking and aggressive filing using an e-file or a manual file, it may lead to dehydrated or thinning nails over time. Owing to these safety concerns, the glue-on press-ons are considered less damaging.
Risks and Complications Associated with Using Nail Glue
Does nail glue damage nails? Well, the simple answer is Yes!
According to experts, nail glues, when used excessively or incorrectly, can cause damage to the natural nails. Nails can become weak, brittle, and prone to peeling and breakage if the nail glue is not used properly. It is crucial to work with nail glue carefully and use it sparingly to maintain nail health.
Let’s understand the effect of nail glue and adhesive ingredients on our natural nails.
What Are the Effects of Nail Glue on Nails?
Nail glue is a sticky helping agent that holds the fake nail adhered to your natural nails so you can flaunt your nail art confidently for a longer time. So you might be wondering, what are the effects of nail glue on nails? Well, the glue itself doesn’t cause much harm to your nail surface though being a chemical. However, the quality and quantity of the product surely do.
The first thing is what quality of glue you are using. If you buy cheap drugstore glues or experiment with using superglue for your nails, they are of course going to cause harm to your natural nails in the long run.
Besides, it is also important to be aware of how much glue you use. Even if you invest in good-quality nail glue, using it excessively or carelessly will again have harmful effects on your nails. Using too much glue or not applying it carefully can make your nails weak and brittle. Proper removals of glue-on fake nails are equally important. If you are not careful with your removals or try to pluck them out, you may rip out the top layers of your natural nails causing more harm than good.
How Do the Adhesive Ingredients Affect Nail Health?
Yes, it is important to be careful of the quality of the nail glue you use along with properly handling their application and removal, as discussed above. But what about the chemical composition of the product? After all, nail glues are made with chemicals and you must know how these adhesive ingredients affect nail health.
The key ingredient that helps the fake nails stick to the natural base is cyanoacrylate. Imagine its strength that you can carry your nail extensions all through the daily wear and tear and that too for weeks together! Considering this chemical is a strong adhesive ingredient, its overuse or frequent uses can cause the natural nails to become prone to breakages and peeling or cracking.
Besides, nail adhesives contain some other harsh chemicals too, other than cyanoacrylate. So, not using them sparingly or not following the instructions carefully will not be a good idea. Think of this as using too much glue on paper. How will it affect the other pages underneath?
Can Nail Glues Cause Fungal Infections?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Incorrect use of nail glues can be a potential cause of fungal infections in natural nails. If the nail glue is improperly applied, it can lead to fungal infections like green fingernail fungus or black toenails. This happens because nail glue seals moisture beneath fake nails creating a warm, damp environment perfect for fungal growth.
So how can you prevent the risks and complications associated with using nail glue? Let’s get into the details of it.
Preventive Measures
It is better to be safe than sorry! If you want nail glues to cause the least damage to your natural nails, it is essential to maintain health and hygiene and follow some preventive measures:
1) Use the nail glue in moderation and take breaks between applications.
2) Prioritize nail prep and ensure the undersides of your nails are clean and dry before using glue to avoid fungal infections.
3) Quality over quantity! Invest in nail-friendly glues and other products.
4) Avoid getting the nail glue on your cuticle or surrounding skin to prevent allergic reactions.
5) Opt for gentle removals of fake nails; you may invest in nail glue removals.
Proper Application Techniques
Swear by some steps to ensure correct nail glue application every time:
1) Prep and Sizing
Always start by working on clean and dry nails and hands, free of any oils. Size the fake nails correctly without choosing too big or too small tips. Use mild nail files and nail buffers and don’t indulge in aggressive use of these nail tools.
2) Glue Application
The right amount and right approach are key. Avoid using too little glue or the artificial nail won’t stick correctly leaving room for moisture and debris getting accumulated. Contrarily, don’t flood the nail surface with glue or you will clog the cuticles causing infections. Just apply glue in small amounts and across the entire surface without touching the edges. Apply a small drop to the fake nail for better adhesion.
3) Patience
Be gentle and patient in your approaches and don’t rush. Gently press the fake nail tip to affix and align perfectly. Hold for a few seconds to ensure a secure bond. Don’t apply too much pressure and avoid squeezing tightly.
Safe Removals and Aftercare
To gently remove fake nails and nail glue from the natural nail surface:
1) Soak them in warm soapy water and avoid acetone soak as much as possible especially when you’re DIYing your manicures and removals.
2) Avoid impulsive tugging or forcing and instead, gently pry the edges of the fake tips unless they gently pop off.
Once you remove your glue-on nails properly, follow some nail aftercare tips:
3) Give your nails a break between applications to let them recover from the glue and chemical damage.
4) Keep your hands and cuticles clean, dry, and moisturized regularly.
5) Limit exposure to harsh chemicals like acetone-based removers and low-quality nail polishes. Avoid them as much as possible.
6) Check for early signs of allergies or infections and treat them before the problem intensifies.
The Final Word
In the journey of nail fashion, the idea of glue-on nails has long been in vogue. However, the path to beauty is often paved with questions, especially concerning the safety of nail glue.
While nail glue can be of great help in achieving stunning nails, its misuse can lead to damage and complications. Understanding the risks associated with nail glue empowers you to make informed decisions about your nail care routine. Ultimately, nail glue can be a double-edged sword, capable of both enhancing and harming your nails. Remember, moderation is key. Opt for quality nail glues, follow proper application and removal techniques, and prioritize the health of your natural nails. If you encounter any adverse effects, seek professional advice promptly.
So, embrace the beauty of nail art, but do so wisely and with care. By staying informed and exercising caution, you can enjoy the beauty of glue-on nails while safeguarding the health of your natural nails.
