Any nail lover’s dream manicure is getting professionally done acrylic nails. Imagine a stunning set of coffin nails with your favorite colors and an artistic level of design in your nail art. Just thinking of such a nail set gives a different kind of high to any nail enthusiast. But what pricks your bubble of imagination is the pain that comes along with these stunning nails!
Honestly, many of us experience a weird pain immediately after getting our acrylics done. While some people feel the pain subsides in a few hours, some are unfortunate to be feeling it for long or till the manicure lasts! But the question here is, why do acrylic nails hurt, in the first place? Let’s understand.
Why Do Acrylic Nails Hurt? Here’s The Solution!
Well, it is okay to feel some discomfort or a weird feeling immediately after getting an acrylic manicure. But this soreness tends to go away as you get used to your fake nails. It becomes a matter of concern only if the pain is too much and gets unbearable or if it lasts longer than normal.
To identify the solution, you need to first understand what acrylic nails are and why they hurt.
What are Acrylic Nails?
Acrylic nails are fake nail enhancements done as a part of an acrylic manicure. Created using a ‘bead’ made of polymer powder and liquid monomer, acrylic nails are one of the hardest type of artificial nail extensions among various others. They have the maximum strength and lasting power which makes acrylic manicures one of the most loved in the nail industry for decades.
A moon-curve fake nail tip is adhered to the tip of your natural fingernail and a paste-like substance is used to sculpt the entire apex of the nail to form a strong and thick nail structure. Due to these many layers of product, your natural nails go through a lot during acrylic manicures besides the prep. If everything is done properly, it shouldn’t hurt or cause any pain or discomfort except for the initial weirdness. But if it does, it should due to any of the below discussed causes and reasons.
Reasons Why Acrylic Nails Hurt
Acrylics can be painful particularly if they are applied poorly or are too thick. Excessive filing and layering too many plastic and acrylic products can be uncomfortable, but if the pain doesn’t go away within a few hours or keeps getting worse, these could be some of the causes:
1) Nail tech expertise
Saving money is good but not when choosing a nail technician for your acrylics. If you’re planning to go to a cheaper nail salon to get your nails done, be prepared that the manicurists may be inexperienced or not efficient enough and this will cause more harm than good for your nails. From putting the right amount of pressure on the e-file nail drill to not going too close to the cuticles when applying the product, all these are some soft skills that are necessary for a nail tech to do your acrylic manicures right.
And yes, you guessed it right. If your manicurist isn’t professional enough or is inexperienced, particularly in doing acrylic manicures, it can result in an unruly prep or an incorrect product application, eventually resulting in painful nail extensions.
2) Tightness
Acrylic beads are air-dry which means the paste-like product hardens and shrinks into a solid plastic nail when dried completely. This is when your natural nail will adapt to the acrylic sculpture. The process may feel numbing, tightening, uncomfortable, and even painful at times. This holds especially true for those who are new to acrylic manicures, are getting them done after quite a long time, or someone who never had a habit of having long nails. This pain is usually ‘normal’ and fades away within a few hours or a day at the maximum.
3) Incorrect prep
Always remember, for any manicure to give the best results, the most important step is the prep. From prepping your cuticles to your nail bed, a good prep is more than essential for any manicure to sit well and last longer without causing discomfort. If your manicurist doesn’t carry out the prep well, it may result in painful acrylics later. Pushing back the cuticles rightly, removing the dead skin without harming the surrounding skin, filing the nails with the right pressure, buffing the nail surface gently, dusting and wiping off any debris – all these are crucial nail prep steps.
5) Improper shaping
Nail shapes are not just about appearance; there’s a lot more to it. Your nail shape may be responsible for discomfort or pain throughout your wear time. Choose your acrylic nail shape based on your natural nail structure to avoid hurting your fingernails later. This is because your natural nails are the base that carries the weight of your acrylics. Having too wide or too long nails can be uncomfortable and painful. Also, if you have shorter nail beds, longer acrylics will become heavier for your fingertips and will cause pain and even breakage especially when they grow out.
6) Glue quality
Just when you think a good prep is all that you need for a painless acrylic manicure, that’s when your products come into play. Different nail glues are designed for different purposes and not using the right kind of nail glue in your acrylic manicures may not give the desired results. If you (or your nail tech) use a cheap, low-quality glue, it becomes ineffective over time and may lead to pain in your acrylic nails. Not using the specifically formulated glue for acrylics or an incorrect amount, whether too much or too little, may all cause pain and discomfort in your nails.
7) Incorrect primer
The right primer is the makeshift for any salon manicure to last longer and better. Especially in acrylic manicures, a nail primer helps the polymer+monomer bead to bond well with your natural nails. But again, using the right product in the right amount is the key. Using too much of an acid-based primer or using it on highly sensitive, weak nails may cause harm and make them hurt as the acid reacts with the nail plate making it more vulnerable. Again, if your nail tech is expert enough, she will identify the right kind and amount of primer needed for your acrylic manicure.
8) Weak nails
As mentioned earlier, if your nails are naturally thin, brittle, fragile, and prone to breakages, it becomes difficult for them to hold the weight of acrylic nails. This, in turn, results in pain, discomfort, lifting, and even breakages at times. Acrylics are ideal for you if you have naturally thick and strong nails otherwise you’ll cause more harm to the poor dead skin cell plates making them strain further.
9) Broken nail
It’s all fun and games until someone breaks a nail! Breaking a nail is bad but it becomes 100 times worse if you break a nail while wearing your acrylics. If your nails are prone to breaking due to the minutest trauma, they will become more vulnerable if you get your acrylic nails done. Even the weight of acrylics will cause your nails to break further if you have any peels or cracks underneath. But these won’t come out as easy as your natural nails. Breaking a nail with acrylics on is as painful as period cramps!
10) Injured nail
If you have injured your finger underneath your nails, chances are high that your acrylic manicure will be painful and uncomfortable throughout. Your natural nails might have sustained the injury but the wear and tear while doing your acrylic manicure will cause more harm and pain than you’d imagine.
11) Allergies
If your nails are prone to allergies or fungal infections or if you’ve developed one during the acrylic process, then this might also result in painful nails. It might even happen so if you’re new to acrylics or getting them for the first time, you’ll develop an allergic reaction to some product that will cause the pain. It may also be coupled with irritation, itching, redness, swelling, etc.
How to Relieve Acrylic Nail Pain
Once again, it is common to feel some discomfort or soreness right after getting your acrylics. But if the pain doesn’t subside even after 24 hours, try some of the below remedies to relieve the pain:
- Try massaging your nails. Gently massage some cuticle oil or hand cream on your cuticles and the skin surrounding your nails. This will boost blood circulation and reduce tightness and discomfort.
- Give a warm or cold compress or a combination of both to reduce pain and inflammation. Soak your hands in warm water or apply an ice pack for 10-15 minutes to do the trick. But avoid soaking for too long.
- Try taking an OTC pain relief if the pain doesn’t subside even after 48 hours.
It is ideal to see your nail tech if the discomfort is unusual or your acrylics hurt too much. If you suspect any breakage, injury, or infection, get them removed immediately from the professional.
How to Prevent Acrylic Nails from Hurting
Prevention is always better than cure, even for your nails. If you’ve experienced acrylic nail pain in the past or are looking to avoid it altogether, follow some preventive measures such as:
1) Look for a well-trained expert nail technician for your acrylics. Make sure you choose someone who has the needed skills and expertise.
2) Avoid DIYing your acrylic manicures at home. If needed, opt for press-on nails as they do not cause much pain and can be manipulated much more easily.
3) Choose your nail shape wisely. Avoid extremely long and pointy acrylic nails as you’re not naturally used to them. These may be more prone to accidents and breakages. Opt for ovals and almonds in medium lengths for lasting longer and better.
4) Prep your nails well before putting on your acrylics. Make sure your cuticles are clean and your nail surface is free of any oils or residue. This will help your products adhere better and keep infections at bay.
5) Indulge in regular removals and refills for proper maintenance. Ask for frequent trims if you opt for longer lengths or your nails grow out quickly. Give your nails some break between sets.
6) Always keep your hands, fingers, and nails clean and dry to avoid fungal and bacterial buildup in your acrylics.
Keep infections, soreness, pain, and discomfort at bay with these preventive measures to enjoy your acrylic manicures thoroughly.
Wrapping Up Acrylic Nail Pain
Dealing with the discomfort of acrylic nails can be frustrating, but understanding the causes behind the pain can make all the difference. From improper application techniques to sensitive nail beds, there are a variety of factors that could be contributing to your discomfort. But the good news is, with the right approach, you don’t have to give up your favorite manicure style.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Why do my acrylic nails hurt?”, you now know that the key lies in proper nail care, choosing an experienced nail technician, and not ignoring the signs your nails are giving you. By addressing the root causes and taking preventative measures, you can enjoy the beauty of acrylic nails without the pain that sometimes comes with them.
Remember, your nails are an extension of your self-expression. Don’t let discomfort get in the way of your style.
