Getting your nails done sounds like such a fascinating idea, doesn’t it? And on top of that, if you’re getting acrylic extensions, that sounds like a cherry on the cake! Acrylic nails really do look so chic and trendy. But what’s beauty without some pain?!
No, we’re not talking about spending hours sitting at the manicure table perfecting your nails. We are also not speaking of your fingers feeling numb after getting acrylics or them getting stuck in every other thing for at least a day after. We’re indicating something more deep and serious.
Let’s dig into a commonly asked question: Why do natural nails become yellow after getting acrylic extensions? Here’s everything you need to know about the causes of yellow nails after acrylics and how you can treat them.
Yellow Nails After Acrylics? Here’s How You Can Treat Them
Having a nail appointment booked can always uplift your mood no matter how pathetic your life is going! As much as we love beautiful nails, nail extensions are a whole different vibe and the charm of acrylic nails is unbeatable. But the pleasure comes at a cost. Acrylics often tend to damage your natural nails underneath and even cause them to become uneven, misshapen, and even discolored.
Let’s take a deep dive into what causes yellow nails after acrylics and how can you treat them.
What are Acrylic Nails?
Acrylic nails are one of the most popular types of fake nail extensions in the industry. Made with a mix of powdered polymer and liquid monomer, acrylics mimic the look and feel of your natural nails. However, they are stronger and harder and this is what makes them durable and versatile. Acrylics are nothing but fake nails made using the moldable mixture paste with or without sticking fake nail tips.
Although acrylics have been very popular for the last few years due to their versatility and elegance, they do have a downside and that’s a serious one. The chemicals like EMA present in acrylic manicures may cause dehydration in your natural nails and may even lead to allergic reactions. This is why acrylics are prone to making your nails weak, brittle, and even discolored. A common problem with acrylics is the yellowing of the natural nails underneath and here’s why it happens.
Causes of Yellow Nails After Acrylics
Yellow nails may otherwise be an indication of some deficiency or some underlying disease like diabetes or psoriasis. But when you see your nails becoming misshapen and yellow after you got your acrylics done, the cause could be the extensions. Following are some of the causes of yellow nails after acrylics:
1) Staining
Some nail products, especially in an acrylic nail system, can stain your natural nail surface. Besides certain polishes, some acrylic powders and monomers can lead to yellow stains on your nails. Moreover, if you have a habit of smoking, that may also surprisingly lead to yellowing of the nails if you have acrylic nails on or just got them removed.
2) Fungal Infection
When it comes to nail yellowing due to acrylics, the most common cause is fungal buildup and infections due to fungus. This buildup is quite possible to happen when the acrylics are worn because of moisture and dirt particles getting trapped. Improper application of acrylic nails leads to this majorly and improper removals only worsen the situation. If you or your nail tech hasn’t followed the correct application or removal approach or haven’t used the right tools and products, this is very much possible to happen.
While nail discoloration is a common symptom of acrylic nail extensions, the yellow stains are a sure-shot sign of fungal reactions and infections underneath the natural nail surface. It is often accompanied by some other symptoms like distorted nails, crumbled edges, brittle texture, and even foul smell.
3) Dehydration
As discussed, acrylic nails are pure chemicals and these strong powders, liquids, glues, etc. can cause your nails to become dehydrated. This increases the chance of discoloration and yellowing other than making your natural nails look dull and lifeless.
How to Treat and Prevent Yellow Nails After Acrylics
Generally, the yellowing on your nails due to acrylics grows out on its own especially when it is staining or fungal buildup. However, if you feel the need to clean up and reduce the yellowness, here are some tips and treatment options:
1) Soaking
Try a nail soak treatment in your DIY manicure routine. After proper acrylic removals, if you need to reduce the yellowing on your natural nails, make a soak solution with one part hydrogen peroxide and three parts water. Soak your nails in this diluted hydrogen peroxide solution to reduce the stains significantly. A similar soak can be made by mixing equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water. This also helps if you have any fungal infections along with stains.
2) Acetone
You may try soaking your nails in a DIY nail wrap with pure acetone but that’s again a chemical. So you need to be careful not to harm or strip off the nail bed with acetone. All you need is some acetone soaked in a lint-free wipe or a cotton ball. Wrap this around your nails with foil and keep it for 10-15 minutes. Clean up with water post-soak and follow up with a moisturizer and cuticle oil.
3) Buffing
If you see tough or pesky yellow stains that do not come off even after acrylic removal, try using a nail buffer to remove them. Simply apply some cuticle oil to the nails and using a buffer, try to gently shed off the stains and any product residue. Avoid overdoing it or buffing too harshly; it is better advised to be done by a professional.
4) OTC Anti-Fungal Medication
If you detect a fungal infection, it is best to consult a dermat. The specialist medical professional will prescribe an ointment or oral antifungal. You may also opt for OTC medication if you’re sure to go ahead with the treatment without expert consultation.
5) Breaks
Finally, give your nails a break and some time to breathe after you’ve got your acrylics removed and you see dull and damaged nails with yellowing. No matter how much you’re obsessed with getting your nails done, frequent applications and refills of acrylic can definitely degrade your nail health. It is better to give a break to your nails from any product, even a nail polish, after 3-4 months of continuous acrylics. This is particularly true if you experience nail discoloration.
You may follow some healthy nail habits if you’re an acrylic lover but want to prevent yellowness from happening in the first place.
1) Always get them done from a professional and a reputed salon. Make sure the manicure is clean and your manicurist is working in a dust-free space.
2) Avoid DIYing your acrylics unless you’re a trained expert. And if you do, make sure there are not air gaps or open spaces in your application for moisture or debris to get trapped.
3) Prevent over-interaction with water. Always keep your hands and nails clean and dry. Practice wearing gloves or coverups when going for a swim or doing chores. Stay away from strong chemicals too.
4) If you’ve experienced fungal infections before or a prone to getting them, form a habit of using an antifungal treatment on your nails regularly. Incorporate an antifungal spray or powder in your routine.
Wrap-Up
Dealing with yellow nails after acrylics can be frustrating, but with the right care and attention, you can restore your nails to their natural beauty. Whether it’s through hygienic habits, nourishing treatments, or giving them a break from polish, there are plenty of ways to tackle the issue and prevent it from happening in the future. If you’ve been dealing with yellow nails after acrylics, now is the time to take action. Keep your hands clean, and moisturized, and most importantly, give them some pampering with gentle, nourishing products.
Remember, nails need to breathe and heal, especially after acrylics, so a little bit of TLC can go a long way. With a bit of patience and care, you’ll have your healthy nails back in no time, ready for your next nail adventure. Your nails reflect your overall health, so treating them well is key to enjoying all the stylish, colorful designs you love without the consequences. So go ahead, take charge of your nail care, and say goodbye to yellow nails once and for all!
