Nails are and always have been one of the most beautiful beauty accessories. We are lucky to be able to search social media or Google for our next nail design. I spend hours looking at Instagram for inspiration. Although I have become a press-on connoisseur and am a huge fan of acrylic nails, I still enjoy the occasional set of acrylic nails. Some designs are more durable and look better with acrylic extensions.
Acrylic nails can thin natural nails. But did you know that some acrylics can trigger allergic reactions? You’re probably already aware of this fact. If you are like me and didn’t know this, prepare to learn about acrylics as an allergy trigger. I spoke to Hadley King (board-certified dermatologist) to find out how acrylics can affect the skin. If you have been experiencing post-nail appointment skin irritations, celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann has some suggestions that won’t require acrylics.
What are Acrylic Nails?
You may have seen a complete set of nails done. The techs apply a powdered and liquid gel to create a firm base. Acetone is used to remove the hardened base.
What ingredients make up the formula? It’s quite simple. King explains that acrylic nails are made of a mixture of a liquid monomer (and a powder polymer), forming a paste bonded to the nail. Now that we better understand the combination, how can acrylic nails cause allergies? Methacrylate is likely the culprit, as it is a component in the powder and liquid mixture.
Are Acrylic Nails a Problem?
A small number of people may experience allergic reactions to methacrylate. 1 King also reminds us that artificial nail products can make your nails dry, thin, and brittle. The chemicals used to apply artificial nails can irritate the skin or cause allergic contact Dermatitis.
This is especially true if the nail tech cuts around your cuticle. King warns that this is a common practice and is not recommended, even if you like how your skin looks after it is cut. She advises that you don’t trim your cuticles. “Cuticles protect the skin and nails from infection.”
A liquid cuticle melter can be used as an alternative to trimming your cuticles. Butter London’s Melt Away Cuticle Exfoliator is a product I recommend. The formula melts dry cuticles without the need to be cut within two minutes. I follow this up with cuticle oil or cream.
What to do if you have a reaction
King explains that both irritant contact dermatologists and allergic skin dermatitis may present in the same manner. To confirm allergic contact dermatitis, a patch test is possible. King recommends an appointment with a dermatologist if you notice a rash or bumps. They can then prescribe topical corticosteroids that will reduce inflammation.
Acrylic Nails: Alternatives
Many options offer the opportunity to express your creativity through nail art that lasts up to two weeks. Deborah Lippman, the celebrity manicurist, recommends gel nail wraps or nails as an alternative to acrylic nails. Lippman says that you shouldn’t skip a pre-application manicure. “Regardless of the enhancement you choose, you must always have a proper manicure before applying it,” Lippman states. Let’s now talk about other options.
Press-Ons
Press-on, as I said earlier, is my favorite thing. Independent nail artists offer custom press-ones that are delivered directly to your door. There are also options available from major brands. The best part? These sets can be reused. Make your nail art eco-friendly.
Nail Polish Wraps
Nail polish wraps can be used as an alternative to acrylics. They offer unique designs that can be easily removed using nail polish remover. For the best results, it is important to use a clean, oil-free base if you are a beginner. Nail polish wraps are similar to press-on. Each packet contains a variety of nail sizes to find the perfect fit.
After you have found the perfect fit, you can apply the wraps. However, there is one tip you should remember: File behind the nail when you are removing the excess wrap. This will keep you from chipping or filing away the design.
Gel Nail Wraps
Gel manicures can be used as an alternative to acrylics. Gel polish is not the best choice if you want to do your nails at home. Gel nail wraps are an option. Gel nail wraps are similar to nail polish wraps but wrap around nails. However, the ingredients of gel nail wraps differ from the ones above. Gel nail wraps can be made with polish or gel nail polish. Flexible, the material molds easily to different sizes and shapes of nails. A UV light is needed to cure the wrap, making it a durable option for nail care.
