Question #1: Do my nails need to “breathe”

KL: TOTAL MYTH. Nails receive their nutrients, oxygen, and blood supply from the bloodstream- not from the air. LOL. Sorry, it’s hard for me to not laugh at this, being so educated and all. Nail products like polish, gel, and acrylic prevent water from being absorbed, thus protecting the nail, and aids in keeping the cells that make up the nail together, so they’re less likely to fray and split.

JT: This is a common myth. Any nail enhancement can be viewed as a protective covering. If these coverings are applied correctly and conscientiously, meaning the technician is not overly damaging the natural nail, they will aid in the durability of the nail. If your nails are inherently weak, to begin with, then adding a protective covering can give that nail “strength.” What that protective covering will not do is change the inherent characteristics of the nail without the covering.

Question #2: Why can’t I get my nails to be stronger?

KL: I would take a look internally, health-wise, before you start pointing the blame on the products and coverings you’re using. Look into supplements that support the nails, and take as directed with physician approval. It’s also of paramount importance to remove nail coverings properly to maintain your ‘virgin’ nail strength. Hot Tip: If you’re a nail biter like me, stop.

JT: It depends on the original condition of the nail. If the nail is thin and hard to grow due to heredity or internal issues, the only way to give weak nails more strength to grow is to use some form of protective covering, i.e., gel, acrylic, wraps or dips. Sometimes certain medications may cause the nails to appear thinner for the duration of use and may return to normal when the medication is no longer required. Any damage to the nail either from the application of a covering or from the removal process will indicate whether the nail regains its strength. With removal, the evaporation of the acetone will take approximately 24 hours, and rigidity will be expected. However, to regain original strength, depending on the original condition of the nail might require 4-6 months through the total replacement of the nail from the date of removal.

Question #3: Is Gel Polish Less Damaging Than Acrylic?

KL: I won’t lie, I thought this was true, but I’m willing to admit when I’m wrong #growth

JT: Neither acrylic nor gel polish is damaging to the nails. What damages the nails are excessive filing of the natural nail plate to apply the product and incorrect removal of the enhancement either by the nail tech or by the client. Ripping enhancements off the natural nail causes severe damage by removing layers of the nail plate. An electric file or hand file can easily remove a tremendous amount of nail plate cells, therefore, creating thin, damaged nails. Adhere to the instructions for application, and there should be no apparent damage to nails. A conscientious nail tech is the best asset for limiting damage to the nail plate.

Question #4: How Do I Prevent My Gel Or Regular Polish Nails From Chipping?

KL: I haven’t had any polish be it gel or regular last longer than my interest in one of my fiancé’s computer games. Yes, I use my nails for utilitarian purposes like cleaning sticky stuff off the counter and scratching my dog, so it’s a suicide mission to expect anything less. That said, my longest runs with nail polish have been when I used a light-handed application and practice patience, allowing each thin layer to dry fully before applying the next. I’m also sure to “cap” the free edge by taking the last bit of polish after painting the base of my nail along the tip to lock it in place.

JT: Traditionally, nail polish should last about three to four days without chipping. This, of course, depends on behavioral factors, i.e., how often and what way you’re using your hands. Prepping the nail in both cases is essential, as well as using a quality base coat and capping the tips of the nails. Gel polish is typically only guaranteed for fourteen days with normal wear and tear. Using gloves while washing dishes or cleaning does help for a longer-lasting set for either one.

Question #5: Why Are My Bare Nails Yellow & WHY Is This Happening?

KL: Girl. Remember when I said I’m like an Ogre, well with an entire season of not applying my toe polish properly, my feet honored that semblance as well. There are a lot of reasons why this can happen, so I’ll give this one over to Jes. In my case, using improper base coats, was the culprit. I would skip the base coat entirely out of laziness, or the impulsive choice to wear a sandal when I had planned on a shoe to hide my Shrek feet. 

JT: The most common reason for yellowing of the nails is not using a quality basecoat before applying color polish. Nail polish, especially highly pigmented options, can stain the nails. In this case, the nails can be lightly buffed to remove yellowing. Using a commercial nail whitener or a DIY formula like a Baking soda + Hydrogen peroxide paste. Fungal or bacterial nail infections also can cause yellowing of the nails, but this yellowing usually is seen on one nail at a time. Infections, of course, would have to be treated by a physician. Most topical treatments fall short. An allergic reaction could also cause a yellow appearance in the nails. For concerns that go beyond a cosmetic scenario, you should always seek medical attention. Licensed nail technicians are prohibited from making a diagnosis, and unless they are certified as a medical nail technician may not service or “treat” medical conditions.

Question #6: Help, My Natural Nail Broke At Home, How Do I Fix It?

KL: I remember learning the tea-bag trick in class. I’ve used it since, but most of the time, I keep my nails ENHANCED honey, so if it breaks, its acrylic and I’ll have to take a trip to Tony because well, I trust him more than myself with my nails.

JT: First, wash your hands well, gently buff away any shine from the nail, being careful around the break as not to disturb it. Use a cotton ball dampened with alcohol to clean and dehydrate the nail. Using nail glue (not crazy/super glue) to adhere to the break, holding the piece together using a wooden stick if possible. Paint the entire nail with the glue and place a piece of tissue paper or clean tea bag on the break to act as a brace. Let that coat harden. Add another coat of glue over the entire nail, pay attention to saturate the chosen fabric. Let that coat harden. Add another layer of glue, let harden. Buff gently to smooth surface and apply cuticle oil.

Question #7: Is Vegan Polish Better For Me?

KL: Why am I still here… Ms. Jes?!

JT: In my opinion, vegan nail products are labeled as such to indicate that no animals or their by-products are used to create the product. If we’re talking about “clean” polish, the idea is that certain “toxic” substances aren’t present in the formulation of the product. Some name brand companies have already been replacing some common “toxic” ingredients for years—Formaldehyde, Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Triphenylphosphate (TPHP), etc. Typically, when you see 5 FREE or 10 FREE, that is in response to some of the common types of chemicals that are traditionally in nail polish. Please understand that some of these very same “toxic” chemicals could be present in other cosmetics. Know that manufacturers sometimes use this as their marketing tactics. Everything is “toxic.” When, in fact, toxicity is based on overexposure. Unless you are allergic to certain ingredients and use the products as instructed, there is little cause for alarm.

Question #8: How Do I Care For My Cuticles at Home?

KL: Push it, push it real good. Be gentle! I use wooden sticks and a nipper just for maintenance every couple of weeks. Be careful, my sweet fans.

JT: After a warm shower, gently push back the eponychium (living skin at the base of the nail) to reveal the cuticle tissue (dead skin) that is firmly attached to the nail plate. You can use a wooden pusher or spoon-shaped cuticle pusher. After pushing the eponychium back, scrape the nail plate gently to lift dead cuticle tissue. Cut dead tissue away carefully with a cuticle nipper or cuticle scissors. Condition the area with nail skin conditioner or oil. Do this every other week or as needed.