When I was a high school junior, I decided to get acrylic nails for the first time. A friend of mine frequently visited a local nail salon, and I thought it would be fun to join her. We arrived at a small, bustling shop in a strip mall, where we each picked vibrant colors for our nails — a bold choice for a French manicure back in the early 2000s. As I settled in, my nail technician brought out a small rotary drill, which she used to prep my natural nails before applying the acrylic and again to shape the finished product.
Once the appointment was over, my nails looked fabulous—long, square, and adorned with rhinestones. However, they were incredibly sore. It felt like every nail had been slammed in a door! This discomfort stemmed not from the acrylic itself but from the technician using a drill on my natural nails. While this practice is commonplace in many budget nail salons, it’s unnecessary and often harmful, offering little time savings.
Filing the nail bed is crucial for ensuring that the acrylic adheres properly, but it can be done effectively using a hand file without the risk of damage. The problem with drills lies in the lack of control; there’s no way for the technician to gauge how much pressure is being applied, leading to potential injury. Often, the first sign of an issue is when you instinctively pull your hand back in pain—by then, it’s too late.
As long as your technician maintains a clean workspace and adheres to proper sanitation protocols, the primary risk comes from that drill. It can compromise the health of your nails, leaving them vulnerable to damage. If you accidentally bump your nail, or if you’re prone to picking at your acrylics, the consequences can be severe.
Having worked as a nail technician in a luxury spa for three years, I can assure you that not once did I or my colleagues utilize a drill on our clients or ourselves. All filing was done by hand to ensure nail health and comfort.
Acrylic nails, if applied correctly and with proper hygiene, are not inherently damaging. They can be an excellent choice for those looking to achieve longer nails, protect against chipping, or express artistic creativity. As long as you select a skilled technician who uses the appropriate tools, there’s no reason to shy away from acrylics.
However, improper removal methods—such as peeling off the acrylic without soaking—can also harm your nails by stripping layers from the nail bed. The drill is often the main culprit in causing pain and damage. When a technician drills too deep, it can leave your nails thin and weak, requiring time for them to grow back healthy.
If you find yourself at a nail appointment and the technician reaches for a drill, don’t hesitate to request hand filing instead. It’s a reasonable request that takes minimal extra time and can save you from unnecessary pain and potential infection.
If your technician insists on using a drill, don’t hesitate to find another salon. There are also alternatives to acrylics that you might consider. Gel manicures, for example, are gaining popularity. This service resembles a standard manicure but uses gel polish that is cured under UV or LED light for a more durable finish. You could also opt for a classic manicure, which is always a safe choice.
Regardless of your decision, ensure that your technician uses sanitized tools and feels comfortable voicing any concerns or discomfort you experience during the process. Nail services should never cause pain, and your natural nails should always be left in better condition than when you arrived.
In summary, getting acrylic nails can be a fun way to express yourself; just be mindful of the techniques used by your technician. If you want to learn more about reproductive health or at-home insemination options, check out this article on at-home insemination kits. Remember, your comfort and nail health should always come first.