A day out getting your nails done can be so relaxing and a great way to pamper yourself. What isn’t relaxing is having one of the nails break the very next day. Acrylic nails can cost anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on where you have them done. Obviously, you want your nails to last longer than a couple days. Thankfully, there are simple things you can do to extend the life of your acrylic nails.
Be Cautious for the First 24 Hours
Acrylic nails are extremely fragile during the first 24 hours. The slightest tap against something hard may not break them immediately, but there may be small fractures that aren’t noticeable. These hairline fractures will eventually cause the nail to split. During the first 24 hours, you may want to avoid any activities that put strain on your nails, such as typing or doing work with your hands out in the cold, which could make the nails more brittle.
Do Not Abuse Your Nails
Woman are used to using their nails as tools. You may use them to pry things open, scratch stickers off newly purchased items or to simply open a can of soda. Regardless of how you used your nails in the past, you should never use your acrylic nails to get a job done. The stress that these tasks can put on the nails will cause the nails to break.
Use Hand Creams and Lotions Carefully
A nightly dab of lotion keeps the hands looking soft and supple. Unfortunately, lotions and hand creams can also cause your acrylic nails to come lose. When applying any type of lotion or cream, you want to make sure to avoid the cuticle area. Too much lotion is this area can cause the glue to weaken and the nails will become loose.
Apply Cuticle Oil Nightly
Cuticle oil can do wonders for acrylic nails. It’s recommended that you use the oil as often as possible, but especially every night before bed. The oil can help prevent lifting, breaks and bubbles from appearing.
Your new acrylic nails don’t have to look old and worn out the next day, or even next week. There are a number of easy tips you can use to keep them looking new for as long as possible. Just remember to avoid lotions and hand creams, but do use cuticle oil to prevent breaks and lifting. You should also be cautious with your nails during the first 24 hours and never use them as tools to get jobs done.