I have a desire to be the best that I can be spiritually, mentally, and physically. Recently I have removed my acrylic nails in order to take better care of "my" nails. So due to wearing acrylic for a long time, my nails need a break to grow in strong and healthy. I have had to cut them down and basically start anew. The downside to this is that my nails don't look as attractive as they did when I got them done at the salon.
Press-on nails are not a new concept to me. Personally, I tend to navigate between phases when it comes to my appearance. I get bored easily and I like to change up my look which only means to me that I can't be placed in a box. I'm divergent (I guess you could say). People like to have things figured out because that's a safe place. People are afraid of what they don't understand and become "up-in-arms". I've experienced this personally whenever I have decided to change my hairstyle or wear something new (like I'm throwing people off by changing it up). But, I digress. As with everything their are pros and cons. I'm not trying to force my #aesthetic on anyone or tell you what to do, but I would like to make my case on why I'm choosing to "press-on" instead!
PRESS-ON NAILS (PROS):
My experience with these type of nails goes back to when I used to dance as a kid. I learned how to apply press-ons by myself and wore them when I had a dance recital. They're easy to apply as long as you focus and don't put them on crooked. Different brands provide a vast variety of styles to choose from; ranging from basic nude to full-blown nail salon designs! I'm encouraged to go back to press-ons because it will enable me to change my style more frequently instead of having to wait until the next time I need a fill with an acrylic set. Press-ons last for a good week in a half i.e. about 10 days (two weeks/14 days if you really take care of them i.e. don't do too much with your hands). My favorite pro is that if I "break a nail (these nails usually pop off instead of breaking)", then I can quickly replace it with a new one, instead of walking around feeling unbalanced (because the acrylic nail I JUST got done four days ago broke with the slightest movement of my hand)!
Don't tell me I'm the only one...
I'd prefer to go with the "dip powder" method in lieu of acrylic nails because they're better on your actual nails, last just as long, and look more natural. Acrylic can start to look like claws after a while with the continuously applied layers of acrylic. But, dip powder nails cost more than an acrylic gel set since it is still relatively new. You don't see as many women getting it done as you do acrylic nails. Overall, my main objective for choosing press-ons is that I want to protect my nails without damaging them. There is a difference between a little bit of nail glue and layers of acrylic plastered on to your natural nails every two weeks!
PRESS-ON NAILS (CONS):
Even though this is the route I'm taking (for now) when it comes to styling my nails, there are still cons to be aware of. Some things you have to be agile with; taking the good with the bad (or inconvenient). Press-ons don't last as long as a good (and new) set of freshly done acrylic nails. They're sturdy, but not that sturdy as they can easily pop off without any warning. The main con for me is that some sets don't come with a back up just in case you do loose a nail at some point during your day (or if it does break). From my past experience with these nails, it seems like some of the nails never really fit properly. You can still see some of my nail on the side. Another con is that you can't roll with them for long. They get a little grimy after two weeks. It's best to keep them fresh by applying a new set within 10-14 days. Acrylic nails can still look decent for up to a month without getting a fill (if you have a french manicure or nude color).
ACRYLIC NAILS (PROS):
I'm not totally against these nails (like a "radical naturalista" militant on conforming every person to their style). You have to do what's best for you. There are a plethora of reasons why women choose to have acrylic. These nails are strong and overall they are durable. I've noticed that having a square-shaped style of nail is better than almond or pointed because these latter styles chip more and break more easily than squared nails. The look of acrylic nails are sleek and chic. I recently discovered that women who have a problem with biting their nails use acrylic nails as a tactic to keep them from giving in to the bad habit. Gel acrylic nails last longer than just the acrylic set with basic nail polish. Gel also enables you to get out of the salon faster without waiting 30 minutes for your nails to dry manually. Nail salons won't be going out of business anytime soon, as I have come across constant praise for the #nailaesthetic that has been around for decades. Yet for all of it's attributes, there are still some concerns that come with the decision to wear acrylic nails constantly.
ACRYLIC NAILS (CONS):
Acrylic nails tend to come off (sometimes, depending upon the length) as looking chunky and fake; giving a not too appealing look (as I mentioned earlier, they can start to look like claws). When a nail breaks (and if you're on a budget), you'll have to dish out a few extra bucks to get it fixed if it happens days after you got them done. Most salons will fix your nail for free if it's hours later or the following day from when you got them done. If your acrylic nails are done poorly, (by an inexperienced or careless nail technician) then your natural nails become liable to potential damage such as fungus or bacteria. Lastly, they're difficult to remove! When I removed my acrylic set a month ago it took me hours to file off and soak off the layers of acrylic concealing my natural nails. If removed improperly, it can cause more damage to your already sensitive nails.
AESTHETIC TIP: I suggest soaking your natural nails in castor oil and olive oil heated in the microwave for 30 seconds. This has enabled my nails to begin to strengthen. Last Summer when I removed my acrylic set, I couldn't stand the look of my brittle nails, and immediately got a new set put on to hide my damage. This time around wasn't so bad and I believe that is because I have utilized this method of soaking my nails (at first every day then after a week once a week). I also purchased "Hard As Nails" by Sally Hansen at CVS for about $4.
Wearing acrylic nails for a substantial length of time breaks down the strength of your nails causing them to be brittle. If you've worn them for years then decide to be done with them, you'll more than likely have to cut down your nails for them to grown back in stronger. The alternative is to allow your nails to grow out with the acrylic still on them (going without a fill); allowing your nails to grow to a length were you can clip the remaining acrylic off. This latter method is hard to stick to as it just looks completely unattractive and it would be totally unprofessional for working women (and women who want to keep it 100 on the regular). But it's either that or have your nails look short and stubby. That is the consequence of wearing acrylic for an extensive period time, but I feel like this is also how nail salons make their money. It's convenient to just go back every two weeks to get a fill. They look fantastic, but it's just like makeup. True beauty is taking care of what lies underneath as well as on top.
This is a candid pic of my natural nails "after acrylic"#recovering...
With all of this in mind, I hope that you make the best decisions when it comes to taking care of yourself. You must do what works best for you right now. Overall, I encourage you to maintain a healthy balance (inside and out) when it comes to your #personalaesthetic!
The following links are for your consideration:
https://www.popsugar.com/beauty/How-Can-Acrylic-Nails-Damage-Your-Natural-Nails-42862535
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2516515/Why-manicure-ruin-nails-life-Horror-stories-range-weeping-sores-bleeding-nail-beds-skin-cancer.html
Some of the best press-on nail brands for you to checkout when shopping:
https://www.essence.com/beauty/nails/press-on-nails#1222895
https://productadvisor.com/best-press-on-nails/
And if you're curious about "dip powder nails":
https://www.glamour.com/story/dip-powder-nails-are-they-safe
Sante
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