Do nails need to "breathe"?
Every master at least once in his life heard from a client about the desire to let the nails “breathe”. Most nail technicians know the truth: nails don't breathe. Why is this myth so firmly established in our lives? Today I will tell you about it.
Do nails need to "breathe"?
The reality is that nails don't really "breathe" as all the oxygen and other nutrients needed for the growth of the nail matrix come from the bloodstream and exposure to oxygen from the environment does not affect nail health. This of course does not mean that you have to wear the coating without interruption - but it does mean that oxygen deprivation is not the cause of brittle and dry nails.
The natural nail plate is a mobile solid body that moves due to the fact that dead cells are pushed out from under the cuticle. It is mainly composed of keratin (like hair). The nail plate is not alive - therefore, it cannot breathe. It is precisely because the nail plate consists of dead cells that we do not feel pain when we cut our nails, just like we do not experience pain when cutting our hair.
The health of the nail plate depends on the health of the nail bed, matrix and surrounding tissues. It is there that a sufficient amount of oxygen should flow, and not from the outside, as you used to think.
No coating by itself should harm the nails, whether it be traditional polish, gel polish or acrylic.
Why do nails deteriorate after wearing gel polish or extensions?
Natural nails will indeed become a little softer after coating, building up or removing gel polish. This is because any coating on the nails slows down the passage of natural moisture and fats produced by the body through the nail plate. After removing the coating, the nails will visually look drier and weaker. However, over time, the natural level of moisture will be restored. Clients may interpret this nail condition as a lack of oxygen, but this is actually a completely natural process and does not affect long-term nail health.
Incorrect preparation of nails before applying the coating, and poor quality of its removal - are the most common reasons why girls think that gel polish or acrylic damage nails. Excessive filing of the top layer of the nail before applying the gel, or during its removal, negatively affects the condition of the nail, making it thinner and more susceptible to breakage.
Soaking your nails for too long can also weaken them. When the nails are soaked, the nail absorbs the liquid and expands, causing the cells to gradually break down. Acetone is a drying chemical and overuse robs nails of their natural moisture.
If nails don't get nutrients from the surface of the nail, then how do strengthening and repairing nail polishes work?
Strengthening or repairing nail polish does not provide the nail matrix with nutrients. Instead, they work externally to protect the keratin that makes up our nails from the harsh chemicals we deal with every day, even when just washing our hands. While they do not provide nutritional value or affect the rate at which the nail grows, these remedies can help prevent breakage.
What will help nails stay healthy?
Just like the keratin in the hair, the outer surface of the nails can be prepared and protected. Regular use of cuticle oil and other moisturizers will return moisture to nails, making them less thin and brittle and protect weakened nails as they grow.
Also, do not forget about proper nutrition, because this is the first and most important aspect of nail health.
Be healthy and beautiful! :)