Why do press-on nails damage your nails?

Press-on nails can potentially damage your natural nails, especially if they are not applied, maintained, or removed correctly. Here are some reasons why this might happen:

1. Poor Adhesive Choices:

• Strong Glue: Using strong nail glue can sometimes cause damage to the surface of your natural nails. If the glue is too harsh or if it adheres too strongly, it can peel off layers of your natural nail when you remove the press-ons.
• Residue Build-Up: If adhesive residue is not properly cleaned off after removal, it can lead to brittle and weakened nails over time.

2. Improper Removal:

• Forcing Them Off: One of the most common causes of nail damage is removing press-on nails too quickly or forcefully. If you pry them off without properly soaking or loosening the adhesive, it can cause the top layers of your natural nails to peel or break.
• Skipping Soak: Not soaking the nails before removal can make it harder to remove the press-ons gently, leading to damage.

3. Prolonged Wear:

• Extended Wear Time: Wearing press-on nails for too long without giving your natural nails a break can weaken the nail bed. This can make your natural nails more prone to damage and breakage.
• Moisture Trapping: If press-on nails are worn for extended periods, moisture can become trapped between the press-on and the natural nail, potentially leading to fungal infections or weakened nails.

4. Over-Buffing:

• Excessive Buffing: Buffing your natural nails too much before applying press-ons can thin your nails and make them more susceptible to damage.

5. Frequent Use:

• No Breaks Between Applications: Continuously applying press-on nails without allowing time for your natural nails to breathe and recover can lead to cumulative damage, including thinning, splitting, and brittleness.

6. Ill-Fitting Nails:

• Incorrect Size: Using press-on nails that don’t fit well can cause pressure on your natural nails, leading to pain, discomfort, or even damage, especially if the nails are too small or too large.

How to Minimize Damage:

• Choose Quality Products: Opt for high-quality nail glue or adhesive tabs designed to be gentler on your nails.
• Proper Removal: Always soak your nails before attempting to remove press-ons, and be gentle during the process.
• Give Your Nails a Break: Allow your natural nails to rest between press-on applications to avoid weakening them.
• Moisturize: Regularly moisturize your nails and cuticles to keep them healthy and resilient.

By following proper application and removal techniques and allowing your nails time to recover, you can enjoy press-on nails with minimal risk of damage.