5 Nail Myths Busted!
Well y’all, I finished nail school! I’ve spent the entire month of September preparing for my exams to FINALLY get my manicurist license. It’s been a long, winding road, but it’s safe to say that I know my nails textbook backward and forward. I’m ready to put all that knowledge to use and start doing nails for real!
Last weekend, I was at my local salon getting a pedicure, thumbing through the stacks of beat up fashion magazines, and noticed some misinformation regarding nail care. After doing more research (aka lots of Pinterest stalking), it’s hard to tell which tips and tricks are fact or fiction. Don’t worry, Gigglers – I’m here to help with all of your nail-related needs.
1. Do Nails Need to “Breathe?”
FALSE! I don’t know about y’all, but I can’t stand to have bare nails. They feel naked! My mom used to always chime in during my at-home manicure sessions, saying my nails needed a break from the polish to breathe. It turns out that this is an old wives’ tale. Nails are dead and lack the ability to absorb oxygen into the nail plate. Instead, all oxygen needed by the nail matrix (where the nail grows) is absorbed through the bloodstream instead of from the outside world.
2. Does Ice Water Help My Mani Dry Faster?
False! Nail polish dries when the solvent within the formula evaporate. Plunging them into a bowl of ice water halts the process! Finish your manicure with some cuticle oil or drying drops, and wait at least five minutes before you touch anything.
3. Do White Spots On My Nails Mean a Calcium Deficiency?
Not necessarily. My grandmother used to tell me that the white spots on my nails were from telling lies! That’s definitely a myth. Those white spots are a nail disorder called Leukonychia. They are common but are usually caused by a mild or moderate injury to the nail matrix. The white spot is usually an indiction of a small separation between the nail plate and the nail bed, and they almost always grow out with time.
4. Will My Polish Last Longer in the Fridge?
FALSE! This is totally not necessary. In fact, this may cause the polish to become thicker, making it harder to achieve a smooth coat, so you’ll have to toss it anyways! Your polishes should be stored upright, at room temperature. The best way to increase their shelf life is by properly resealing the bottle after use. If you’ve developed a polish hoarding problem, invest in some vintage suitcases or a few sweet wall racks! Save the space in your fridge for food.
5. Will Gels or Acrylics Ruin My Nails Forever?
FALSE! Nail enhancements don’t ruin the nail forever. Any nail damage is typically the result of improper application or removal, overly aggressive filing as well as the client’s abuse (i.e. picking, biting or prying off nail coating). When gels and acrylics are applied carefully, maintained and removed properly by a trained nail professional, you have nothing to worry about. If you notice some damage after removal, give your fingers a lil’ TLC with some a nail strengthener and some cuticle oil, and your nails will be back to normal in no time!
