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    Common Myths about nails and treatments

    This section is to give you the facts or fiction related to nails which hasn't been updated for a while, but can be used as a general guideline.

    Nail Enhancements

    • FICTION: Water causes infections
    • FACT: When working with your hands in the water, it is not the water that causes the infection. Pocket lifting of the nail enhancement from the natural nail provides the perfect place for an infection to start if not dealt with as soon as possible.
    • FICTION: Nail infections are a part of wearing enhancements and are common
    • FACT: Nail infections can start when the enhancement starts lifting, due to bacteria being trapped and breeding between the nail plate and the enhancement. For this reason, it is important to see your nail tech once every 2-3 weeks so that any weakening, lifting or damage is attended to and can therefore eliminate any possibility of nail infections. It is also important that nail plate is prepared adequately, and is clean before applying an enhancement. Any change in your nail should be reported to your nail tech immediately, and a booking made.
    • FICTION: Primer corrodes/etches/thins the nail plate
    • FACT: Although primer is made of chemical ingredients, and is used to attract acrylic/gel to the natural nail through adhesion. The nail plate is not affected by use of the primer and does not etch or corrode or thin the nail plate.
    • FICTION: Nail enhancements cause cancer
    • FACT: There are few substances that are known to cause cancer, of which none of these are used in the nail products or chemicals used to create them.
    • FICTION: Wearing nail enhancements for a long time can damage your nails and thin the nail plate.
    • FACT: Only the following can thin the natural nail: Over buffing and filing, Ripping the enhancement off the nail – by picking, injury, biting or clippers. Wearing enhancements does not thin the nail plate.
    • FICTION: Oil makes enhancements lift
    • FACT: Upon finishing the nail enhancement, nail tech's often use cuticle oil to replenish and nurture their clients cuticles and fingertips. This oil or any other oil based product will not cause the enhancement to lift. However, if the natural nail has not been suitably prepared, or if oil is on the plate prior to the enhancement being added – then it will affect the adhesion to the nail. If the enhancement is lifting already, this too will affect the adhesion.
    • FICTION: Onycholysis is caused by nail enhancements
    • FACT: Onycholysis is caused by thinning of the nail plate. Thinning of the nail plate is caused by over filing/buffing and ripping off the enhancements from the nail. This then leads to onycholysis.
    • FICTION: MMA nail products stick to the nail plate stronger than other nail products.
    • FACT: MMA products do not stick well to the nail plate, unless it the nail plate surface is rough enough for bonding to take place.
    • FICTION: There are nail products that are safer than others.
    • FACT: The safest nail products do not have the MMA/EMA ingredient which the media has been giving a lot of bad press about. There are products out there that are extremely cheap, giving nail techs the advantage of giving cheap nail enhancements. These products have not been passed by the FDA in USA, and are actually illegal.
    • FICTION: Organic products mean that it is natural or pure.
    • FACT: Organic means that the product contains carbon, which does not apply to the nail world. However, there are ‘organic’ products out there which may mean that the product is chemical free, giving a healthier alternative to the client.
    • FICTION: Gel is safer than any other nail system.
    • FACT: Gel is not safer than other nail systems. However, unlike acrylics – gels do not have a strong odour – but if you find that the odour is too strong, then speak to your technician as there are other products out there that have a weaker odour, which could be used as an alternative. Also bear in mind that the particles in the product that are used are really well below the considered safe limit to use.
    • FICTION: A product with a strong odour means it's unsafe.
    • FACT: Odour does not have anything to do with the safety of the product. However, if you find that you suffer migraines or are prone to asthma, then you would want to find another solution. There are other products out there that have a weaker odour, which could be used as an alternative. Also bear in mind that the particles in the product that are used are really well below the considered safe limit to use.
    • FICTION: Acetone harms your skin and nails.
    • FACT: When used correctly and in moderation, acetone does not harm your skin.
    • FICTION: Wearing nail enhancements for a long time can damage your nails and thin the nail plate.
    • FACT: Only the following can thin the natural nail: Over buffing and filing; Ripping the enhancement off the nail – by picking, injury, biting or clippers; Wearing enhancements does not thin the nail plate.
    • FICTION: Nails have to breathe every once in a while.
    • FACT: Nails do not breathe and do not get tired. Nails are built up with keratin (a protein and trace minerals, not calcium). Nails are non-living tissue and can be fed as much as they breathe!
    • FICTION: Calcium based products feed the nail.
    • FACT: Nails can absorb water and oil, but not nutrients.
    • FICTION: It is unsafe to be exposed to nail products.
    • FACT: Overexposure meaning prolonged, repetitive contact beyond the safety levels put in place by the regulatory agencies makes it unsafe. However, exposure to the nail product does not make it unsafe. The skill and knowledge of the nail tech, as well as handling of chemicals will determine how often that you are exposed to the product.
    • FICTION: Having an allergic reaction is common
    • FACT: This is quite rare but overexposure may cause an allergic reaction. Nail products are to be used on the nails and not the skin. The misconception is that chemical substances cause an allergic reaction, however it is more common that natural ingredients cause a reaction.

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    Information sources:

    The Beauty Guild
    For more information on nail disease go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nail_disease

    Knowledge box:
    Healthy nails are a good indicator of your health and wellbeing. It also shows how much you take care of yourself. The more you use your hands and immerse them in chemicals and detergents, without the use of gloves – the more this will damage your nails in the long run.
    NB – If you suffer a nail infection, it is important to seek treatment in the early stages as this will become very painful, and will also destroy the nail and nail bed. If your nail enhancements start to turn yellow – make an appointment to see your nail tech immediately to remove the product. Once done, she will then advise you to see your GP for treatment if required.
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