- Acrylic nails became popular in the late 1900s and less expensive alternatives are available for purchase at most drug stores. More expensive and generally longer lasting acrylic nails are available at nail salons, and sometimes hair salons. The first acrylic nails covered the entire nail, but starting around the mid-1990s, many women opted for acrylic nail tips instead. Nail tips are glued on the end of the nail and sanded to look like part of the natural nail. Nail tips are easier to remove and less damaging than full nails.
- Acrylic nails are mostly used for cosmetic reasons, although some women feel that their nails break too often and need a strengthening layer to achieve break-free nails. Unfortunately, removing acrylic nails will most likely damage the natural nail below, so women who have nails that break easily may be caught in a vicious cycle once they begin applying acrylic nails. Acrylic nails are easily removed with a nail polish remover that contains acetate, but some prying or scraping may be involved to remove the majority of the nail glue.
- Most women who are affected in a negative way by acrylic nails are having an allergic reaction to the nail glue. Nail glue is usually made from ethylmethacrylate, which may cause redness or swelling in certain women's skin. Many feel that if some women have allergic reactions to the chemicals in nail glue, a growing child can be affected in unseen ways. Because acrylic nails are not a necessity, most doctors recommend holding off on getting your nails done until you have given birth.
- Although it is technically safe to get your nails attached with acrylic nail glue, there may be chemicals used in the particular nail salon you visit that do not use government-approved nail glue. Lower-end nail salons may use a chemical called methyl methacrilate instead of acrylic which can cause birth defects, cancer and severe allergic reactions. To be on the safe side, do not get your nails done while you are pregnant unless you can absolutely be sure that the products being used are completely safe for your unborn baby.
- If you have already gotten acrylic nails done and you are pregnant, call a nail technician to have them removed as soon as possible. If you are not pregnant and are experiencing redness, a rash or swelling around your nail bed, return to your nail salon and show them photos of your swelling at its worst. If the salon does not give you a refund, contact the Better Business Bureau immediately. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is best to avoid getting acrylic nails done until after having your child.
