How to Keep Acrylic Nails from Peeling

Acrylic nails are an enjoyable and fasionable way to make a statement.

Acrylic nails are popular among women of all ages. The artificial nails offer many options, including additional nail length, polished style and fashionable choices. They can be applied by a salon professional or at home by the wearer. The upkeep for acrylic nails, however, is an important consideration. Preventing acrylic nails from peeling requires follow-up care at home to keep the nails strong and attractive. The maintenance procedure also helps to prevent nail infection and damage.

Things You'll Need

• Moisturizer
• Cuticle trimmer (optional)
• Nail oil
• Rubber or plastic gloves

Instructions

1. Rub moisturizer on your cuticles each day, and trim the cuticles if necessary. Both measures help to keep the skin around the nails healthy and soft, which prevents acrylic nails from peeling and breaking.

2. Apply nail oil multiple times each day to the nails. Rub the nail oil on your nails and the skin around the nails for the best coverage. Nail oil strengthens and maintains acrylic nails and helps to prevent them from peeling and cracking.

3. Wear rubber or plastic gloves during all activities that will weaken or otherwise affect the acrylic nails, especially when washing dishes and handling cleaning supplies. Chemicals and liquids can cause unsightly chips, cracks and peeling, not to mention damage the natural nails below the acrylic nails. Wearing gloves also helps to prevent breaks and infection.

4. Visit a professional salon every two to three weeks to have the acrylic nails checked. Proper care and upkeep prevents acrylic nail problems and keeps them looking good. Salons also can fix loose acrylic nails, fill cracks in the artificial nails and assess damage to your natural nails.

Tips & Warnings

• Checking whether or not acrylic nails are loose is important because loose nails can result in infection below their surface. If the nails feel loose, visit a salon to have them reapplied rather than attempting to fix them yourself.

• Nail oil is available at salons, grocery stores and beauty supply stores.

• Watch for fungus or infection around the nail area.

• People with pre-existing nail conditions such as fungus or an infection should avoid using acrylic nails.

References

• Beauty Tips: Artificial Nails -- Types of Artificial Nails, Maintenance and Tips for Nails
• Sophisticated Edge; Maintenance of Acrylic Nails; September 2011