Nail Enhancements Do Not Suffocate Your Nails!

If you've ever taken a break from nail enhancements to "let your nails breathe," you're not alone! It’s a common belief, but let’s clear things up—your nails don’t actually breathe! This post will explain why your nails might feel weak after repeated enhancements and how to keep them strong and healthy.

Do Nails Really Breathe?

Your nails are made of dead, keratinized cells designed to protect your nail bed. And here’s the key—dead things don’t need oxygen! The living part of your nail, the nail bed, gets oxygen through your bloodstream, not from the air. However, that doesn’t mean you can neglect your nails. Think of your nail plate as armor for your nail bed—if you weaken it, you leave yourself vulnerable to damage. Just like armor needs maintenance, so do your nails!

Why Do Nails Feel Weak After Enhancements?

If your nails feel brittle or sensitive after wearing enhancements for a while, here are a few possible reasons:

1. Over-Filing by Nail Techs

While we never want to bash anyone, some nail techs (or entire salons) rush their work due to time constraints and/or damage your nails with improper supplies. Over-filing the natural nail can thin and weaken it, leading to sensitivity. The good news? This is temporary—your nails will grow out!

2. Picking Off Enhancements

One of the worst things you can do is peel or pick off your nail enhancements. Nail techs properly prep your nails to ensure enhancements last, so when they’re forcefully removed, they take layers of your natural nail with them. Always get professional removal!

3. Skipping Cuticle Oil (Big Mistake!)

Your nail tech has definitely told you this before: use cuticle oil daily! Most people forget, but keeping your nails moisturized is crucial. Nails naturally curve as they grow, and without hydration, they become rigid, leading to breakage and lifting away from the enhancement. Dry cuticles can also cause minor lifting—leading to that irresistible urge to pick. Cuticle oil ensures they stay flexible enough to grow WITH your enhancement rather than curve and break away from it!

How to Keep Your Nails Healthy & Strong

✅ Choose a skilled, careful nail tech

✅ Never use your nails as tools

✅ Resist the urge to pick off enhancements

✅ Apply cuticle oil every day

✅ Wear gloves when cleaning or using harsh chemicals

So, don’t stress about your nails “suffocating”—they’re getting all the oxygen they need from your bloodstream. The real key is proper nail care, both from your tech and from YOU! 💅✨