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Top 5 dangers of nail extensions

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
 
Fact-checked
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28 November 2012, 16:00

Cosmetic procedures are aimed at improving our appearance and bringing benefits, but there are also those that have a negative impact on health. We are talking about nail extensions - a very popular procedure that allows a woman to save time on nail care and still have a beautiful manicure.

Extensions will hide all imperfections

This is exactly what many people do – they build up their nails to hide the flaws of their nail plates. The problem is that it is easier to build up your nails than to check your health and get treatment, so many ladies simply bury thin, fragile and flaky nails under layers of acrylic and gel.

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Soulless file

During the extension procedure, the technician uses a coarse nail file to prepare the nail for the procedure, in a word, simply files off several keratin layers of the nail. If the technician is qualified and experienced, he will remove 2-3 layers, but, unfortunately, there are those who can file off many more layers, which does not contribute to the health of the nails.

What does sawing lead to?

Because of such treatment, if the nails were weak, they become even weaker and thinner. If you press on the nail, it will cause redness - there are simply many blood capillaries in the nail bed through which blood flows, carrying oxygen. If you see such signs, then it is better to start treating and restoring the nails, otherwise this will result in irreversible damage to the plates.

Materials for nail extensions

In addition to the fact that you can ruin your nails, ladies also put their health at risk, in particular, due to the use of uncertified varnishes by the master. They may contain methyl methacrylate - a dangerous substance that, if used regularly, leads to lung cancer. Also, in addition to the occurrence of allergic reactions, a person may be left without nails at all or get an infection. Therefore, be vigilant and demand confirmation of the quality of the products that are used. And of course, avoid dubious salons at all costs.

Disinfection

A lot of people come to see a nail specialist. Of course, the master's responsibility is to disinfect them. However, cases are different and the degree of conscientiousness is also...

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Long-term wear of nails

This is dangerous because your own nails will subsequently become deformed and become narrower and longer. This happens because the artificial nail is clamped from the sides. Natural nails get used to this position and take on a new shape if the artificial coating is not removed for a long time.

Allergic reactions

Just like food or any cosmetics, extension materials can cause allergies, which can manifest themselves after a few days or even after years, depending on how much time passes until the allergen has fully accumulated in the body.

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