An increasing number of individuals
are opting for press-on nails due to their cost-effectiveness, convenience, and
overall visual appeal. Well-known brands like OPI and Olive and June offer
press-on varieties, while dedicated companies such as Glamnetic and Clutch
Nails specialize in this nail trend.
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| Press-on nails are a popular choice for at-home manicures, but are they OK for your nails? Here's what dermatologists say |
The designs often feature intricate details, resembling a high-priced, time-consuming manicure typically obtained at a nail salon. Consequently, the popularity of these swift and affordable manicures continues to grow.
However, like any product applied
to the body, concerns about safety are natural, prompting dermatologists to
share their perspectives.
In the words of Dr. Lauren Penzi, a
dermatologist associated with MDCS (Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery)
Dermatology with practices in New York and New Jersey, "Overall, I think press-on nails are a viable
option. They are undoubtedly quick and easy compared to other alternatives such
as gel, powder, dip, and the like."
Despite their advantages, Penzi
cautioned against potential downsides. "They can adversely affect your overall nail health," she
emphasized.
To what extent? Experts weigh in on the drawbacks, and if you decide to utilize press-on nails, here are some recommendations for their proper application.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions may manifest as
a result of using press-on nails. Dr. Penzi highlighted that it's not uncommon
for individuals to develop an allergic response to the adhesive used to attach
the press-on nail to the natural nail.
Common ingredients in adhesives,
such as tosylamide, acrylate, vinyls, and polyesters, are known to cause
irritation and provoke allergic reactions, leading to red and itchy skin, as
noted by Penzi.
Dr. Jasmine Rana, the director of
the nail disorders clinic at Stanford Health Care, further explained that hand
eczema, characterized by scaly and itchy skin, is another potential consequence.
Moreover, the eczema may extend to other body parts if not addressed promptly,
including areas like the eyelid, face, neck, and arms.
Rana emphasized the importance of seeking dermatological attention if one experiences discomfort, itching, stinging, or burning, as it could indicate an allergic reaction or general irritation. In such cases, she recommended removing the press-on nail or any nail product causing irritation.
Infections can also be a Concern
"Unfortunately, various
organisms, including yeasts and bacteria, can become trapped beneath the nail.
This may occur during everyday handwashing, especially if the press-on nail is
loosening or if the adhesive is not applied to a clean nail," explained
Rana.
While there are treatments
available for many nail infections, this does not hold true for all types.
"Depending on the advancement of the infection, it may be untreatable, or sometimes, infections or allergies can lead to permanent changes that are not reversible with antifungal or antibacterial treatment," cautioned Rana. She highlighted instances, such as nail fungal infections, where antifungal treatment may eliminate the fungus, but the thickening and lifting of the nail plate could persist.
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| If you are going to use press-on nails, it's important to wear your press-on nails and actual nails short |
This persistence can create a cycle
of reinfection, as Rana pointed out, stating, "the nail becomes more
susceptible to the entry of pathogens."
Another factor to consider is the prolonged duration of treatment, Rana noted, mentioning that it often takes months due to the slow growth rate of nails.
Removal Process
The process of removing press-on
nails poses potential risks, such as causing damage to the nails, making them
brittle or weak.
"The last thing is certainly they can damage your nail plate, just from them being pressed on, ripped off, all that sort of stuff," warned Penzi. The resulting damage to the nail plate can be painful and may lead to problems like nail weakness. In extreme cases, it can even cause the nail plate to separate from the nail bed.
Furthermore, the removal of
press-ons can contribute to issues like brittle nails and nail breakage,
according to Rana. She noted that much of this may be linked to the removal
process, which tends to be somewhat harsh.
It's worth noting that the tools used to dissolve the press-on nail adhesive, as mentioned earlier, can also be damaging. This may result in problems such as irritation or allergic reactions.
Gel-Curing your Press-on Nails
One significant caution is the
practice of gel-curing your press-on nails.
A widely shared hack on TikTok
involves using a UV light, typically used for gel manicures, to cure a base of
gel polish beneath the press-on nail. This method is popular as it enhances the
adhesive quality, helping the press-on nails stay on for a longer duration.
However, Dr. Rana urged caution regarding this practice, stating, "I think that's an area that we need to be a little careful about because there have been a lot of allergies from incomplete curing. If you incompletely cure it, even though it may look solid, if it's not, then unfortunately, we're seeing a lot of rising rates of allergy."
Regular Nail Polish is Preferable
In general, traditional nail polish
is considered the safest option for nail cosmetics, according to Dr. Rana.
For those opting for press-ons,
especially the traditional ones that require adhesive, it is advisable to keep
both natural and press-on nails short. This is crucial to prevent breakage,
especially during everyday wear or the removal process.
Consideration should also be given to the method of manicure removal. Dr. Rana suggested that if acetone, a sander, or a file is necessary for removal, it is more likely to result in potentially brittle nails. While acetone is generally acceptable in small amounts for short periods, prolonged exposure or the need for an acetone soak or wrap can be damaging to the nails and surrounding skin.
Provided there are no allergies,
Dr. Rana recommended using press-on nails sparingly, especially for special
occasions. She noted that giving your nails a break and avoiding frequent use
of press-ons can contribute to the improvement of nail brittleness.
In conclusion, if you opt for
press-on nails, use them infrequently and discontinue use if you observe any of
the issues mentioned earlier.
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