Is wearing artificial nails safe?
In and of themselves and when applied properly, acrylic nails are safe. What contributes to the “danger” to clients is repeated exposure to the chemicals on the skin, added to a heavy handed tech filing through the nail plate repeatedly. Most of the chemicals used to create artificial nails are acrylic-based. Certainly they would be dangerous if ingested, but it is not likely that any significant amount of the products can go through the nails into the bloodstream. The danger is when products are applied improperly. Extension products that do not fully cure or harden, whether acrylics or gels, can cause an allergic reaction. Another concern is when the products come in repeated contact with the skin. It is important, as a nail technician, to prevent products from touching client’s skin. Do not be overly alarmed, though, if some product touches the skin; it is only through repeated exposure that the harm is done. And while there are no components in the products used to create artificia
