Whether it’s for a glamorous event or just adding that extra touch to your day, nails on fleek have become a go-to for many. For some, artificial nails are a regular treat, while others struggle to maintain the perfect look with their natural nails. However, if you’re not careful and use the right products or treatments, you might damage your nails or it can become infected.
Ongezwa Lokwe, from the West Coast in the Western Cape, says beauty holds a special place in her life, and adding the final touch with nails on fleek fills her day with confidence.
She makes sure to protect her nails’ health by taking a week’s break after removing her artificial nails.
Learning the hard way
“Before that, I used to take them off and put on a new set with just a few hours’ break. That used to make my nails break easily, and they would turn a yellowish colour.”
Ongezwa Lokwe
Now Lokwe practices consistent nail hygiene, applying nail cream to keep her nails healthy, especially during her break periods.
Meanwhile, Mivuyo Malo, from eMahlubini in the Eastern Cape, feels that acrylic nails damage her natural nails.
“When they break or when I remove them before they’re fully worn out, my natural nails get affected and become thin.”
She prefers gel nails, as they don’t damage her natural nails and require less effort to apply and remove compared to acrylics.
Malo adds that keeping her nails short and using the right products helps maintain the health and quality of her nails.
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Caring for nails
According to Thandekile Mgijima, a somatologist based in Gugulethu, artificial nails can cause damage when growth is stunted due to damage to the nail plate, either from trauma or improper preparation methods by the nail technician.
She explains that improper preparation, such as over-filing and excessive drying of the nail plate, can result in trauma, flaking, and splitting from the free edge (the tip of the nail).
“Removing the nails in an invasive manner, like peeling, lifting, or biting off the nail enhancement, can cause irreversible damage to the nails.”
Thandekile Mgijima
To prevent fungal infections, Mgijima suggests getting nails done at a reputable, clean salon, ensuring that the nail technician uses freshly cleaned and sanitised tools.
“Make sure you don’t keep your nails on for too long to avoid gaps forming in the lifted nail enhancement, which can create space for bacteria to grow underneath, especially with gel or acrylic,” Mgijima adds.
“If a client has been using acrylic tips, switching to gel nails with no tips can relieve the nail bed from the weight of the acrylic and the filing that comes with regular refills every 2-3 weeks.”
Tips for healthy nails
Mgijima notes that it is vital to use cuticle oil every day along with hand lotion.
“The cuticle oil is essential because it nourishes and hydrates the cuticle area around the nail, helping the nails grow healthier and stronger.”
She adds that the cuticle area is where the nail grows, so keeping it nourished is key to promoting healthy and strong nails.
And every once in a while, give your nails a break and go natural.
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