Summary
Little is known about the dangers of false nails. This short article presents the main complications that can occur depending on the technique used.
The goal is to focus on how to limit the complications of false nails.
Capsules are less dangerous than shaped false nails.
The quality and training of the technicians are essential for a proper implementation.
Keywords : sculpted nails, false nails, capsules, shaped nails, ready-to-use gels, resins, glue, complications, irritation, eczema, nail removal.
What are the techniques used for false nails?
> There are two different systems: capsules and false nails that are either sculpted or shaped.
"The capsule is a molded or preformed false nail that is glued on with a suitable "superglue". A small amount of glue is applied to the nail before the capsule is put in place and then adjusted. Once glued, the surface of the cap is sanded before applying a small layer of resin to homogenize the surface and strengthen the whole. After drying in the open air or under ultraviolet light, the varnish is applied.
> Capsules come in different sizes and shapes and are cut to fit the nails' morphology.
"The sculpted nails are made using a resin that is molded on the natural nail with the help of a template. The resin is obtained by mixing a powder and a liquid that allows the preparation of the paste used to sculpt the false nail.
"The nails are air-dried or dried with the help of a drying gas pedal (liquid, UV). The paste of the shaped nails is an acrylic resin. The resin is in the form of a gel that hardens under ultraviolet light.
The sculpted or shaped nail technique uses a ready-made gel or resin that is prepared by mixing powder and liquid.
Resin cures on its own in the open air, while gel requires UV light, which means it cures or polymerizes in the light.
This is called photopolymerization, hence the name "UV gel".
Gel and resin are applied and shaped on the nail with a small brush.
To delimit the nail, we use a kind of metal or cardboard cover.
In all cases, it is necessary to prepare the nail before applying the gel.
The top of the nail should be lightly filed to facilitate the adhesion of the glue or resin.
This step is the most aggressive, because it thins the nail, makes it more fragile, more brittle, and it also increases the penetration of toxic products.
Electric sanders should be avoided as they can cause significant damage.
Regardless of the technique, it is necessary to make connections at the base every month since the nail grows about 3 mm every month.
> Gel, resin and glue can damage nails.
The more the nails have been filed down initially, the more the products penetrate the skin through the nail.
The glues used to attach the capsules are said to be less toxic than gels and resins and are used in small quantities.
> There are complications of false nails
Acrylic resins can cause skin irritation and eczema nearby or more often at a distance from the place of application (eyelids, face, neck).
Fake nails make it easier for the natural nails to peel off because the resin sometimes attacks the skin under the nail and the natural nail then takes on a very white color.
Or they may turn yellow or green due to a bacterial infection.
Nail detachment is favored by nails that are too long, which we tend to use as an instrument, for leverage. The longer the nail, the greater the risk of detachment.
Fake nails weaken the underlying natural nail, which is thinned and becomes brittle, which explains why natural nails do not look very good when the fake nails are removed. Hence the tendency not to do without it anymore.
How to limit the complications of false nails?
Capsules are less dangerous than shaped false nails.
The quality and the training of the technicians are essential for an adapted implementation.
