Liam Carter
While the concept of letting your nails breathe is a common piece of advice, it is largely a myth. Nails do not have lungs and are not alive, so they do not technically breathe. However, this advice is well-intentioned as nails can benefit from breaks in between manicures to prevent and mitigate damage caused by aggressive mechanical and chemical removal methods, such as vigorous scraping or prolonged soaking in acetone. These breaks allow nails to recover from issues like keratin granulation, peeling, ridges, splits, discoloration, and dehydrated cuticles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nails need to breathe | Myth |
| Nails derive oxygen and nutrients from | Blood supply |
| Nail damage causes | Vigorous scraping, prolonged acetone exposure, improper removal |
| Nail damage indicators | Peeling, ridges, splits, discolouration, dehydrated cuticles |
| Nail care | Keep nails hydrated, consume B-complex vitamins, use non-toxic nail polish |
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What You'll Learn
Nails don't need to breathe
The natural nail plate is a movable solid that rides a rail and groove track to move out and grow. It is made up of non-living keratin, a type of protein that forms the cells that make up the tissue in nails. Nails do not have lungs, so they do not technically breathe.
The nail bed, on the other hand, is living tissue consisting of a dermal and epidermal layer. The upper layer is similar to the type of skin found on the inside of your mouth. Blood vessels provide oxygen and nutrients to the hand, fingers, and nails through millions of tiny blood vessels. The veins carry waste and carbon dioxide away. This intricate process feeds the matrix, so the matrix can produce healthy nail cells.
While nails do not need to breathe, they do need breaks in between manicures. This is because aggressive mechanical and chemical removal methods can damage nails. Mechanical damage is caused by rough removal, such as vigorous scraping, while an example of chemical damage is soaking nails in acetone for too long, causing nails to dry out and become more brittle.
Additionally, leaving nail polish on for long periods can lead to a condition called keratin granulation, which celebrity manicurist Jin Soon Choi says is rough, white patches on the nail that form when old polish is removed and ends up taking superficial layers of the nail with it. Nail discoloration can occur from pigments in polishes, so frequently avoiding nail colour for short periods can help cut down on yellowing.
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Nails can be damaged by improper removal
While the concept of "letting your nails breathe" is a common piece of advice, it is not based on the fact that nails require oxygen. In fact, nails do not require oxygen from the air as they derive oxygen and nutrients from the blood supply. The nail plate is made of non-living keratin, similar to hair, and does not hurt to be clipped.
However, this does not mean that nail health is not important. Nails can be damaged by improper removal methods, which can cause mechanical and chemical damage. Mechanical damage can be caused by rough removal, such as vigorous scraping, while chemical damage can be caused by soaking nails in acetone for too long, leading to dryness and brittleness. Therefore, it is recommended to take breaks between manicures and to properly care for nails in between treatments. This includes keeping nails hydrated, resisting the urge to pick at cuticles, and consuming the right nutrients, such as B-complex vitamins like biotin. Additionally, professional removal by trained salon professionals is recommended to reduce the risk of surface damage.
Leaving nail polish on for extended periods can also lead to issues such as keratin granulation, which manifests as rough, white patches on the nail. Nail discolouration can also occur due to pigments in polishes. Taking breaks between manicures can help mitigate these issues, and applying a protective base coat can reduce yellowing. It is also important to be mindful of the products used, as some traditional nail polishes and removers contain toxic ingredients such as toluene and formaldehyde, which can be harmful to nails and overall health.
In summary, while nails do not need to "breathe" in the traditional sense, they can benefit from breaks between manicures to prevent and mitigate damage caused by improper removal methods and prolonged nail polish wear. Proper nail care and the use of non-toxic products are crucial to maintaining healthy nails.
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Manicures can cause nail trauma
While nails do not need to "breathe" in the literal sense, they do need breaks between manicures to prevent and
Nail trauma can also result from wearing ill-fitting or tight shoes, leading to toenail trauma and deformities. This can cause the nails to thicken, discolour, or lift away from the nail bed. Similarly, habits such as nail biting and cuticle biting can cause trauma to the nails, leading to infections such as acute paronychia, where bacteria get underneath the tissue at the side of the nail, causing swelling and irritation. Additionally, repetitive picking at the thumbnail and cuticle with the index finger can produce horizontal hatch marks in the middle of the nail.
Furthermore, nail injuries can occur when the nail is cut, torn, smashed, or bruised, or when the nail is torn away from the skin. This can happen when a finger is smashed in a door or hit with a heavy object, or when cutting with a sharp object. Such injuries can result in blood under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma, which can be painful and may require medical attention if the bleeding is excessive. In some cases, the nail may need to be removed and repaired with stitches.
To prevent nail trauma, it is essential to allow nails to recover between manicures. During these breaks, it is recommended to keep nails hydrated and avoid picking at the cuticles. Ensuring properly sized shoes can also help prevent toenail trauma. Additionally, it is advised to trim fingernails and refrain from biting nails or cuticles, as this can lead to nail injuries and potential infections.
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Non-toxic nail products are recommended
While nails do not need to "breathe" in the literal sense, it is important to give them breaks in between manicures to prevent damage. This damage can be caused by improper prep and removal methods, such as vigorous scraping or prolonged exposure to acetone, which can cause nails to dry out and become brittle.
To maintain nail health, it is recommended to use non-toxic nail products that are free from harmful ingredients. For instance, vegan and plant-based nail polishes, such as those offered by Manucurist, are formulated without toxic ingredients and are derived from natural, renewable sources. Similarly, Tenoverten offers non-toxic nail colours that are safe for kids and provide salon-quality results.
In addition to choosing non-toxic products, it is important to ensure proper nail care. Dermatologist Joshua Zeichner recommends keeping nails hydrated and avoiding the urge to pick at cuticles. He also suggests taking supplements containing B-complex vitamins like biotin, which is associated with nail strength.
For those who frequently get gel or acrylic manicures, it is advisable to take breaks in between and allow nails to grow out completely before the next application. Professional removal services are recommended to reduce the risk of surface damage. UV-protective gloves can also be worn during UV lamp exposure to minimise potential radiation risks.
By following these recommendations, you can promote healthy nails and reduce the chances of experiencing negative symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, which may be triggered by toxic nail products and improper removal techniques.
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Nails need breaks from gel/acrylics
While it is a common belief that nails need to breathe, this is a myth. Nails do not breathe as they are non-living tissue, and they derive oxygen and nutrients from the blood supply and not the air. However, nails do need breaks in between manicures for other reasons.
If you frequently get gel or acrylic manicures, it is crucial to take breaks in between if you notice any of the five signs of damage. These signs include the appearance of keratin granulation (rough and white patches on the surface of the nail), peeling, ridges and splits, discolouration, and dehydrated cuticles. This damage can be caused by improper prep and removal, as well as prolonged nail polish wear. Mechanical damage occurs through rough removal methods such as vigorous scraping, while chemical damage can result from soaking nails in acetone for too long, leading to dryness and increased nail brittleness.
To care for your nails between manicures, it is important to keep them hydrated and avoid picking at your cuticles. You can use cuticle oil or a daily nutritive serum to prevent biting and picking, which can further damage nails. Additionally, ensuring proper nail prep and removal techniques are employed during manicures can help mitigate damage.
Taking breaks from gel or acrylic manicures can also reduce the potential radiation risk associated with frequent use of UV nail lamps. While the level of UV exposure is minimal, bringing UV-protective gloves to the salon can provide extra protection.
In summary, while nails do not need to breathe, they can benefit from breaks in between manicures to mitigate damage and maintain nail health.
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Frequently asked questions
No, nails do not need to breathe as they do not have lungs. The nail plate that comes out of the cuticle is a dead, hardened layer and is only alive underneath in an area called the nail matrix. Nails derive oxygen and nutrients from the blood supply.
Nails do not need to breathe to be healthy, but they may benefit from a break from nail polish to mitigate additional damage or trauma. This could be due to a variety of factors, not necessarily related to wearing nail polish.
How long you should take a break depends on the product you use and the condition of your nails. If your nails are not smooth, have lost their colour, or become weak, take a 3-4 week break. If your nails are in extremely bad condition, take a few months off and transition to non-toxic products.
To care for your nails between manicures, do not pick or bite your nails as it can lead to infections. Use gloves when washing dishes and working with water, and apply lotion or hand cream a few times a day and after washing your hands.
