Sophia Delgado
The idea that nails need to breathe is a common misconception. Nails, like skin and hair, do not breathe topically as they do not have lungs. Instead, they derive oxygen and nutrients from the blood supply underneath the nail bed. However, it is still important to give your nails occasional breaks from gel and acrylic manicures to prevent damage caused by aggressive mechanical and chemical removal methods. This damage can include dryness, brittleness, cracking, peeling, and discolouration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do nails need to breathe? | No, nails do not have lungs and therefore do not breathe. |
| Do nails need a break from gel polish? | Yes, nails need a break from the damage of full removal and prepping for another set. |
| How often should you take a break? | Every few sets or when you notice signs of damage such as ridges, discolouration, thinning, dryness, etc. |
| How long should the break be? | One week to two weeks or until the nails grow out. |
| What can you do during the break? | Use regular nail polish, apply cuticle oil, and keep nails hydrated. |
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What You'll Learn
Nails don't have lungs so they don't breathe
It is a common misconception that nails need to breathe. Nails do not have lungs, so they technically do not breathe. The nail plate that grows out of the cuticle is a dead, hardened layer of non-living keratin, similar to hair. Nails are made of a type of protein called keratin, which forms the cells that make up the tissue in nails.
The nail bed, on the other hand, is living tissue, consisting of a dermal and epidermal layer. The upper layer is similar to the skin found on the inside of the mouth. The nail bed and the surrounding soft tissue receive oxygen and nutrients from the bloodstream and not from the surface or the environment. 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, feeding the matrix so that it can produce healthy nail cells.
While nails do not need to breathe, they may need a break from nail polish and other nail products to prevent damage. Regular nail polish and remover can cause cracks, peeling, ridging, and discolouration. When used too often, they can cause keratin granulation, which is when nails develop rough, white patches. Therefore, it is recommended to take a break from nail polish and use non-toxic products that protect the nails and prevent further damage.
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Nails get nutrients and oxygen from the body, not air
It is a common misconception that nails need to breathe. Nails, like hair and skin, get their nutrients and oxygen from within the body, specifically from the blood supply and not from surface areas. The nail plate that comes out of the cuticle is a dead, hardened layer and it's only alive underneath it in an area called the nail matrix, which is connected to the circulatory system.
The idea that nails need to breathe stems from the fact that they can become damaged from constant soaking and removal, which can cause issues such as drying out and becoming brittle. Traditional nail polish removers contain solvents like acetone and ethyl acetate, which can cause peeling, breakage, and brittleness. Acetone "baths" for removing gel manicures are especially harmful and can weaken the nails, making them more susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections.
Additionally, the mechanical and chemical removal methods can cause damage. Mechanical damage can occur through rough removal, such as vigorous scraping, while chemical damage can result from soaking nails in acetone for too long. This can lead to discolouration as the nail polish penetrates and stains the deeper layers of keratin.
To maintain nail health, it is recommended to pay attention to any changes in colour, thickness, or visible damage. If nails feel thin or weak, it may be beneficial to take a break from manicures and allow the nails to regrow, while also applying cuticle oil to the nail.
While it is not necessary for nails to breathe, taking breaks between manicures can help prevent damage and maintain overall nail health.
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Nails need breaks to prevent damage from removal
While nails do not need to breathe, they do need breaks in between manicures to prevent damage from removal.
Nails, like skin and hair, get their nutrients and oxygen from the body and not the air. However, this does not mean that they do not need breaks from manicures. The removal process of gel nails can be physically damaging to the nail. Traditional nail polish removers contain solvents like acetone and ethyl acetate that dry out the nails, causing cracks, peeling, and ridging. Acetone "baths" for removing gel manicures are especially harmful and can cause nails to become dry and brittle.
To prevent damage from removal, it is important to use the correct method for removing gel polish. The proper way to remove gel polish is by using an acetone-based remover and soaking it off. If you pick off your gel polish, it is important to hydrate and nourish your nails afterward to prevent them from becoming brittle.
In addition to using the correct removal method, it is beneficial to take breaks between gel manicures. During these breaks, you can use a keratin-based strengthener or serum to apply to your nails whenever you notice damage. You can also try "performance polish" manicures that involve a polish containing nail vitamins, such as biotin, vitamin E, and rosemary, which can be easily removed with a non-acetone remover.
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Breathable nail polishes are healthier
While nails do not need to be bare to be healthy, and they do not technically "breathe", it is still important to give your nails a break from gel manicures and acrylics. This is because the damage caused by the full removal and prepping for another set of dip every 2 to 4 weeks can lead to ridges and splits in the nails.
Breathable nail polishes are a great alternative to traditional nail polishes, as they are healthier for your nails. Traditional nail polishes are formulated to create a shield that prevents hydration from passing through, meaning a base coat and top coat are necessary to ensure long wear. Breathable nail polishes, on the other hand, are permeable, allowing water and oxygen to pass through the polish to reach the nail surface. This means that moisture can travel through the nail polish layer, which protects your manicure from getting waterlogged when you are showering, washing dishes, or swimming.
Breathable nail polishes are also free from toxic ingredients such as formaldehyde, camphor, and toluene, which are commonly found in traditional nail polishes. These toxic ingredients can cause nail discolouration and ridges, splits, and discolouration, which can weaken the nails. Breathable nail polishes are often enriched with various oils and other nourishing ingredients, keeping the nail cells stuck together and making them less prone to splitting and peeling.
Additionally, breathable nail polishes can reduce the dry time of your manicure, as the air can penetrate through the polish. This also means fewer smudges and an easier application process. Breathable nail polishes are also a great option for those who observe religious practices that require the cleansing of the nails, as they do not interfere with these rituals.
Overall, while it is important to give your nails a break from time to time, using breathable nail polishes is a healthier alternative to traditional nail polishes and can help improve the health of your nails.
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Nails can be damaged by aggressive removal methods
While nails do not need to breathe, they can be damaged by aggressive removal methods. The wrong tools can harm the tip and the topmost layer of your nail. The gel removal process should be carried out by experts, otherwise, you risk damaging your nails.
One of the best ways to repair damaged nails is to minimise your exposure to chemical-heavy products. You can use an acetone remover with treatment properties, but it is important to note that acetone "baths" for removing gel manicures are especially harmful. Acetone and nail polish can dry out the nails, causing cracks, peeling, and ridging. This weakens the nails, making them more susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections.
To prevent damage, ensure your manicurist isn't using an electric file, and do not peel nails. If you must remove them, use acetone and nourish with an oil afterward. Cuticle oils deliver vitamins and nourishment, and the cream will lock in moisture. Moisture loss is a common symptom of gel nail damage.
If you are dedicated to gels or acrylics, you may want to take a break from them every once in a while. Nails can become overly thin, ridged, and dry due to e-files and soak-offs.
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Frequently asked questions
No, nails do not need to breathe as they do not have lungs. However, it is important to give your nails a break from gel polish to prevent damage.
It is recommended to take a break from gel nails every few sets or when you notice signs of damage such as ridges, discolouration, or thinning.
Signs that your nails need a break include ridges, discolouration, thinning, dryness, and weakness. It is important to pay attention to the health of your nails and notice any changes.
It is recommended to wait about six months between gel manicures to allow your nails to grow out completely. During this time, you can use cuticle oil to hydrate your nails and prevent biting and picking.
Yes, the UV exposure from nail lamps and the use of acetone for removal can be harmful. It is advised to use UV-protective gloves during manicures and non-acetone removers to limit dehydration.
