Liam Carter
The idea that nails need to 'breathe' is a long-standing beauty myth. Nails do not have lungs, so they do not technically breathe. Instead, they derive oxygen and nutrients from the blood supply and not the air. However, it is important to give your nails breaks from polish for many reasons. Firstly, the removal process of the polish can cause damage to the nail plate, especially with gel and acrylic manicures. Secondly, leaving nail polish on for too long can lead to nail discolouration and a condition called keratin granulation, which is characterised by rough, white patches on the nail. Therefore, while nails do not need to breathe, they do need breaks from polish to maintain nail health.
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What You'll Learn
- Nails don't need to breathe, but they do need breaks
- Nails get nutrients and oxygen from the body, not air
- Breaks are needed to repair damage from filing and removal
- Gel and acrylic manicures can be more damaging to remove than regular polish
- Non-acetone removers are advised to limit dehydration of the nail bed
Nails don't need to breathe, but they do need breaks
The idea that nails need to "breathe" is a common misconception. Nails, like hair and skin, do not breathe topically. Instead, they derive oxygen and nutrients from the blood supply, specifically from the nail matrix, the area beneath the cuticle where the nail is still alive.
However, while nails don't need to breathe, they do benefit from occasional breaks from polish. Traditional nail polishes, gel polishes, and acrylic manicures can contain toxic ingredients and require harsh removal methods that can damage the nail plate. As such, it is recommended to take breaks between manicures to allow the nails to recover from any damage. Signs that your nails may need a break include keratin granulation (rough, white patches), peeling, ridges, splits, discolouration, and dehydrated cuticles.
The length of these breaks can vary depending on the condition of your nails and the products you use. Some sources suggest taking a break every few sets of nail polish or every few months, while others recommend removing polish every two to three weeks to prevent damage. During these breaks, it is beneficial to use cuticle oil to help hydrate and strengthen the nails.
In addition to taking breaks, choosing the right products can also help maintain nail health. Breathable nail polishes, for example, are healthier because they do not contain toxic ingredients, reducing the risk of flaking, chipping, and discolouration. Non-acetone removers are also recommended to limit dehydration of the nail bed.
In summary, while nails do not need to breathe, they do need periodic breaks from polish to recover from any damage caused by harsh products and removal methods. Taking breaks, using cuticle oil, and choosing breathable and non-toxic nail products can help promote nail health and prevent issues such as peeling, discolouration, and brittleness.
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Nails get nutrients and oxygen from the body, not air
The idea that nails need to "breathe" is a common beauty belief. However, nails do not have lungs, so they do not technically breathe. Instead, they derive oxygen and nutrients from the blood supply and not the air.
The nail plate that comes out of the cuticle is a dead, hardened layer, and it is only alive underneath it in an area called the nail matrix. Nails are made from keratin, a type of protein that forms the cells that make up the tissue in nails. All the nutrients for the nails come from the bloodstream and not the air or anything from the environment.
While nails do not need to breathe, they do need periodic breaks from polish for many reasons. Firstly, the removal process of the polish can cause damage to the nail plate. 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. Therefore, it is critical for those who often get gel or acrylic manicures to take breaks in between if any damage is noticed.
Additionally, leaving nail polish on for too long can lead to a condition called keratin granulation, which appears as rough, white patches on the nail. Nail discoloration can also occur from pigments in polishes, so taking breaks from colour polish for short periods can help reduce yellowing.
In conclusion, while nails do not need to breathe, they do benefit from occasional breaks from polish to allow for nail health and strength to be restored.
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Breaks are needed to repair damage from filing and removal
While the idea that nails need to "breathe" is a common myth, nails do need breaks from filing and removal to repair damage. Nails get their oxygen and nutrients from the blood supply, not the air, so they don't need to breathe in the traditional sense. However, taking breaks between manicures is important for maintaining nail health and allowing any damage to grow out.
Filing nails can introduce problems if they are not trimmed first. Celebrity manicurist Erica Marton recommends trimming nails to the desired length and then filing them into the proper shape. Filing nails too short can cause pain and make them more prone to breakage. It is also important to file in one direction only, from the side to the center of the nail, to avoid fraying, damage to the nail bed and cuticle, and jagged edges. Glass files are recommended as they are gentler on nails and easier to clean.
Aggressive filing and improper removal techniques can cause mechanical damage to nails. This can include using electric files, abrasive buffers, or vigorously scraping the nail surface, which can lead to nail cells dislodging and cause peeling, splitting, and thinning of the nail plate. Chemical damage can also occur from soaking nails in acetone for too long, causing nails to become dry and brittle.
To repair damage from filing and removal, it is recommended to take breaks between manicures and use treatments to restore nail health. Nail educator Anastasia Totty suggests paying attention to nail health and watching for changes in color, thickness, or visible damage. If nails feel thin or weak, it may be a sign to take a break and apply treatments such as nail and cuticle oil, which can help repair frayed nails and prevent future breakage. Cuticle oil can also be used during nail prep to provide extra care.
Taking breaks between gel manicures or switching to regular nail polish can also help repair damage. During breaks, it is advised to use non-acetone removers to limit dehydration of the nail bed. Clear nail polish can be beneficial as it allows for observation of the nail growth process. Additionally, natural remedies such as olive oil can be used to restore hydration to nails.
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Gel and acrylic manicures can be more damaging to remove than regular polish
While nails do not need to "breathe", they do need breaks in between manicures. This is because the material used to coat the nails can play a role in how damaged they become and how long they need to recover.
Gel and acrylic manicures can be more physically damaging to remove than regular polish. This is due to the removal process, which can be aggressive and damaging to the nail plate if not done properly. Manicurist Mazz Hanna states that some salons "don’t take the necessary time that is needed to remove gel and acrylic in a way that doesn’t damage the nail plate."
There are two types of gel manicures: soft gels and hard gels. Hard gels are the traditional gels that are impermeable to acetone and need to be filed off, while soft gels are the newer 'soak-off' gels that can be removed without aggressive scraping. The removal process for hard gels can involve vigorous scraping, which creates mechanical damage. An example of chemical damage is soaking nails in acetone for too long, causing nails to dry out and become more brittle.
To avoid damage to the nail, it is recommended to visit a professional for both application and removal. Dr. Stern advises protecting your hands with sunscreen or gloves when using a UV lamp. It is also important to be vigilant in finding a manicurist that is careful not to excessively buff nails.
Some signs that your nails need a break from manicures include keratin granulation (rough and white patches on the nail surface), peeling, ridges and splits, discolouration, and dehydrated cuticles. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take a break from gel and acrylic manicures to let your nails recover.
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Non-acetone removers are advised to limit dehydration of the nail bed
While nails do not need to breathe, they do need breaks in between manicures to recover from any damage caused by the removal process. One of the primary concerns with using acetone-based nail polish removers is their dehydrating effect on the nails and the surrounding skin. Acetone is a potent solvent that dissolves nail polish quickly by stripping away natural oils and moisture from the nails, cuticles, and skin on your hands. This can lead to brittle, cracked, and peeling nails, as well as dry, flaky, and irritated cuticles and skin.
The drying effect of acetone can be especially problematic for those with already dry, weak nails or eczema-prone skin. Additionally, acetone can increase susceptibility to developing nail fungus infections by weakening the nail structure and compromising its natural defenses. Acetone exposure may also lead to skin irritation and allergic reactions, including redness, stinging, burning sensations, and peeling or flaking of the skin, especially for those with sensitive skin.
To avoid nail damage caused by aggressive chemical removal methods, it is recommended to take breaks between manicures and opt for non-acetone removers when possible. This allows nails to recover and helps maintain their overall health and strength.
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Frequently asked questions
No, nails do not need to breathe. Nails are dead tissue and do not have lungs, so they do not breathe. Nails derive oxygen and nutrients from the blood supply and not the air.
There is no fixed rule for this. Some people take breaks every few sets of nail polish, while others take breaks once every month or two. If you notice any damage to your nails, it is recommended to take a break for a few months.
Some signs of nail damage include keratin granulation (rough and white patches on the surface of the nail), peeling, ridges, splits, discolouration, and dehydrated cuticles.
To check for nail damage, remove your nail polish and examine your nails. Look out for changes in colour, thickness, or visible damage. If your nails feel thin or weak, it may be a sign of damage.
Taking breaks from nail polish can help prevent nail damage caused by frequent nail polish application and removal. It can also reduce the risk of bacterial and fungal infections. Additionally, taking breaks from nail polish can help maintain moisture levels in the nails, keeping them strong and preventing breakage.
