Do Acrylic Nails Damage Your Real Nails?

The Long and Short Answer

The short answer is: yes and no. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, breaks it down:

When applied and maintained correctly, acrylic nails do not automatically harm the natural nails. However, there are a few things that can go wrong:

Over-filing: The technician may file the natural nail too thin, which can weaken it and make it more susceptible to breakage.
Improper removal: If acrylic nails are not removed properly, they can rip off the natural nail along with them.
Trauma: If acrylic nails are subjected to excessive force, they can break or chip, which can also damage the natural nail.

To avoid damage to your real nails from acrylics, follow these tips:

Choose a reputable salon: Make sure the salon you choose has a good reputation and uses high-quality products.
Communicate with your technician: Tell your technician exactly what you want and make sure they understand your concerns.
Take breaks from acrylics: Give your natural nails a break from acrylics every few months to allow them to recover.
Remove acrylics properly: If you are removing acrylic nails yourself, do so carefully using a nail file or acetone.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the beauty of acrylic nails without damaging your real nails.