Before an object can be tagged as ”fake,” an underlying element has occurred in its usual or conventional form. This signifies that the standard or conventional form has been duplicated to produce the same initial form.
So, without wasting much time, let us answer the question ‘Are Fake Nails Unsanitary?’
The answer is yes, fake nails are unsanitary. Even though there are more than one type ”fake nails” (fake refers to the duplicate of all human beings’ natural nails). They are still considered unsanitary because they harbour more bacteria than natural nails.
The common types of fake nails are Gel nails and Acrylic nails
Are Gel Nails Unsanitary?
Yes, gel nails are unsanitary. Gel nails are nail products used to stretch the nail across the natural nail’s edge to generate artificial nails, commonly known as nail extensions. There are mainly two types of gel nails.
They are either hard or soft gel. The moniker “hard gel” refers to the fact that once it is applied, it gets dried immediately. It is mainly used to make nail extensions. Soft gel nails are regarded as “soak-off gel” Because they can easily be eliminated from the nails by soaking them in acetone.
Why Gel Nails Are Unsanitary
1. Due to the nature of gel nails, they are thick in nature, and also take more extended moments to dry. To fasten up a moment up, the technique used to dry them up are hazardous, making it endangering the life of that fixes the nail.
2. Two methods can be employed to make it dry: either through an LED dryer or a UV lamp. Using either of the two can cause skin cancer and wrinkles because the skin has been exposed to ultraviolet for a long time.
3. Usually, gel nails lead to nail weakening or brittleness (slight deformation). In trying to remove the gel nail, acetone contains a chemical that is not friendly to human skin. However, using acetone can reduce the strength of the natural nails causing them to dehydrate and weaken the nail plate or thin.
4. It can result in total nail damage.
It can also result in contact Dermatitis (it occurs around a specific part of the body that has been exposed to a substance that caused a reaction or irritation).
Are Acrylic Nails Unsanitary?
Yes, acrylic nails are unsanitary. They are sometimes referred to as fashion nails or nail enhancement. They are fixed or worn on natural nails. Acrylic nails have the characteristics to be displayed as natural nails.
Liquid dimer and powder polymer are combined to generate an acrylic paste that firmly sticks to the natural nail. The desired shape is carved and later hardened to increase the snail’s strength, desired length, and stiffness.
Why Are Acrylic Nails Unsanitary?
It was researched and discovered that acrylic nails nurture and accommodate more bacteria than natural nails. Bacteria can hide beneath the nail. This is why health personnel is instructed not to wear artificial names because of their disaster. Other reasons include:
1. Products used to administer acrylic nails can cause irritation because the products contain chemicals that are mostly not friendly to the skin.
2. Fixing acrylic nails can expose the skin to infections, especially when unsanitized instruments, allowing them to grow out long or become too hard.
3. Acrylic nails are considered unsanitary because their discoloration is mainly caused by fungus. This is a disease that affects the whole body.
4. When it comes to eradicating potentially hazardous bacteria from your hands, hand hygiene cannot be overemphasized on this subject. Acrylic nails, in a way, reduce the efficacy of hand hygiene.
How Do You Keep Acrylic Nails Sanitary?
The beauty that comes with fixing names cannot be overlooked. They are always pleasant to behold. Taking care of your nails will help them last longer, be less damaged and reduce the risks of getting infections.
Here are some procedures on how to properly take care of acrylic nails;
1. Treat your acrylic nails with care
They are fixed nails they need to handle with proper care. It would be best if you always remembered to handle the nails gently.
2. Avoid using the nails as an instrument for your daily activities
Activities include; scratching, lifting heavy things, opening tapes or cans, etc. Also, ensure you put on gloves when you need to carry out tasks that can hurt your nails, like trimming flowers, gardening, or washing. By adhering to this, you protect the nails from external attacks.
3. Always keep them dry
Water can damage or even permit bacteria or fungus inside your acrylic nails. To avoid this, always keep them dry or use waterproof gloves to deny infections from penetrating.
4. Avoid using acetone because it is not healthy for the body’s system
Acetone always tends to make your acrylic nails fall off. Asides from this, acetone leaves holes around your nails. You need to pay extreme attention when picking out your polish removal.
5. Stay away from chemicals
Stay away from chemicals that could damage acrylic nails. For instance, avoid using Goo-Gone and Turpentine.
6. It is essential to take proper care of the skin around your nails
The best way to do this is always to moisten your hands frequently. Always take a cognizant look at the skin around your nails and if there are any issues, take the appropriate preventive measure.
Take the proper measure for hand hygiene. Ensure you wash your hands with antibacterial soap regularly. This will prevent you from getting infections. Also, you can take appropriate care of your hand nails by running alcohol swamps beneath them before you sleep.
Other Manicures That Can Be Done Asides From the Fake Nail
1. Basic nail polish
You need to apply it yourself. Go to the store and get the nail polish of your choice. To avoid dings on your nails, ensure they are placed under the nail dryer. It can be cleaned through the use of nail polish remover. Fortunately, it has no effect. It prevents nails from breaking and splitting.
2. Dip powder
The color comes in the form of powder. This powder is applied by using a base coat and a sealant by dipping your nails into a small jar of your desired color. Then, the powder sticks to the bond. It can be cleaned through the use of acetone. If they are not properly fixed or removed, it attracts infections that endanger the body system at large.
3. Paraffin Manicure
A paraffin manicure entails immersing your hand in paraffin wax—a colorless, odorless substance made from beeswax and petroleum—and then covering it in plastic gloves and a heated towel.
When the paraffin hardens around your hands, it opens your pores, allowing dirt and toxins to be released while also eliminating dead skin cells. It is frequently used with essential oils like lavender, tea tree, peppermint, or aloe vera to increase the benefits and impart a calming smell.
Once the substance has cooled sufficiently, the technician will peel it off and do a conventional manicure. Paraffin manicures are excellent for treating dry, cracked hands and restoring their silky, smooth appearance.
Because it is a completely natural component, it will have no effect on your nails. However, paraffin wax is not suggested for persons who have hypertension, diabetes, or varicose veins—if you are diabetic, you may feel numbness, odd sensations, or impaired circulation.
Additionally, avoid the therapy if you have extremely sensitive skin or a history of heat rash. As always, it’s best to consult with your physician before deciding whether paraffin wax is good for you.
Are Acrylic Nails Unhygienic?
Yes, acrylic nails are unhygienic only if you don't take care of them well. Acrylic nails have a bad reputation for being germy and dirty, and this is partly true. While acrylic nails are not necessarily unhygienic, they definitely require more upkeep than other nail types.
Is Dip Powder Unsanitary?
Yes, dip powder can be unsanitary if used by multiple people. This can cause infections. Because there is no technician applying it to each client's nails individually, dip powder can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
Are Long Nails Unsanitary?
Yes, long nails can be unsanitary especially because of their length. They have a higher risk of harboring infections.
Are Press on Nails Unsanitary?
No, press-on nails are not unsanitary. In fact, they are a healthier alternative to acrylic and gel nails.
Are Fake Nails Trashy?
Yes, and no. Some people believe that they look so fake therefore are trashy while others believe that they are okay. In the end, it all comes down to individual preferences.
Conclusion
Fake nails may impair the efficiency of proper hygiene. Several kinds of research carried out on it discovered that health workers who use fake nails or nail enhancement have a higher concentration and diversity of bacteria on their hands.
This is also applicable to all who use fake nails because it affects the whole body system when these nails are contaminated.
