Why Do Acrylic Nails Hurt? [Answered]

Acrylic nails are a popular choice for many women who want to achieve a polished look.

However, some people find that these artificial nails can be quite painful. There are a few different answers to why do acrylic nails hurt…

What Is The Application Process For Acrylic Nails?

The application process for acrylic nails is fairly simple and straightforward. Typically, the first step involves a consultation at the nail salon to determine which type of fake nails are best for your specific needs and wants.

During this time, you’ll be able to discuss the design, length, shape and color choices for your new nails with an experienced technician. Once that has been decided, the technician will carefully trim your natural nails using a nail file to prepare them for application of the fake nails.

Next, they will attach either individual or pre-made artificial tips (depending on what was decided during the consultation). After that, they will use liquid acrylic to fill in around each tip, carefully affixing them to each nail bed individually.

This helps ensure a secure fit between both your natural fingernail and the applied artificial one. The technician may also use various colors of powder acrylic as an extra layer as well as 3D decorations such as gems or rhinestones if desired by you, the customer.

Finally, after all layers have been applied and decorated accordingly, they will trim off any excess material created by refiling down your nail beds evenly and then buffing them until smooth before applying a clear coat of polish or other topcoat finish if desired.

Why Do Acrylic Nails Hurt?

Acrylic nails may hurt due to the process that is involved with getting acrylics. During this process, a harsh chemical called methyl methacrylate monomer is used to create an acrylic cover over your natural nails.

This chemical shrinks as it dries, which can cause your nails to hurt after getting acrylics. When the technician applies the acrylic overlay onto your natural nails, they must file them down in order for the product to adhere properly.

This can be very painful for some people as well, since filing and buffing of any kind generally causes discomfort. Another common reason why nails hurt after getting acrylics is because of how long it takes for the product to dry.

Depending on how thickly applied each layer of Acrylic is, this could take up to 15–20 minutes per layer – obviously making you more uncomfortable with each successive step of the application process.

Pressure from wearing gloves or tight shoes can also contribute to why your nails may hurt after getting acrylics; applying pressure or friction around the nail area will exacerbate any pain caused by any underlying issues such as drying times and filing down preparing for application.

In summary, there are several reasons why nails may hurt after getting acrylics. Including prolonged drying times during application and/or pressure on top of existing inflammation caused by chemicals and filing during preparation.

All leading up to an overall uncomfortable experience associated with having these type of artificial nails put on.

Does Getting Acrylic Nails Hurt?

Acrylic nails are a popular choice among those looking to avoid the hassle of maintaining their own nails, but many may wonder if getting them applied will hurt. The answer is that it can depend on the skill of the technician and your own personal pain tolerance.

Generally speaking, getting acrylics applied does not usually cause intense pain, but you might feel some mild discomfort as the technician shapes them and applies glue to your nails.

The most uncomfortable part for most people is when an electric nail file or drill is used to shape and buff the nails before applying polish.

This can cause a slight tickle sensation in some areas due to vibrations from the tool. It’s also possible to experience a bit of pressure when acrylic powder is added, since this sometimes requires using a brush with firm pressure against your natural nails.

Once all is said and done, there might be some minor soreness due to having been sitting in one position during application time, but any actual pain should subside soon after leaving the salon.

Acrylics that have been applied properly should last several weeks before they need to be removed or refilled, so any small amount of discomfort experienced initially should last only a few seconds.

Why Do Your Natural Nails Feel Sensitive The Day You Have Acrylic Nails Applied?

Having acrylics done can cause your nails to feel sensitive the day they have been applied. Acrylic nails are false nails that are attached and glued with adhesive to your natural nail plate, which means that you will experience a tightening sensation in your fingers after getting them done.

This sensation may get worse when you do activities like type, hold things or wash dishes as the acrylic material contacts the natural nail bed of your fingers.

Your nails may also feel more sensitive the day you get acrylics done due to dehydration. The nail tech may use harsh chemicals to remove oils from your nails, which can lead to a drying out of the natural nails and cuticles, resulting in discomfort and sensitivity.

Since the acrylic material is thick and heavy, it places more pressure on the nail beds, causing them to ache or hurt when touched.

Lastly, when getting acrylics done, there is usually filing involved that takes place around your cuticles.

This filing process can cause irritation in those areas as well, making them appear redder and more sensitive than usual. Moreover, during this process a lot of dust particles are created that enter into the air which may irritate your skin if it gets exposed to it.

Overall, having acrylics done can contribute to having sensitive feeling nails due to various factors like dehydration, increased amount of pressure placed on your natural nails as well as filing irritation.

So make sure that if you intend to get your acrylics done soon that you prepare yourself mentally for the potential tightening sensation or sensitivities afterward.

Painful Acrylic Nails Can Be Down To Poor Application

Acrylic nails can be harmful if they’re improperly applied. If you have weak or damaged natural nails, acrylics can make this worse by creating a barrier between your nail bed and the nail plate.

Overfiling is another common cause of damage, which happens when the technician uses too much product or files down the natural nail too aggressively.

This can result in rough edges on the surface of your nails that may catch on clothing or tear off easily—and it’s uncomfortable to walk around with damaged nails.

It is important for the nail technician to perform a careful filing procedure, particularly when using an acrylic overlay.

Overfiling can result in damage to the natural nail bed and cuticle area, which can cause pain.

Plus, this process can lead to infection or discoloration of the nail plate. If overfiling occurs, it can also cause splitting of the nail plate or loss of the entire nail.

Another way acrylics can cause harm is by pulling out your cuticle when applying them, leading to infection and pain because you need that part of your nail for protection against outside elements like dirt/dust getting inside wounds.

Why Do Your Cuticles Hurt After Getting Acrylic Nails Done?

When you get acrylic nails done, the technician uses a drill to file down your natural nails.

This can be incredibly painful, as the drill is working directly on your cuticles.

The acrylic nail itself is very thick, which can put pressure on your already-sensitive cuticles.

The pressure can cause your cuticles to swell and become even more painful. Finally, the chemicals in the acrylic nail can irritate your skin and cause even more discomfort.

As a result, it’s not uncommon for your cuticles to hurt after getting acrylic nails done.

If you’re concerned about the pain, be sure to ask your technician to go easy on your cuticles.

You may also want to consider using a numbing cream before your appointment.

How To Prevent Painful Acrylic Nails?

Acrylic nails are a popular beauty choice, but they can also be a source of pain and irritation.

The good news is that there are a few simple things you can do to reduce the risk of discomfort.

First, make sure that your nails are clean and free of any debris before applying the acrylics.

This will help to create a smooth surface that is less likely to trap bacteria. Second, use a high-quality nail primer to create a barrier between your nails and the acrylics.

This will minimize the amount of contact between your natural nails and the chemicals in the acrylics.

Finally, be sure to apply a top coat after your acrylics have been applied. This will help to seal in the moisture and protect your nails from further damage.

How To Relieve Pain From Your Nail Bed From Acrylic Nails?

There are many women who love the look of acrylic nails, but eventually the pain of having them becomes too much.

If your acrylic nails are causing you pain, there are a few things you can do to relieve the discomfort. First, try soaking your hands in warm water for a few minutes.

This will help to loosen the bond between the acrylic and your natural nails. You can also use a file to gently buff away the sharp edges of the acrylic.

If these methods don’t work, you may need to have your acrylics removed by a professional. 

In most cases, the pain from acrylic nails can be relieved relatively easily. You can always apply some cuticle oil to soothe your cuticles and nails.

Can You Get An Allergic Reaction After Getting Acrylics Done?

Many people enjoy the look of long, manicured nails. However, some people may be concerned about the safety of artificial nails, specifically those made from acrylic.

Acrylic nails are made from a plastic called polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

PMMA is also used in a variety of other products, such as contact lenses and dentures.

While PMMA is considered safe for most people, some may experience an allergic reaction to the material.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction to acrylic nails can include redness, swelling, and itchiness at the site of the nail.

In rare cases, more severe reactions can occur, such as hives or difficulty breathing.

If you experience any of these symptoms after getting acrylic nails, it’s important to see a doctor right away.

Allergic reactions to acrylic nails are relatively rare, but it’s important to be aware of the potential risks before getting them.

What Can Your Nail Technician Do, If Your Nails Hurt After Getting Acrylics?

Your nail technician should always be your first point of call if you experience any discomfort after getting acrylics.

There are a few things they can do to help. Firstly, they can remove the troublesome acrylic and apply an anti-fungal topical treatment if needed to reduce any pain or irritation experienced.

They should also provide guidance on aftercare maintenance for your nails, such as avoiding excessive water exposure.

Lastly, depending on the severity of the situation, they may suggest allowing them to grow out naturally so that a new set of acrylics can be reapplied later down the line with more care taken by both client and technician to ensure there is no additional damage caused.

Summary

Acrylic nails are a popular beauty choice, but they can also be a source of pain and irritation.

The good news is that there are a few simple things you can do to reduce the risk of discomfort.

First, make sure that your nails are clean and free of any debris before applying the acrylics.

This will help to create a smooth surface that is less likely to trap bacteria. Second, use a high-quality primer to create a barrier between your nails and the chemicals in the acrylics.

This will minimize the amount of contact between your natural nails and the chemicals in the acrylics. Finally, be sure to apply a top coat after your acrylics have been applied.

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Makeup Muddle

Hi, my name is Gemma, and I’m the owner of MakeupMuddle.com. I’m a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty. In addition to Makeup Muddle, I also own GemmaEtc.com, and love sharing my thoughts and feelings about the greatest (and not so great) beauty products!