Why natural nails deteriorate after extensions: 4 main reasons

As a rule, clients resort to nail extensions to quickly bring their imperfect nails into perfect condition. Some people want to add length, others want to strengthen weak nails or hide defects in the nail plate, making their nails glossy, smooth and aesthetically attractive. And what a disappointment they are when, in the end, women notice that after extensions their natural nails are... in an even more deplorable state. The main complaints are thinning of the nail plate, delamination and fragility. Why this happens - we talk with Vera Petkova , nail artist, competition coach and international judge.

Vera Petkova , multiple winner of international championships,
international judge, competition coach,
TopNail Training Center (Odessa)

I want to start with the fact that with correctly constructed architecture and correctly selected material, natural nails do not deteriorate, but remain in the same form as before the procedure. Therefore, the deterioration of their condition is not the norm, but an exception, the reason for which is certain errors during the modeling procedure.

Why do we still see damaged nail plates? There are four main reasons:

• If the length of the extended nail is chosen incorrectly (excessively long nails). Ideally, the length of the free edge of the nail should be no more than the length of the nail bed.
• If the artificial material is laid out in too thick a layer. Then the material puts a lot of pressure on the natural nail plate, making the manicure heavier.
• If the client does not perform the correction procedure in a timely manner. In this case, when growing, an excessive load is created on the edge of the natural nail.
• If the client performs the removal procedure himself and thereby causes mechanical damage to the nail plate.

These modeling errors and independent attempts by clients to remove extended nails are the main reason why natural nails suffer. What to do and how to help the client’s natural nails if damage has already occurred? Unfortunately, only time will help.

Master Vera Petkova advises to wait until the damaged part of the nail plate grows, regularly moisturize the skin of the hands and cuticles, and then do manicure and SPA manicure procedures in a timely manner and do not experiment with removing nails yourself.