By the team at The Nail Story, Bawadiya Kalan, Bhopal · Updated
“Will extensions ruin my nails?” is one of the first questions new clients ask us. It’s a fair question. The honest answer is that extensions are safe for most people when they’re applied, looked after and removed properly. Most of the damage people blame on extensions comes from how they come off.
The short answer: nail extensions are safe for most people. The real risks are thinning from heavy filing or peeling sets off, lifting that traps water under the nail, and, less often, an allergy to acrylate chemicals in gel and acrylic. Choose a careful studio, never peel your set, book refills on time, and see a doctor if your skin reacts.
What dermatologists say
Two of the most useful sources on this are the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
- Allergy is real but uncommon. In a 2018 warning, the BAD reported that an audit of 4,931 patients patch-tested at 13 UK and Irish dermatology units found 2.4% reacted to at least one (meth)acrylate, the chemicals in acrylic and gel nail products. It singled out home gel kits, where products may not cure fully under the wrong lamp. (BAD)
- Filing and frequent refills cause damage. The AAD notes that the surface of natural nails is filed to help acrylic stick, which thins them, and that very frequent touch-ups can damage natural nails. It suggests soak-off gel over acrylic because gel is more flexible, and advises against covering nails that are already brittle or damaged. (AAD)
The side effects, one by one
Thin or weak nails after removal
This is the most common complaint. It usually comes from peeling or biting a set off, which tears away the top layers of your natural nail, or from heavy filing. Your nails are not “ruined”: the damaged part grows out as your nail grows, usually over a few months.
How to avoid it: never peel. Book a proper removal: extension removal is ₹600 and gel polish removal ₹300 at our studio. Read how removal works.
Lifting
When an edge of the extension lifts away from your nail, water and dirt can get trapped underneath. Left alone, a lifted nail catches on things, breaks, and can become a place for infection to start.
How to avoid it: dry your hands well after washing, wear gloves for wet work, and book refills every three to four weeks. If a nail lifts or chips after your service, message us and we’ll fix it free.
Allergy to acrylates
Some people become sensitive to the acrylate chemicals in gel and acrylic products, usually after repeated skin contact. Reactions can include itching, redness or swelling around the nails, loosening nails, or a rash that appears somewhere else, such as the eyelids, face or neck.
How to avoid it: product should stay on the nail, not the skin around it, and gel needs to be fully cured under the right lamp. That’s a big reason to have extensions done by a trained artist rather than with a home kit. If you notice a reaction, have the set removed properly and see a doctor or dermatologist.
Infection
Infection is uncommon, but it’s more likely around broken skin, over-cut cuticles, or under a lifted nail. Signs include redness, swelling, pain, pus, or a green or dark patch under the nail.
How to avoid it: choose a clean studio, don’t cut your cuticles at home, and don’t leave lifted nails. See a doctor if you notice signs of infection.
Gel vs acrylic: which is gentler?
| Gel | Acrylic | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Thinner and more flexible | Harder and thicker |
| Strength | Good | Very strong, holds long shapes |
| Natural nail | Less likely to crack under it (AAD) | Surface is filed so it sticks |
| Price at our studio | Gel extensions ₹2,500 | Acrylic extensions ₹2,800 |
Both are safe for most people. If your nails are on the thin side, gel or a soft gel tip (₹2,200) is usually kinder. Our gel vs acrylic vs Gel-X guide goes into more detail.
What to expect at our studio
- We look at your nails first. If your natural nails are damaged, we’ll tell you, and suggest a gentler option or a break.
- We remove sets properly, never by force.
- We fix chips and lifts free after your service, so nothing gets left to get worse.
One of our Google reviewers went from years of nail-biting to healthy, longer nails in under five months. Done well, extensions can protect your nails while they grow.
When to take a break
Give your nails a rest if they feel thin, sore or bendy after removal, if you’ve had a skin reaction, or if a nail has an infection. A few weeks of short nails, cuticle oil and gloves for wet work help a lot. A gel overlay (₹1,500) can add strength without length while they recover.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you have a skin or nail condition, or a reaction you’re worried about, see a doctor or dermatologist.
See our aftercare guide and extension prices, or book a slot.
