Long before gels, acrylics were the standard for a lavish nail look that endured.
But here’s the thing: Acrylics can often damage your natural nails, causing them to yellow.
Meet the Experts
What Are Acrylic Nails?
Lucas Ottone / Stocksy / Byrdie
Green notes that another chemical, ethyl methacrylate (EMA), is used during the acrylic process.
“EMA is most common in acrylic nail products today and safe for use.
Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is another bonding agent used in nail products.”
Correa says that the popularity of acrylic nails is due to their aesthetic and performance.
This allows more flexibility when it comes to being creative with the fashion on your nails."
Correa notes that some people use acrylics on toenails as well.
“On toenails, they are used to cover or hide nails that are usually cracked or broken.”
What Causes Discoloration After Removing Acrylic Nails?
Nails can often be a barometer of general health, according to Green.
Read on for some of the most common reasons nails yellow after acrylics.
Fungal Infection
Fungal infection is the most common cause of yellowing, according to our experts.
Nail fungus infection starts as a white or yellow spot under the tip of the fingernail or toenail."
If a fungal infection developed while the acrylics were on, improper removal can make the situation worse.
“Often, incorrectly removing the acrylic naildamages the natural nails underneath,” says Green.
“The removal process requires a lot of filing and the use of chemicals.
If the nails are filed too far, the nail will become thin and weak.
Also, poor quality removers can also irritate the skin around the nail.”
She notes that whenremoving or cleaning the nails, it’s best to use a non-acetone polish remover.
“Using traditional acetone polish remover can exacerbate the yellowing.”
As the nail fungal infection progresses, yellow discoloration isn’t the only symptom, according to Green.
Other symptoms of nail fungus include distorted shape, foul smell, or brittle and crumbly texture."
Dehydration
Just as your skin can becomedehydrated, so, too, can your nails.
“Nail discoloration often happens because nails become dehydrated from all the chemicals,” notes Correa.
She adds that smoking can cause yellowing stains on or after acrylic nails.
Do note that if a fungal infection persists, you should seek a dermatologist’s care.
Nail Soak Treatment
Both Correa and Green like nail soak treatments to reduce the appearance of yellowing.
Green recommends soaking your nails in a hydrogen peroxide solution to reduce yellowing.
“Soak your nails in diluted hydrogen peroxide.
The solution should have a 1:3 ratio, consisting of one part peroxide and three parts water.”
“Any sign of fungal infections on the nail should be treated with antifungals, whether topical or oral.
She recommends that during this period, you refrain from getting your nails wet.
“Keep the affected nails covered when taking a shower or getting them wet in general.
I suggest using Fungi Fix Hypoallergenic Sleeves to keep moisture out while the nail grows out.”
Signs of fungal infection are a good indication that a visit to the dermatologist is in order.
According to Green, “applying acrylic nails requires the surface of the nail to be rough.”
to make it properly remove acrylics, a technician must once again file the nails.
If nails become overly filed, Green notes they will become weak, brittle, and damaged.
