I've worn acrylic nails off and on for 10 years...how do I go back to natural? My nails look like crap?

Answer 1

Do not use a nail clipper. Only use a nail file to shape and shorten them. Protect your nails with thicker moisturizers to protect them from exposure to water which dries them out & makes them brittle.

Try Revlon's disposable files made for weak nails. File in one direction only. Start on one side and file towards the middle, then go to the other side and file towards the middle of your nail. Smooth the nail into a squoval that mirrors you cuticle or the shape of the white part of your nail bed.

Finish the edges of the nail with a hindo stone, a smooth ceramic/stone nail file or the finest grit nail file you can find. You want to make the edges really smooth.

Also, avoid using metal nail files. I recommend using disposable nail files and changing them frequently. The fresher the grit, the less the drag which leads to tearing and peeling.

I also use a cuticle balm or nail oil to moisturize my nails and protect them from water since I wash my hands frequently.
(ex. Solar Oil, OPI Avoplex)

Vit E oil, jojoba oil, Aquaphor Healing Ointment, Vaseline or plain Chapstick will work too.

Avoid products w/ formaldehyde or toluene, they are very hard on nails.

Some women swear by taking pre-natal vitamins.

When your nails get thicker & more resilient consider buffing them instead of using nail polish. How to video: http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-file-and-buff-your-nails

Answer 2

I've had acrylic nails myself off and on for a long time now and I hate the way it looks when I remove the nails. You have to let your nails grow back for them to look normal again. Its takes a while but just be patient. If your very impatient, try filing the surface of your nail to smooth out bumps and ridges.

Answer 3

the only way to do it is every night for about four months you have to soak your nails in all natural virgin olive oil for 5 min. and after just let the olive oil set in every night, if lines are there from the dryness of the chemicals of acrylic nails then buy the nail manicure set from bath and bodyworks try the cuticle soother and nail buffer.

Answer 4

You'll really have to wait until they grow back out, but start eating more protein (such as peanuts) and sally hansen has a nail gloss that speeds growth. Good luck!

Answer 5

get a acrylic nail desinged for people trying to grow nails. i forgot what they are called but they are short

Answer 6

go to you nail salon and ask the ladies there. =)