Artificial nails can help you make a fashion statement or wear long nails if your real ones won’t grow. While long nails aren’t harmful, putting them on and taking them off can involve acids and other chemicals that could cause allergic reactions. Damage o artificial nails also can lead to fungal infections and other problems.

8 Things to Know About Artificial Nails

Go to a professional to get your nails done. At-home products ‘require a lot of skill, far more than do-it-yourself hair colour,’ says a beauty professional.

Choose a nail technician based on recommendations from friends, rather than basing it only on location or price. A lot of people walk into a salon down the street because they see a price in the window that looks attractive, but they’re not getting the same service s they would going to someone educated with the right skills. If your nail technician isn’t experienced, she can file your nail plate too thin when applying gels or acrylics, which can damage your nails.

Don’t peel off your artificial nails. They’re designed to adhere to the nail, so if you peel them off, it yanks off the top layer of your nail. After they’re off, your own natural nails should look healthy. Go to a pro to get it done right.

Leave your cuticle alone. Don’t let anyone at the nail salon cut or push back your cuticles. Breaking the seal between your fingernail and nail bed can lead to infections.

Don’t bandage or try to repair a damaged nail yourself. Go to a professional so you don’t get a nail infection.

Ask your technician how to care for your nails between visits. It’s important to get a good, knowledgeable nail technician, someone who can teach you how to properly maintain your nails.

Speak up if something seems off. Tell your technician if you’re in any pain after your artificial nails have been applied, because they aren’t supposed to hurt. If you develop rashes or itchiness around the fingertips or your eyes, face, or face, or neck, (which many women often touch with their hands). You could also ask your doctor if you’re sensitive to one of the ingredients in your artificial nails.

Never forget to go natural now and then. Many experts recommends skipping artificial nails occasionally, to give your own nails a break.