Hybrid manicure is currently one of the most popular nail styling methods. Over the years, however, this method has become surrounded by various myths. The most commonly heard rumor is that hybrid manicure destroys nails. Does painting nails with hybrids actually weaken the nail plate? Let's clear up the doubts!
Does hybrid destroy nails? Debunking myths about hybrid manicure!
The popularity of hybrid manicure shouldn't come as a surprise. Hybrids offer a durable and aesthetic styling. Chips are much less common compared to traditional polishes, and the beautiful color can last on the nails for up to 3-4 weeks. The popularity of hybrids has led more women to start doing them at home, not just in salons under professional supervision. At the same time, rumors began to circulate that hybrids destroy nails. Is this really the case? It turns out that it’s not the hybrid manicure itself that negatively impacts the condition of the nail plate. However, improperly applied or removed hybrids can indeed negatively affect the condition of the nail plate.
Damaged nails after hybrids – what causes them?
Both the proper application and removal of hybrids require following several rules. Skipping these steps or seemingly innocent mistakes made at various stages of styling (or its removal) can result in the nail plate becoming brittle, weak, soft, and thin like paper. It's not the substances in hybrid nail polishes that negatively affect the nail plate, nor the supposedly too frequent application of hybrid stylings.
Contrary to popular belief, the nail plate doesn't need to "breathe" because it is not living tissue like the skin, for example. It is a product of the epidermis, and its purpose is to protect the fingertip. Since it’s not alive, it doesn’t need to breathe or "rest" between stylings. However, it can be weakened and damaged by care mistakes or interference with the living part that is not visible - the matrix. Damaging the matrix also affects the unfavorable appearance of nails, including the formation of unsightly ridges, which can happen, for example, by incorrectly removing cuticles and pressing on the nail core with a pusher.
Does hybrid strengthen nails?
Properly done hybrids not only don't destroy but even protect nails. Hybrid polish, cured under a UV or LED lamp, creates a sort of protective layer that not only doesn’t chip but also shields the nail plate from breaking, crumbling, and adverse external factors. Therefore, hybrid polish can be beneficial for nails, provided it is skillfully removed! Among the negative impacts are unprofessional removal by filing down the nail plate to remove the polish with a drill or long soaking in acetone, which weakens and destroys the nail plate.
How to do hybrid manicure without damaging nails?
How to perform a hybrid manicure to avoid weakening the nails? It’s worth adhering to four rules:
- Proper preparation of the plate for the hybrid,
- Proper application of each polish layer,
- Proper curing of the polish,
- Proper removal of the hybrid.
All four principles must be maintained if you want to wear hybrids for a long time. So how to do hybrids professionally and safely?
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Proper preparation of the nail plate for hybrid polish – what to watch out for?
If after removing the hybrid, the nail has become soft, brittle, breakable, and thin, it wasn’t the application of the polish (provided it was a good quality polish) that caused this condition. Think about how you performed the initial steps of the styling, specifically preparing the plate for the hybrid. Many people make mistakes at this stage, which weaken the nails before they are even painted.
To apply a hybrid properly, you need to thoroughly prepare the cuticles, file the nails, shape them, mattify the plate, and degrease it. This essential procedure ensures that the polish adheres better to the plate. However, if you performed it too vigorously, you might have damaged the top layer of the nail. These damages can be painful and do not regenerate. Unfortunately, you have to wait for the nail to grow back. Therefore, remember always to mattify the plate gently, not pressing the block or file too hard and not filing too long and intensively. Also, inexpert work with a drill can end in damaging or even over-filing the nail. Both too much pressure and setting the tool at the wrong angle can do a lot of harm. Be careful when pushing back cuticles – too intensive work with a pusher can damage the matrix.
Proper application of hybrid nail polish
Remember that hybrid styling includes more than just applying polish. Before the polish, you should paint your nails with a base coat. The base ensures better adhesion and durability of the polish and also protects the nail. If your nails are naturally quite soft and easily break, choose a base with nourishing ingredients to strengthen the plate.
When applying the polish, adhere to one crucial rule – apply it only to the plate. Flooding the cuticles will cause the polish to detach and, as a result, weaken the plate.
Proper removal of hybrid nail polish
Improper removal of hybrids is a very common cause of weakened nails – if done incorrectly. If you lack experience, it’s best, to begin with, to let a professional handle the removal of hybrids, someone who performs hybrid manicures daily and has experience in this area. Firstly, never try to scrape or tear off the hybrid. The polish is hard and adheres to the nail plate much more firmly than regular polish. Therefore, attempts to scrape off the hybrid can end in nail damage – even at the level of its deep layer! Also, too long soaking of nails in acetone, sometimes described as a popular home method of removing polish, is a mistake that results in weakened plates. Acetone dissolves the polish effectively and safely, but only if the soaking doesn’t last too long.
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Otherwise, it can negatively affect the plate and dry out the skin around the nails, making the hands look damaged. How then to remove hybrids to keep nails in impeccable condition? Professionals use a nail drill for this purpose, but without the right skills, it’s not worth diving in headfirst. If you press the device too hard, you’ll cause painful damage to the nail. Here, technique is crucial – knowing at what speed, angle, and direction to work. If you’re just starting with hybrids, as a beginner, it’s better to equip yourself with a file of, for example, 100/180 grit. With gentle nail file movements, first remove the top coat. Remember to do this delicately. Don’t press the tool too hard on the nail. After removing the top, you can proceed to remove the color. For this, wrap your fingers individually in pieces of aluminum foil and use a remover, which is gentler than acetone. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The polish should dissolve after 6-10 minutes. You can remove the remaining color with a stick – it will be soft enough to do this effortlessly.
Do you need to take a break from hybrids?
Should you take a break after removing hybrids and not apply another styling immediately? If so, how often should you take breaks from hybrids? Opinions vary, although generally, cosmetologists agree that if the hybrid was properly applied and removed, and the nails are healthy, there is no need to take breaks between stylings. In fact, it takes 3 to 5 months for the matted nail plate to fully grow back. Some specialists recommend such a break for plate regeneration from time to time, but it is not necessary.
However, hybrid use should be stopped immediately if you notice symptoms of allergy, severe dryness, redness, or other changes around the nail or skin. If you have over-filed the plate, take a break from hybrids as well. If your nails are healthy, there is no need to take breaks between stylings, but you can, of course, take breaks to use this time to nourish the nails. Choose a protein-rich conditioner with oils to strengthen and revitalize the nails. Apply oils twice a day. You can also soak your fingers in lemon juice for 10 minutes a day – a simple home remedy for beautiful nails. Add horsetail to your supplements and include foods rich in vitamins and minerals in your diet, especially zinc, calcium, magnesium, and biotin.
Does hybrid destroy nails? No, as long as it is properly applied and removed. Remember all the important aspects of hybrid styling, and you will enjoy healthy, well-groomed hybrid nails.
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