As the nail community grows, so do the nail myths that we need to debunk. It could be easy to fall for these myths, especially if they have been passed on to generations. Some may even be unaware that they’re actively practicing one or two of these myths. To become a trusted nail tech, we must develop open-mindedness and a love for learning all things nail. No more bending of facts; let’s all stretch the truth! All hands on deck as we nail down the facts about these 10 shocking things every nail tech should know. 1. Refrigerating gel polish is the only key to longevity Myth. Putting things inside the refrigerator is our first instinct when we want to preserve them. We hate to break it to you, but placing your gel polish inside the refrigerator does not guarantee it will last longer. Though it is well known that cooler temperatures may lengthen shelf life, refrigerating the gel polish could alter its chemical composition, making it thicker and requiring the product to be warmed back to room temperature again. Nail technicians must remember that good maintenance for nail products is still the best thing to do. For gel polish to last longer and retain quality, we advise keeping it in optimal condition at room temperature (avoid too hot or too cold) and closing the lid properly. Read our comprehensive guide on proper nail storage and organization. 2. Our nails do not need to “breathe” Fact. The never-ending question about whether or not they need to breathe finally has an answer. Yup, our dear nails do not need to “breathe” because they already get the essential vitamins, oxygen, and blood supply from the nail bed underneath. Hence, we should not worry about any nail damage if our nails are generally healthy. Just keep in mind that taking a break is recommended when you start to experience any nail and hand health issues or are exposed to extreme conditions. 3. Eating gelatin can strengthen our nails Myth. It would be such a dream for a sweet tooth to hear gelatin supports our nail health. Sad to say, consuming gelatin does not strengthen our nails at all. Gelatin is a protein derived from collagen, which basically means it is a cooked form of collagen. Since our hair and nails are made of the protein keratin, some believe that consuming gelatin will encourage growth and strength for our nails. What we should consume instead are healthy food and electrolytes-rich drinks that are long proven to support our body, including the nails. 4. Increasing your price does not mean decreasing clients Fact. After many years of serving our clients with quality nails, it’s about time we increase our rates. We understand the fear of losing some clients with this change but trust that the great relationships you’ve built over the years will bear fruit. Factors like the economy and your nail expertise should convince you enough to increase your price. You’ll be able to sleep well at night knowing that you are well-compensated for your work. Believe in your craft and embrace self-worth! 5. Gel nails are better than dip or acrylic nails Myth. We’re sure you’ve come across several articles or videos about the battle between gel and dip/acrylic nails. Different opinions have been circulating online, and we’re here to be the bearer of the news that neither of them is better than the other–it’s all about preference and compatibility. We have different moods or tastes when it comes to nail application and that is totally fine! When it comes to compatibility, some get allergic reactions to gel while some tend to have more issues with dip or acrylic. Here’s a guide to nail allergies to learn how they develop. 6. Nail polish remover must not be used for thinning clumpy nail polish Fact. If you’ve read our How To Restore And Prevent Thick, Dry Gel Polishes blog, you likely already know that nail polish remover, like acetone, is not recommended to thin out clumpy nail polishes. The best product to use when experiencing this issue is a gel polish thinner, which is excellent for returning your liquids to their original consistency. Acetone should be avoided because it is a liquid solvent that can break down and dissolve the ingredients of a gel polish. 7. Nail Tech Insurance does not offer any benefits Myth. Whether you’re a mobile nail tech or a nail salon owner, take our word for it. We’ve heard horror stories from business owners or nail techs about nail sessions that didn’t go well, equipment accidents, property damages, and more. For a worry-free nail journey, Nail Tech insurance is a must to protect your business from major damages or liabilities. Remember, being prepared is always better, especially for any event that might hurt the reputation and financial matters of the business. 8. Every nail lamp out there is different Fact. Regardless of the nail brand, all lamps have different components. As you can see on our Gel & Lacquer FAQ, curing times vary depending on the type of lamp (UV, LED, or UV/LED). Key components like wavelength, voltage, bulb placement strategy, smart sensors, and more are provided and should be read thoroughly to ensure a successful nail session. Each of the mentioned components highly contributes to the quality of your nails after the curing process and helps you determine which lamp is a good match for you. 9. Cold water helps your nail polish dry faster Myth. News flash! This has been proven and tested on a Busting 6 Popular Nail Myths! Video. Cold water for sure does not help in drying your nail polish faster, rather delays the process. Every nail session requires our patience and this “nail hack” will just cause you major inconvenience. It will make your nails look gooey and uneven, and who wants that? If you don’t want to see dented or chipped nails, then say goodbye to this myth. 10. Nail biting is not just a habit; it has a proper medical name: Onychophagia Fact. At one point in our lives, we developed certain habits that we deemed normal. One of the most common and often ignored behaviors is nail biting, medically known as Onychophagia. This habit could affect one’s mental and physical health and must be checked overall by a medical professional. Additionally, having a trusted nail tech can help boost your confidence and make you feel more at ease when achieving a nail peg that you like. The more aware you are, the better! Do you want to share any nail myths or nail facts that are not on the list? We can’t wait to learn about them on our iGel Beauty Facebook Community! Our wonderful and warm community talks about all things related to nails, and there are valuable tips that you don’t want to miss. Join now and let’s unmask together these common nail myths! ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Written by Alyssa Bueno Alyssa Bueno, a true beauty enthusiast, brings her passion for writing and beauty to life as a writer for iGel Beauty. With diverse editorial background and industry expertise, Alyssa shares the current trends and curates tutorials and tips to inspire nail lovers worldwide.
