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Should I Let my Nails “Breathe” Between Manicures?

Have you ever been advised to let your nails “breathe” between polish applications? Many believe that applying polish back-to-back can alter nail integrity. Let’s see if this belief holds up to the facts.

Brief anatomy lesson

Let’s make one thing clear: nails do not breathe! Blood, not air, is what supplies them with oxygen and nutrients.

Nails are composed of keratin, a protein also found in hair. Your nails are made up of three superimposed layers of keratin.

1. Dorsal (uppermost) layer: the hardest, on which polish is applied;
2. Intermediate layer: the thickest, flexible;
3. Ventral (lower) layer: contains the nerve endings and blood vessels.

So, technically, your nails don’t need a break between manis and pedis. That being said, some situations do call for putting down your favourite bottle of polish.

Dry and brittle nails

If your nails are weak, break or split, it might help to avoid applying nail polish. This will speed up recovery of the keratin cells. You may want to read our article on the subject.

Acetone, yes, but not too much

Acetone should not be used too often. The solvent in this type of product is very potent. Over time, it causes nails to become drier and much more fragile. If this is the case, it is recommended to moisturize your hands daily and apply a treatment and cuticle oil on a regular basis.

Our suggestions:

All good things must come to an end

Keeping a manicure or pedicure for too long can lead to nail surface deformities. Old polish on toenails is a big no-no. It is critical to never scratch polish. This bad habit strips off the dorsal (uppermost) layer. The results? Soft and brittle nails.

So, to sum up, there is no risk of suffocating your nails. It’s just a matter of using the right products and, if necessary, going natural for a few days.