NO!!! IT DOES NOT!
Yes, I said what I said and I am talking from personal experience, as well as others’. Here in Nigeria they call Acrylic Overlays, ‘Wrapping’. The first time I heard the term ‘Wrapping’ was when I’d moved back to Nigeria and was getting a mani-pedi at a salon and the nail tech said to me: You should wrap your nails it will make them stronger… I shouldn’t have listened.
Getting an Acrylic Overlay will not grow your nails. Will your nails grow, absolutely, they should be growing all the time. But is it because of the acrylic overlay you get? NOPE! It may help retain the length, but it’s not the reason why your nails are growing.
What is an Acrylic Overlay?
I am not a nail professional and I think it’s safe to assume that most of our readers aren’t either, so I am going to define this in the best layman terms possible. An Acrylic overlay is when the acrylic powder and monomer mix is applied directly unto your natural nail bed, then buffed and filed into shape.
Getting an Acrylic Overlay does NOT strengthen your nails. Protect maybe, but strengthen NOPE.
Not entirely sure where the nail technicians here in Lagos got this notion, but it is rampant. I shared in a previous ‘Nail Tips’ post here, how when I first moved back to Nigeria I was advised by two different nail techs to get my nails wrapped, and I eventually succumbed. In actual fact, it did the exact OPPOSITE to my nails, it weakened them TERRIBLY. My nails were so weak that it hurt to even just touch my nail bed, it was that bad.
Now, when I talk about Acrylic Overlay, I’m not only referring to the finished product, I’m talking about the entire process; Application, Removal and even the Frequency (how often you get Acrylic Overlays done). Personally, I feel it’s the removal process that is the key perpetrator of the damage, if not done correctly. I will share more about this in my next ‘Nail Tips’ post.
I’m not one to generalise, especially when it comes to beauty, as one person’s experience can always differ from the next, but you will do good to heed this advice and steer clear of acrylic overlays unless absolutely necessary.
Please share your experience with me in the comments, let’s chat about it!
5 Comments
Tinu
5 years agoHi Ez, thanks for this. Have you considered actively using your YouTube channel? Given that most YouTubers aren’t particularly knowledgeable and are still successful, I really believe this is an area that will greatly benefit your brand because you are very knowledgable(you seem sweet as well). Please think about it.
Chidiebere
4 years agoHonestly I agree to everything you have said from experience. I wrapped my nails, did I retain length? yes it did like I have never seen ever in my life.
Here’s the down side my nails are still recovering from those wrapping. Just so sad and annoying. I am seriously caring for the nails till those weak ones completely leave my nail bed. As they grow out I cut.
I HAVE VOWED NEVERR TO DO THEM AGAIN.
Fran
3 years agoI’m glad I saw this. Was planning on ‘wrapping’. Thanks for the heads up
Ugochi
3 years agoLikewise. I was told it will “strengthen” my nails. Natural, all the way for wedding day it is. Tired of weak nails
Oyin_nails
11 months agoPersonally, I am not a female, nor do I wear nail. I am make and I am a nail tech. What I have come to realise over the year is this.
1: we don’t get good quality products here in Nigeria, and if you are to, they are frigging expensive and so aren’t commercially feasible.
2: Alot of client are careless about their nails and don’t carry them with care, they pull off rather than soak off their nails.
3: personally I feel overlays or wrapping just protect your nails from the rigours and non-challancy you put your hands through. They just act as shield and not necessarily have that “strength adding” factor to your nails. Hence they help grow out your nails and prevent tearing and snapping.
4; Acetone is said to soften or weaken nails; and there is no way to soak off those overlay without acetone. So my take will be to file the overlay as low as possible and tie a cotton ball soaked in acetone to at least reduce the volume of acetone your nails is exposed to during dissolving. Another way could be waiting your nails out till the overlay becomes weak and falls out on its own.
Overall, patience and continuous learning. Research and enlightenment is needed in this field as Alot of Nigerians neglect and look down on this practitioners. Your nails is very important, it tells Alot about your health and can promote healthy living. I am @oyin_nails on Instagram, and an Abuja based nail stylist.