Acrylic nails can look absolutely fabulous, making them a popular choice for those who love to flaunt their style. But if you’re wondering, “Can I go swimming with these sturdy beauties?”, the true answer lies in understanding how they handle water. Acrylic nails might hold up well in some situations, but when they become overexposed to moisture regularly, damage can occur. Swimming, especially for long periods, might weaken their bond, making them prone to lifting or cracking.
To keep your nails in their best shape, there’s an opportunity to focus on care. Invest in some pedicure essentials to protect them from harm and keep their luxurious look intact. If you’re someone who swims often, it’s important to minimize overexposed situations. Celebrities, known for their fake nails, also prioritize care to maintain their stunning appearance. Remember, the key is moderation. Acrylic nails are designed to be stylish but require a little extra attention to stay as strong and beautiful as they appear.
Can You Swim with Acrylic Nails? How Long Do They Last?
Acrylic nails are designed to be waterproof, but too much exposure to water can weaken them over time. If you plan to go swimming, it’s important to ensure your nails stay dry as much as possible. Taking a dip in the pool for a short period is usually forgivable, but you should never abuse their durability. A few laps won’t hurt, but always wipe your nails dry after. Jump ahead and enjoy a quick swim, but keep in mind that long and repeated contact with water is not ideal. You can maintain the beauty of your nails by treating them well and avoiding unnecessary strain.
Essential Tips for Swimming with Acrylic Nails: Before & After Care
Don’t worry about your acrylic nails when heading to the beach or a pool party with friends; just follow these simple rules to keep them safe and have as much fun as you want.
Preparation Tips for Swimming
Make sure to inspect your acrylic nails’ condition before swimming.
If your acrylic nails are lifting, you must be careful as they may pop off anytime; try to avoid staying underwater for too long, and inspect your nails before swimming to ensure they are in good condition.
Have your nails refilled.
Visit the salon a day before swimming to have your acrylic nails filled, so there won’t be any gaps where water can penetrate, keeping them safe and ready to go.
Use nail moisturizer, cuticle oil, or lotion on your nails.
Applying cuticle oil, nail moisturisers, or lotions can give your nails an extra layer of protection against water, even if you don’t have baby oil handy.
Post-Swimming Care:
Clean your hands thoroughly.
Wash your hands thoroughly in the shower to ensure chlorine or salt from the water is rinsed off your acrylic nails and kept safe.
Ensure your hands are fully dry.
Always dry your hands after touching water to prevent acrylic nails from damage, and use gloves when washing dishes or doing the laundry to keep them safe.
Apply moisturizer.
Moisturize your hands and nails after swimming with lotions to keep them healthy and make sure they stay good as new.
Can Chlorine Damage Acrylic Nails?
Chlorine doesn’t ruin acrylic nails, but being overexposed can weaken their adhesion and cause them to lift. If you swim regularly or for an extended period, you may have a problem. Chlorine can also irritate your skin and eyes, so it’s probably creating the same effect on your nails. To stay safe, limit your time in the pool and avoid dipping for more than an hour.
Helpful Tips for Swimming with Acrylic Nails
Here are some tips to follow so you can enjoy swimming while having fabulous nails and keeping them safe.
Keep your nails protected.
Don’t jump into the water without nail protection; apply cuticle oil before swimming as it will help repel water and keep your nails safe.
Rinse your nails and dry them thoroughly after swimming.
Take extra time to rinse your nails and dry them completely after swimming, ensuring chlorine doesn’t linger longer than it should on your hands and nails.
Avoid swimming with freshly done nails.
Avoid swimming with freshly done acrylic nails, as they must completely dry for at least 12 hours to prevent them from getting damaged in the pool.
Touch up
Don’t forget to visit the salon the day after your swim, so the nail technician can inspect your nails, do touch-ups as needed, and apply a topcoat to keep the designs intact.
Why is choosing a skilled technician so important?
Choose a good nail technician who is an expert in acrylic nails, so you can have full confidence in getting the best results with both design and durability.
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