Nail Art Trend Gains Popularity, Doctor Warns Against Reckless Removal of Fake Nails
SURABAYA, Surabaya, JAWA TIMUR – The nail art industry has grown rapidly in recent years. From major cities to the districts, specialist nail gel and nail art salons have sprung up, including in Surabaya, East Java.
Prices vary, ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of rupiah, depending on design and technique.
For some women with nails prone to breaking or thin nails, fake nails provide a practical solution to feel confident. On the other hand, business opportunities in this field are wide open, even for MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) without a formal educational background.
A lecturer in Dermatology and Venereology at the Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University (Unair) in Surabaya, Dr. Medhi Denisa Alinda, dr., Sp.DVE, Subsp.D.T., emphasises the importance of proper procedures to avoid damage to the natural nail.
According to her, nail damage most often occurs during the removal process. Acetone (dimethyl ketone) is the solvent most recommended for false nails.
“The process involves soaking the nails in a small container of solvent until the layer of fake nails softens and lifts off slowly,” the doctor, who is commonly known as Medhi, told Kompas.com.
In addition to acetone, ethyl acetate and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) can also be used, although acetone remains the primary choice.
Because nail wraps made from cyanoacrylate material are relatively easier to remove, as they are not polymers with strong cross-linking and have lower resistance to solvents. They are usually soaked for less than 10 minutes until completely removed.
Pre-filing or initial filing can help reduce the thickness of the layer and speed up the process. Therefore, this action must be performed carefully to avoid abrading the natural nail plate.
“Prying off or forcibly pulling off fake nails can cause the nail plate to lift and suffer significant damage,” she added.
However, studies show that using them for more than six months can reduce the amino acid content in the nail plate. This condition makes the nails more brittle.
In addition, repeated application and removal can cause the nails to appear worn, thin, rough, and dull.
“If these conditions are observed, it is advisable to take a break before the next application to allow the nails time to recover,” said the doctor who also works at RSUD dr. Soetmo, RS Unair and Erha Ultimate Jemursari.
Dr. Medhi also clarifies the myth that nails must be removed regularly to “breathe.” After all, nails are not living tissue that breathes like skin.
“Removal should be performed only when necessary and with the correct technique,” she adds.