Why Does My Acrylic Nail Hurt? – 13 Causes and Treatment

Why do my acrylic nails hurt? Ever experienced discomfort or pain with them? You’re not alone.

Knowing why it happens is crucial for comfy nails. I’ll dive into the causes and help you find relief. I’m here to make your acrylic nail journey pain-free.

Read on to learn the following;

Do acrylic nails hurt?
Why do my nails hurt after getting them done?
How long will my nails hurt after getting acrylics?

How to relieve pain from acrylic nails
What to do when your acrylic nail hurts
How to stop acrylic nails from hurting

Why Does My Acrylic Nail Hurt?

Your nail hurt because Too Much Filing was Done to the Natural Nails, The Cuticles were Not Prepped Correctly, Natural Nails were too Thin & Weak, The Acrylic Nails were Shrinking & Tightening, Allergic Reaction, Acrylic crack, and The Acrylic Nails were too Thick.

Do Acrylic Nails Hurt?

It depends. It is normal for nails to hurt after acrylics for first-timers.

But if you’ve had them before, the answer is no; they shouldn’t hurt. This is because your nails comprise two layers: the nail plate and the nail bed.

The nail plate is the hard, protective outer layer that you can see, and the nail bed is the softer, more sensitive inner layer.

Acrylic nails are applied to the nail plate, so if you’ve never had them before, it’s normal for your nails to feel slightly tender afterward.

However, if you’ve had them before, your nails should have toughened up and won’t be as sensitive.

So, if it’s your first time getting acrylics, they may hurt a little bit – but if you’ve had them before, then no, they shouldn’t hurt at all.

Read: Difference between acrylics and tips

Why Do My Acrylic Nails Hurt?

There are a few different reasons your nails are sore after getting acrylics. The most common ones are:

1. Too much filing was done to the natural nails

When your technician files down your natural nails to prep them for the acrylics, they might take too much off.

This can make your nails thinner and more sensitive than usual, leading to discomfort when you put the acrylics on top.

So, if you have sensitive nails after acrylics, take a break from the fake nails for a few days and give your natural nails a chance to recover.

2. The cuticles were not prepped correctly

If your technician doesn’t properly prep your cuticles before applying the acrylics, it can cause the acrylic to lift and separate from your nails.

This can lead to pain, as well as infection such as greenie nails.

So if you’re experiencing discomfort after getting your nails done, check that your cuticles are properly prepped.

3. Natural nails were too thin & weak

This is one of the most common reasons why nails hurt after acrylic.

If your natural nails are too thin or weak, they can’t support the weight of the acrylics.

This can cause the acrylics to bend and pressure your nail beds, leading to pain.

If you have weak or thin nails, it’s important to be extra careful when getting acrylics.

Ensure your technician is aware of your nail condition and take breaks from the fake nails every few weeks to give your natural nails a chance to recover.

4. The acrylic nails are shrinking & tightening

As the acrylics dry, they will shrink and tighten. Unfortunately, this can cause the acrylics to pull on your natural nails, which can be quite painful.

If you’re experiencing acrylic nails pain, try soaking your hands in warm water for a few minutes to help loosen the acrylics.

5. An allergic reaction

If you’re allergic to acrylic material, it can cause an intense burning sensation when the nails are applied.

Also, allergic reactions can cause the nails to lift and separate from the nail bed, leading to pain and infection.

If you think you might be allergic to acrylics, see a doctor before applying them. So how will you know you have an allergic reaction to acrylics?

The symptoms usually show up within 24 hours after the nails are applied. They include:

Itching
Swelling

Redness
Blisters

You must see a doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Allergic reactions can be very serious, so it’s important to get medical help right away.

6. Acrylic crack

If you have an acrylic nail that cracks, it can be quite painful. The pain is caused by the pressure of the acrylic on your nail bed.

See a technician as soon as possible so they can fix it.

Otherwise, the crack can become worse and lead to an infection. In case you want a home remedy on how to fix a cracked acrylic nail, here is one:

Take a cotton ball and soak it in acetone.
Press the soaked cotton ball on the crack for a few minutes.
Use a cuticle pusher to gently push the acrylic off your nail.

Soak your nails in warm water for five minutes.
Gently file away any sharp edges.
Apply a coat of clear acrylic paint nail polish.

7. The acrylic nails were too thick

The technicians use a very thick layer of acrylic when they apply your nails, and after a few days, that thick layer starts to compress the natural nails underneath.

This is what causes sore nails after acrylics. If your acrylic nails are too thick, it can cause them to bend and put pressure on your nail beds.

This can lead to pain and difficulties performing everyday tasks like typing or opening cans.

If you think your acrylic nails are too thick, talk to your technician about it. They can thin out the acrylics so they’re more comfortable to wear.

So, how thick should acrylic nails be? Read our guide for more information.

8. The acrylic nails are too long

Long acrylic nails can cause a lot of problems. First, they’re more likely to break. Second, they can put pressure on your nail beds and cause pain.

Third, they can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks like typing or opening cans.

If you want to avoid these problems, talk to your technician about the length of your acrylic nails.

9. The acrylic nails have a pointy tip

This might not seem like a big deal, but it can be painful. The pointy tips of the nails can dig into your skin, leading to pain and irritation.

If you want to avoid acrylic nail throbbing pain, talk to your technician about the shape of your acrylic nails.

Also, try finding out some of the best fake nail shapes to wear.

10. Bacteria or fungal infection

Another reason your acrylic nails might hurt is a bacteria or fungal infection. This can happen if the technician doesn’t properly clean under acrylic nails before applying the acrylics.

Or if they use dirty tools. If you think you might have an infection, it’s important to see a doctor right away.

Bacterial infections can be very serious and lead to complications if they’re not treated properly.

11. An acid nail primer was used

Acid nail primers are used to help the acrylics adhere to the nails. But if too much acid is used, it can cause pain and irritation.

If you think your nails are hurting because of an acid nail primer, talk to your technician about it.

They can adjust the amount of acid they use, so it doesn’t hurt your nails.

12. Too much force was used

This is one of the most common reasons people have sore fingernails after acrylic. It can be easy to damage your nails if the technician is not careful.

If you feel the technician is too rough with your nails, speak up! Ask them to go easier so you don’t get in pain later.

13. Inadequate curing of the acrylic

Inadequate acrylic curing during the nail application process can contribute to discomfort or pain.

Curing refers to hardening the acrylic using a UV or LED lamp. Insufficient or improper curing can result in the acrylic not properly set or bonding properly, leading to a soft or tacky texture.

This incomplete curing can cause discomfort when pressure is applied to the nails, making them more susceptible to bending, breaking, or lifting.

To avoid this issue, nail technicians need to follow proper curing techniques and ensure adequate time for complete and thorough curing of the acrylic.

Read also: How to ask for fake nails at salon.

How Long Will My Nails Hurt After Getting Acrylics?

Any initial discomfort or tenderness may last a day or two as your nails adjust to the new acrylics.

The duration of nail pain can vary depending on individual sensitivity and the specific circumstances of the application.

However, consult a professional nail technician for evaluation if the pain persists.

Remember to follow proper nail care practices, such as avoiding excessive pressure or trauma to the nails, to minimize discomfort and maintain healthy nails.

How to Relieve Pain From Acrylic Nails

You can dip your fingers in cold water to relieve acrylic nail pain. The cold temperature helps reduce inflammation and numb the area, providing temporary relief.

The cold water constricts blood vessels, reducing swelling and soothing any discomfort. However, if the pain persists, consult a professional nail technician or healthcare provider.

Alternative acrylic nail pain relief methods;

Try massaging your nails and cuticles with a little lotion or oil. This will help to loosen the acrylics and ease the pain.

You can also take over-the-counter pain medication if the pain is severe.
And finally, make sure to talk to your technician about the problem. They can adjust the nails so they’re more comfortable to wear.

Interesting read: Acrylic nail alternatives.

Why Do My Nails Hurt After Dip Powder?

If you’ve ever dipped your nails into powder and found yourself with a throbbing headache, you’re not alone.

Many people report feeling pain after dip-powdering their nails, which can be confusing (and frustrating). There are a few possible explanations for why this happens.

First, it could be that you’re allergic to the ingredients in the powder. If that’s the case, you’ll likely experience symptoms like itching, redness, or swelling in addition to the pain.

Second, it’s possible that you’re not using the proper technique when applying the powder. If you’re not careful, you can inhale the powder, leading to lung and throat irritation.
Finally, you could dip your nails too deeply into the powder. If the powder is getting on your skin, it can cause irritation and pain.

If you’re experiencing pain after dip powdering your nails, try switching to a different brand or formula to see if that helps.

And if all else fails, consult a doctor to rule out any other potential causes of your pain.

Why Do My Nails Hurt After Taking Off Acrylics?

There are a few reasons why your nails might hurt after taking off acrylics.

One of the most common reasons is that the natural nails were damaged during removal.

If the technician uses too much force when removing the acrylics, it can cause pain and irritation.

Another reason is that the cuticles were not properly cared for during removal.

If they’re not moisturized, they can become dry and cracked, leading to pain. Finally, it’s possible that the removal process caused an infection.

If you think you might have an infection, it’s important to see a doctor right away.

How to Take Off Painful Acrylic Nails without Acetone

If your acrylic nails are causing you pain, you might wonder how to remove them without using acetone.

One of the best ways is to remove acrylic nails with hot water. The hot water will help loosen the acrylics and make them easier to remove.
Next, gently remove the acrylics with a nail file or emery board. Be careful not to file too deeply, as this can damage your natural nails.
Finally, remove residual acrylic from a cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover.

You can talk to your technician if you have trouble removing the acrylics. They can help you remove them without causing any pain.

Nails sore from acrylics FAQs

Why do acrylic nails hurt the first day?

Acrylic nails hurt on the first day due to the tight sensation caused by the acrylic forming a firm seal over the natural nails. This tightness can create pressure and sensitivity, resulting in temporary pain or discomfort. However, this sensation typically subsides as the nails adjust and you get accustomed to wearing acrylics.

Why are my acrylic nails hurting me?

There are a few reasons why your acrylic nails might be causing you pain. One of the most common reasons is that too much force was used during the application process. Another reason is that the cuticles were not properly cared for during removal. Finally, it’s possible that the removal process caused an infection. If you think you might have an infection, it’s important to see a doctor right away.

Why do my acrylic nails hurt after a week?

If your acrylic nails are causing you pain after a week, you must talk to your technician about it. They might be able to adjust the nails so they’re more comfortable. It’s also possible that the pain is being caused by an infection. If you think you might have an infection, it’s important to see a doctor right away.

How do you get rid of an acrylic nail pain?

If your acrylic nails are causing you pain, you can do a few things to ease the discomfort. First, try soaking your hands in warm water for five minutes. This will help relax the muscles and reduce inflammation. Try massaging your nails and cuticles with a little lotion or oil. This will help to loosen the acrylics and ease the pain. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication if the pain is severe. And finally, make sure to talk to your technician about the problem. They can adjust the nails so they’re more comfortable to wear.

Why does my nail bed hurt under my acrylic?

Your nail bed is the soft tissue beneath your fingernails. It’s what gives your nails their shape and helps them grow.
The nail bed can become irritated or even damaged if an acrylic nail is applied improperly. There are a few reasons why this might happen:
Too much filing was done to the natural nails: If too much filing is done, it can thin out the nail bed and make it more susceptible to damage.
The cuticles were not prepped correctly: If the cuticles are not pushed back or trimmed properly, they can cause the acrylic to lift.
Natural nails were too thin & weak: If your natural nails are too thin or weak, they might not be able to support the weight of the acrylic.
The acrylic nails are shrinking & tightening: If the acrylic is not applied correctly, it can shrink and tighten over time. This can cause the nail bed to become irritated or even damaged.

How do I know if my acrylic nail is infected?

There are a few signs that you might have an infection:
Your nails are red, swollen, or painful.
You have pus or discharge coming from your nails.
Your nails are starting to separate from the nail bed.
You have a fever or chills.

Why do acrylic nails hurt when you hit them?

Acrylic nails can hurt when you hit them because of a potential damage to the nail bed and other nail tissues. If your nail takes a significant hit, it will hurt more. However, if the acrylic is intact, it’s highly unlikely that the nail underneath will be torn.

Do fake nails hurt?

Fake nails, like acrylic or gel nails, should not cause pain when properly applied. However, discomfort can occur due to improper application or excessive pressure. Long or thick nails can also lead to discomfort. Allergic reactions to the materials used are possible. If experiencing pain, consult a professional nail technician for assessment and adjustments.

What to do when your acrylic nail hurts?

If your acrylic nail hurts severely and the pain persists, remove the acrylic nail. Removing the source of discomfort can help alleviate the pain. You can visit a professional nail technician for safe removal or follow proper at-home removal techniques.

Why Do My Nails Hurt after Getting them Done? – Summary

Why does my acrylic nail hurt? If you’re experiencing pain from your acrylic nails, talk to your technician about it.

There are a few reasons they might be causing you discomfort, and they can usually be fixed with a simple adjustment.

However, if the pain is severe or you think you have an infection, it’s important to see a doctor immediately.

Thanks for reading! Hope this helps.

David

David, an acrylic paint expert, brings his imaginative ideas to life with vibrant brushstrokes. Known for pushing artistic boundaries with his palette knife, his whimsical, story-telling artwork captivates viewers worldwide. For David creating art isn’t just a job, but a profound passion.