Nail care advice is everywhere, but not all of it is true. Common myths about nails get repeated so often that people accept them as fact. These misconceptions can lead to poor nail care habits and unnecessary worry.
At iNAILS in Moncks Corner, we believe in facts over fiction. Understanding the truth about your nails helps you care for them properly. Here are the most common nail myths and the real science behind them.
Myth 1: Nails Need to Breathe
One of the most widespread myths is that nails need air to stay healthy. People believe polish and extensions suffocate nails, so they take breaks to let them breathe.
The truth:
Nails don’t breathe. Your nail plate is made of dead keratin cells with no ability to absorb oxygen. All the oxygen your nails need comes from your bloodstream, not the air around them.
Wearing polish or extensions doesn’t harm your nails by blocking air. What does matter is proper application, quality products, and gentle removal. Taking breaks from polish isn’t necessary unless you want to give your nails a rest from color.
Myth 2: Gel and Acrylic Nails Ruin Your Natural Nails
Many people avoid gel polish and acrylic nails because they believe these services damage natural nails permanently.
The truth:
Gel and acrylic don’t ruin your nails when applied and removed correctly. Damage happens from improper removal, like peeling or ripping off extensions. Over-filing during application can also weaken nails.
Professional application and removal protect your natural nails. If you experience damage, it’s usually from technique, not the product itself. Proper care keeps your nails healthy even with regular gel or acrylic use.
Myth 3: Cutting Cuticles is Necessary for Healthy Nails
Some believe cutting cuticles makes nails look cleaner and grow better. This practice is common but misunderstood.
The truth:
Cutting cuticles can do more harm than good. Cuticles protect the nail matrix from bacteria and infection. Cutting them removes this barrier and increases the risk of infection and inflammation.
Instead of cutting, push cuticles back gently and keep them moisturized with cuticle oil. This keeps them soft and prevents overgrowth without compromising nail health.
Myth 4: You Can Strengthen Nails by Soaking Them in Water
Some people soak their nails in water or special solutions to make them stronger.
The truth:
Soaking nails in water actually weakens them. Water causes nails to swell, then contract as they dry. This repeated expansion and contraction makes nails brittle and prone to breaking.
If you need to soften cuticles, limit soaking to a few minutes. For stronger nails, focus on hydration from cuticle oil and a healthy diet rich in protein and biotin.
Myth 5: White Spots on Nails Mean Calcium Deficiency
White spots on nails are often blamed on lack of calcium or other nutrients.
The truth:
White spots, called leukonychia, are usually caused by minor trauma to the nail matrix. Bumping your nail or pressing too hard during a manicure can create these spots.
They’re harmless and grow out with the nail. Calcium deficiency is rarely the cause. If you’re concerned about your nutrition, focus on a balanced diet rather than worrying about white spots.
Myth 6: Nails Get Stronger if You Let Them Grow Long
Some believe letting nails grow long naturally strengthens them over time.
The truth:
Length doesn’t equal strength. Long nails are more prone to breaking and snagging because they have more surface area exposed to stress. Nail strength comes from health, not length.
If your nails are naturally weak, keeping them shorter prevents breakage. Strengthening treatments and proper care improve nail health more than simply letting them grow.
Myth 7: Yellow Nails Mean You Have a Fungal Infection
Yellow nails cause immediate concern, with many people assuming it’s a sign of infection.
The truth:
Yellow nails are often caused by nail polish, especially dark colors applied without a base coat. Smoking can also stain nails yellow.
Fungal infections do cause discoloration, but they usually come with other symptoms like thickening, crumbling, or a foul smell. If your nails are simply stained, they’ll grow out. If you suspect an infection, see a doctor.
Myth 8: Hardening Polish Makes Nails Stronger
Nail hardeners promise to strengthen weak, brittle nails by making them harder.
The truth:
Hardening products can make nails too rigid, causing them to crack and break more easily. Healthy nails have some flexibility.
If your nails are weak, focus on hydration and protection rather than hardening products. Cuticle oil and a balanced diet support natural strength better than chemicals that make nails brittle.
Myth 9: You Can Speed Up Nail Growth with Special Products
Many products claim to make nails grow faster.
The truth:
Nail growth rate is largely determined by genetics, age, and overall health. On average, nails grow about 3 millimeters per month. No topical product significantly speeds this up.
What you can do is support healthy growth by keeping nails hydrated, eating well, and avoiding damage. Healthy nails grow at their natural pace without interference.
Myth 10: Biting Your Nails is Just a Bad Habit
Nail biting is often dismissed as a harmless nervous habit.
The truth:
Nail biting damages the nail bed, weakens nails, and increases infection risk. It can also affect tooth alignment and introduce bacteria from your hands into your mouth.
Breaking the habit requires awareness and sometimes professional help. Keeping nails polished, using bitter-tasting treatments, or addressing underlying stress can help.
Why These Myths Matter
Believing nail myths leads to poor care habits and unnecessary worry. Understanding the truth helps you make better decisions about how to treat your nails.
Healthy nails come from proper care, not from following outdated or incorrect advice. Focus on what actually works: hydration, gentle handling, quality products, and professional services when needed.
Get the Facts Right
Your nails deserve care based on facts, not myths. When you understand how nails actually work, you can protect them better and avoid practices that do more harm than good.
📞 Call to book: (843) 482-0203
📍 Location: 116 Foxbank Plantation Blvd Unit D, Moncks Corner, SC 29461
Learn the truth about nail care at iNAILS ✨
