Mysteries Unveiled: Why My Gel or SNS Nails Turn White at the Tips

I often find myself wondering why after getting my nails done with gel or SNS (Short for Shellac nails) at any of the nail salons, they start to turn white at the tips. This issue occurs every time, with random nails, and I can't seem to scrape it off. Frustrating, right? If you've ever experienced this and felt puzzled, you are not alone. Let's explore this issue in detail to understand what’s happening and how to handle it.

Is It a Sign of a Healthy Nail?

Well, it's not necessarily a sign of a healthy nail. Just to clarify, this phenomenon is quite common. Sometimes, it can be a normal aspect of the nail growth cycle. Your nails are typically colored because the skin underneath reflects the color. As the nail grows, it eventually grows out from under the skin, and the area closer to the tips tends to appear white. This is because the cells forming the nail are less hydrated as they get closer to the tips, leading to a more translucent appearance.

Understanding the Composition of Nails

Nails are primarily composed of keratin cells, which form in a structure called the lunula, often visible as a white crescent at the base of the nail. As these cells move up toward the tips, they become less hydrated, leading to their more white or translucent appearance. The thickness of the nail also plays a role; thicker nails will become less hydrated more quickly, contributing to a whiter appearance at the tips.

Hydration and Rehydration Tips

One solution to this issue is to keep your nails hydrated. Nail oil can be used to rehydrate the nail, making it appear less white. Additionally, always remove nail polish quickly and soak your nails in warm soapy water for 30 seconds to rehydrate them. This helps in keeping the nail matrix healthy and adds moisture, which in turn makes the nail less white at the tips.

Interactive Culprits

Another possibility for the white tips could be interaction with an external substance. Something you are touching, like soap, fruit, or other chemicals, might be causing the discoloration. It's worth checking if the products used at the salon are truly SNS or if they are using shorter-lived nail polishes that may exhibit similar effects. Always ask the salon about the exact products used to avoid any surprises in the long run.

Conclusion

In summary, the tips of your nails turning white is a normal part of the growth cycle and can be managed with proper nail care techniques. If you continue to experience issues, it might be worthwhile to review the products and procedures used at the salon. Understanding the causes can help in easing your concerns and maintaining healthy, beautiful nails.

Keywords:

nail tips turning white, gel nails, SNS nails