How to Get Rid of Nail Growth Under Acrylics: Pro Advice

Ever wondered how to get rid of nail growth under acrylics? 

Then this post is for you!

Acrylic nails are great, but when nail growth starts to appear underneath the acrylics, it can be annoying.

Not only can it catch on your hair or clothing – argh!

But it can also trap dirt and debris, leading to potential health concerns.

If you’re dealing with ridges caused by nail growth under acrylics, don’t worry.

You don’t have to get rid of the entire set just yet.

In this article, we’ll explore some simple and effective ways to remove or smooth out natural nail growth.

Leaving you with beautiful, seamless nails that look perfect and that won’t catch on anything.

How to get rid of nail growth under acrylics

If you’re dealing with nail growth under acrylics, there are a couple of simple and effective ways to get rid of it.

Here’s what you need to know:

Smooth out nail growth from under your acrylic nails with a carbide bit.

The fastest, easiest, and best way to deal with nail growth under acrylics is to smooth it out. You will need an e-file (aka nail drill) with a carbide cone drill bit or a needle bit. 

This method involves shaving down the natural nail.

Then thinning it out to make the lip more seamless and less noticeable. 

A carbide cone drill bit is slightly rounded at the edge.

This makes it ideal for shaving away the natural nail without damaging the acrylic. 

The rounded edge also helps protect you from cuts if you accidentally go too far down. 

The angle of a cone-shaped drill bit makes the whole process easier too. 

You should use a medium carbide cone to remove natural nails under acrylics.

Remove natural nail growth using a needle bit:

Another option for removing nail growth under acrylics is to use a needle bit. 

This type of bit is small and pointed, making it ideal for getting into tight spaces underneath the nail. 

The point size can vary depending on the manufacturer, but the small size makes it perfect for precision work. 

In addition to removing nail growth under the acrylic, a needle bit can also be used for cleaning the sidewalls.

It can also be used for making designer holes in nails. 

However, it’s important to use a low speed and be gentle when using a needle bit.

That way you can avoid damaging the acrylic or the natural nail. 

If you’re not experienced with using a needle bit, it’s best to seek the assistance of a professional nail technician to ensure that the job is done safely and effectively.

How to use a carbide nail drill bit to get rid of natural nail growth

Here’s a great video! Step-by-step instructions are below.

It walks you through the whole process of how to care for the underside of your acrylic or gel nails

Here are the steps for how to remove natural nail growth from under acrylic nails.

This method uses a carbide drill bit and e-file:

  1. Set the electric drill to 20,000 rotating speed to avoid damaging your natural nails.
  1. Starting from the middle underside of the nail, slowly buff the natural nail growth towards the sidewalls. 

Take your time and be gentle to avoid damaging the acrylic or the natural nail.

  1. Repeat the process, dusting the nail residues away frequently to get a better view of what you’re working on.
  1. Avoid buffing underneath the acrylics or artificial nails if you feel like there is dirt trapped there. Instead, try using a nail brush to clean the area.
  1. Make sure you are not hurting your hyponychium and onychodermal band. 

These are crucial parts of your nails that support the nail bed, so be careful not to damage them.

  1. Keep buffing until you feel a smooth surface. 

While you may not be able to get a perfectly smooth result, you can certainly achieve a clean and polished look.

By following these steps, you can safely and effectively remove natural nail growth from under acrylic nails.

All you need is a carbide drill bit and an e-file. 

Remember to take your time, be gentle, and avoid buffing too aggressively.

Otherwise, you might damage your natural nails or the acrylic.

If you’re not experienced with using an e-file, it’s best to seek the assistance of a professional nail technician to ensure that the job is done safely and effectively.

How to use the needle bit to get rid of nail growth:

To use a needle bit, attach it to your electric nail file or drill and set it to a low speed. 

Then, gently work your way from the middle underside outwards towards the sidewall.

You may need to play around with angles to you hold your nails in to find what works best for you.

Keep gradually thinning out the natural nail growth.

Keep going until the transition between the natural nail and the extension is more seamless. 

You’ll want to be careful not to damage the acrylic or the natural nail.

So take your time and work slowly.

Using a needle bit can be effective for dealing with nail growth under acrylics.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that it may not be as effective as using a carbide cone drill bit for more significant growth.

Can I Cut Real Nails Under Acrylics?

It’s not recommended to cut real nails under acrylics with scissors or clippers.

As it can be difficult to get in there and it may damage the natural nail or the acrylic. 

If you need to cut your real nails under acrylics, it’s best to use a nail drill or e-file.

A needle or carbide drill bit are both great options that are specifically designed for this purpose. 

Be sure to take your time, be gentle, and avoid cutting too much of the natural nail to avoid any damage or injury.

If you’re not experienced with cutting (or rather smoothing) real nails under acrylics, it’s best to seek the assistance of a professional nail technician to ensure that the job is done safely and effectively.

How to remove real nails from under acrylic

If you’re looking to get rid of nail growth under your acrylics, the best way is to smooth it out rather than cutting it. 

While it may be tempting to reach for nail clippers or scissors, these tools can damage the natural nail or the acrylic, and it can be difficult to get in there to cut the nail properly.

Instead, opt for a carbide cone drill bit or a needle bit to smooth out the natural nail growth. 

These tools can shave down the natural nail and thin it out to make the lip more seamless and less noticeable, creating a smooth transition between the natural nail and the acrylic. 

By smoothing out the nail growth, you can maintain your acrylics without sacrificing the health of your natural nails. 

So, next time you’re dealing with nail growth under your acrylics, remember that smoothing is the way to go.

FAQ’s

Do your own nails grow under acrylic?

Yes, your own natural nails will continue to grow under acrylics.

This is because acrylics are applied to the natural nail, not the skin or cuticle, and they don’t stop the natural nail from growing. 

Over time, as your natural nails grow, they can push the acrylics further away from the nail bed, creating a gap or lip where the natural nail growth is visible.

This is why it’s important to maintain your acrylics and address any natural nail growth that may occur to keep them looking beautiful and seamless.

How fast do nails grow under acrylics?

The rate at which nails grow under acrylics can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as age, genetics, and overall health. 

However, on average, nails can grow about 3-4 millimeters per month, regardless of whether they’re covered with acrylics or not. 

Some people may experience faster or slower nail growth depending on their individual circumstances.

It’s important to note that while acrylics can protect your natural nails and help them to grow without breaking, they can also create an environment that’s more conducive to bacterial and fungal infections. 

That’s why it’s important to maintain good nail hygiene, take breaks from wearing acrylics to let your nails breathe, and seek professional nail care services to keep your nails healthy and beautiful.

Summary and key takeaways:

In conclusion, dealing with natural nail growth under acrylics can be a challenge, but it’s important to take care of your nails to avoid damage or injury. 

By using specialized tools and techniques, such as smoothing out the natural nail growth with a carbide cone drill bit or a needle bit, and being gentle and taking your time, you can keep your nails looking beautiful and seamless. 

Additionally, maintaining good nail hygiene and seeking professional nail care services can help to keep your nails healthy and avoid infections. 

Remember to take breaks from wearing acrylics to let your nails breathe, and to prioritize nail health over aesthetics. 

With these tips in mind, you can maintain healthy and beautiful nails for years to come.

Author

  • Phoebe Meadows

    Phoebe Meadows is a self-proclaimed nail addict, always on the lookout for the latest trends and techniques. When she's not creating stunning nail designs, you can find her researching the latest nail care products or experimenting with new techniques.