Home / Health and Beauty / How to Break the Acrylic Nail Habit and Help Your Nails Recover Beautifully
mature woman hands close-up using nail file for manicure at home.

How to Break the Acrylic Nail Habit and Help Your Nails Recover Beautifully

/Updated /8 Comments/in /by Mary Hunt

I just received an email message from one of my readers that stirred up some very poignant memories for me. For years I, too, was on the fake nails bandwagon. From the first time I gave that popular manicure option a try, I loved it. Polish lasts longer on acrylic nails; my nails were always uniform—shaped perfectly and just the right length. All I had to do was go to the nail salon every three weeks to have them maintained.

mature woman hands close-up using nail file for manicure at home.

 

The problem is it became addictive. I couldn’t do the maintenance myself. And if I didn’t go regularly to have them done, they looked horrible. I became a slave to my local nail salon and acrylic-applying nail technician. It was not cheap.

Anyone who’s ever had acrylic nails knows that they absolutely ravage your natural nails if removed incorrectly or worn for years without taking a break. And no wonder. Part of the process is to sand down one’s natural nails to get the stuff to stick and not “lift” before the next appointment.

It was a difficult habit to break and I’m glad I did, not only for my nail health  (google “acrylic nails dangers” if you dare) but even more so for my wealth. The cost to keep up with that addiction is staggering. Here’s what Carol wrote:

Dear Mary: About a year ago, I read your column, Six Secrets for the Perfect DIY Manicure about giving yourself a  manicure instead of paying someone else to do it.

I’d had acrylic nails with twice-a-month upkeep for well over 10 years and was determined to cut this expense. I emailed you my intention to follow your plan as a commitment to myself.

I am thrilled that I have successfully weaned myself off this $60-a-month expense and I want to tell you your plan works! I have a suggestion, however, to add to your system for those who use it upon removing acrylic nails for good.

Your nails will be thin, ugly, and short for several months. I could not have imagined using a colored nail polish which, to me, would have exaggerated their shortness (you mention your favorite is OPI Lincoln Park After Dark).

Instead, I searched for a polish very close to my skin color. I chose Revlon Gray Suede #705. I bought the recommended products and followed all your steps with the exception of using this product for color. 

As I looked at my nails every day, I saw just an extension of my fingers with shiny ends. It allowed me not to be embarrassed about them and I simply put it out of my mind.

To my surprise, within about three to four months, my nails looked normal again even without polish! (Although I still go through the same routine.)

Especially helpful is applying O.P.I Pro Spa (formerly Avoplex Nail & Cuticle Replenishing Oil) several times a day. It smells wonderful, feels soothing, and looks beautiful.

Thank you! I love your daily email. I have learned so much and am well on my way to a debt-free life. Carol

 

Nail and Color

Revlon Super Lustrous Nail Polish, Chip-Resistant & Longwear Formula, High Shine Finish, 705 Gray Suede, 0.5 fl oz
Revlon Super Lustrous Nail Polish, Chip-Resistant & Longwear Formula, High Shine Finish, 705 Gray Suede, 0.5 fl oz
    Buy on Amazon

    Dear Carol: I recall your initial message, and am just so proud of you for your tenacity and determination. Great job! I know that many of your fellow readers are going to be encouraged to follow your brave lead. Getting off that acrylic nail treadmill is no simple feat! That you are also not spending that $720 you mentioned, each year on fake nails makes me smile. But more than that, to know you are well on your way to financial freedom is truly thrilling for me!

     

    Everyday Cheapskate participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.

     

    Print Friendly, PDF & Email

    More from Everyday Cheapskate

    close up photo a woman wearing a swimsuit with a mild sunburn

    DIY After-Sun Spray That Cools and Soothes Skin

    MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, 6 Pack

    Homemade Eyeglass Lens Cleaner: 3 Simple Ingredients

    woman using an amber glass DIY mosquito repellent spray

    Skip the DEET: Make This Mosquito Spray Tonight

    diy teeth whitening woman

    DIY Teeth Whitening at Home Using Everyday Items

    uses for used coffee grounds in the kitchen garden

    16 Used Coffee Grounds Uses You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

    generic vs name brand woman choosing between two cereals in grocery store aisle

    6 Winners in the Generic vs. Name-Brand Showdown

    woman sitting in salon chair with long hair getting a haircut save on haircuts

    Be Brave and Save… on Haircuts!

    woman disinfecting iphone how to clean phone

    Your Phone Is Filthy! Here’s the Fix That Works

    uses for pickle juice

    21 Smart Uses for Pickle Juice You’ll Wish You Knew



    Please keep your comments positive, encouraging, helpful, brief,
    and on-topic in keeping with EC Commenting Guidelines



    Last update on 2026-07-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

    Caught yourself reading all the way 'til the end? Why not share with a friend.

    8 replies
    1. Kristina says:

      I love this article and this is something I’ve struggled with myself. I just got a new set a week ago because my problem is I pick at my skin on the sides of my fingers and it’s bad so bad that my fingers get numb so any suggestions on how to stop picking, I also read Dave Ramsey’s book and I’m trying to be more financially responsible and these fake nails do not help but I’m trying to save my skin on my fingers 🙁

      Reply
    3. Patti says:

      Mary,
      I have struggled with soft, chewed up nails for decades. After reading your article on how to strengthen them, I am happy to say that my nails are strong and growing! I also like the Revlon gray suede color.

      Thank you so much, I love reading your helpful emails!!

      Reply
    5. Jan S says:

      I’m really glad Carol was able to break this habit – thanks to you, Mary! Your column makes such a difference to people EVERY DAY! Thank you for what you do!!!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply

    Want to join the discussion?
    Feel free to contribute!

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    34 Ways to Make Fabulous Meals from Leftoversquesadillas from leftoverspercolator coffee pot sitting on tableAsk Me Anything: Why is Dip-It No Longer Available, Laminate Floors, Unscented...