8 Nail Health Myths You Need to Stop Believing
There are a lot of myths circling around about nails, we are here to say stop believe all that BS! From biting your nails to skipping base coats, there’s a lot of bad advice out there. Let’s set the record straight.
At Bianco Sue, we're all about helping you look great without damaging your natural nails. Whether you're into gel, polish, or our bestselling press-on sets, understanding proper nail health is the key to keeping your hands in top shape. here are 8 nail health myths that need to be cancelled, blocked, and deleted.
Myth 1: “Your Nails Need to Breathe”
Okay, let’s clear this one up: nails do not breathe. They’re made of keratin (a protein, just like your hair) and they get their nutrients from your bloodstream, not the air. Where here to say it’s okay! we have all fell for this being paranoid we are getting nails too often. Painting your nails or wearing press-ons doesn't suffocate them. What does hurt them? Over-buffing, harsh removal, and poor product choices. So, if you’re giving your nails a “breather,” it should be about avoiding damage, not oxygen. Wearing press-on nails back-to-back wont damage the nail especially when using nail removal serum.
Myth 2: “Cutting Your Cuticles Makes Nails Grow Faster”
Whoever made this up needs a reality check, this is all kinds of wrong. Cuticles are not the enemy; they’re your nails’ first line of defence. Cutting your cuticles can lead to infection and damage your nail bed. Instead of snipping, try gently pushing your cuticles back with a cuticle pusher and using nourishing oil to keep them soft and healthy. This will also help with nail growth and wearing press ons. The closer the nail is to the cuticle the longer it will last.
Myth 3: “White Spots Mean You’re Lacking Calcium”
White spots (aka leukonychia) are most often the result of light trauma to the nail matrix, not calcium deficiency. The tissue under the nail responsible for cell production that forms the nail plate. Nails grow slowly, so this damage can take time to appear and even longer to fade. They are not in any way realted to major health concerns and it’s a common myth that is assumed.
Myth 4: “Gel or Acrylic Is Fine If You Only Do It Occasionally”
This is a tricky one. The occasional use can be fine is applied and removed properly. But let's be honest no one removes it properly. The problem isn’t the polish, it’s the filing, drilling, soaking, and peeling that causes damage. Over time, this leads to thin, peeling, sensitive nails that break more easily. In salons, if you get a cut from getting your nails done this can lead to infections which adds more problems for you. Luckily there are alternatives like using regular nail polish or using press ons. Press ons don’t require the heavy process which damages your nails and removes with minimal damage.
Myth 5: “Nails Grow Faster When You Cut Them Often”
We wish it were that easy but sorry, this one’s a total myth. The short truth is that Nail growth depends on nutrition, blood flow, and overall health. Trimming your nails might make them look healthier and prevent breakage, but it doesn't speed up growth. In fact, if you’re cutting too short or too often, you might cause stress or splitting, which sets your growth back even more. To get stronger nails which grow quicker focus on a few things. Eat biotin-rich foods (like eggs, nuts, and spinach), You know what they say you are what you eat. Using cutical oil daily will moisturise and heal your cuticles promoting growth. Nail growth takes time and consistency; it won’t happen overnight with a pair of nail cutters.
Myth 6: “More Buffing = Smoother, Stronger Nails”
Let's stop right there. Buffing might look like a harmless way to smooth out ridges or prep for polish, but overdoing it is one of the fastest ways to weaken your nails, not strengthen them. Your nails are made up of layers, and when you buff too hard or too often, you strip away those protective layers. What’s left? A thin, bendy, vulnerable nail that’s more likely to split, peel, or break. And while a gentle buff can help with polish or press-on adhesion, there’s a difference between prepping and over-sanding your nail beds into oblivion.
Myth 7: “Press-On Nails Damage Your Natural Nails”
Let’s get this straight, it’s not the press-ons that cause damage, it’s how you wear and remove them.
When done right, press-on nails are actually one of the safest and most nail-friendly options out there. No drills. No harsh filing. No soaking in acetone for 20 minutes. No commitment to chemicals. The real damage comes from: Using super glue (and then ripping them off), Not prepping your nails properly, Picking or peeling the nails off instead of soaking or lifting gently, Skipping hydration and aftercare. When applied and removed the right way, press-ons can actually protect your natural nails by acting as a barrier from everyday wear and tear. Press-ons aren’t damaging. They’re smart beauty.
They’re the future of nails: flexible, fashion-forward, reusable, and healthy. When applied correctly, they can protect your nails, boost your style, and let you switch looks on your terms. So next time someone says press-ons ruin your nails, just smile, your natural nails are thriving under your Bianco Sue set.
Myth 8: “Dark Polish Stains Your Nails Forever”
We’ve all been there, removing a moody black, berry, or deep red polish only to find yellow or stained nails underneath. Cue the panic and the urge to never wear dark colours again. But let’s be real: dark polish doesn’t ruin your nails; it’s how you wear it that makes the difference. So, what’s really going on? Dark polishes contain strong pigments. If you skip a base coat, those pigments can absorb into your porous nail surface and leave behind stains. It’s not permanent damage, it’s just residue, and it fades over time as your nails grow or with gentle buffing. To protect your nails before paint make sure to use a base coat and use a non-acetone remover to avoid dry nails.
Bottom line: Knowledge = Nail Power
Your nails are strong, capable, and beautiful, when you treat them right. Ditch the myths, choose smarter habits, and don’t believe everything you hear in the salon. Whether your team natural or team press-on, what matters most is that your nails are healthy, protected, and loved. Want nail glam without the damage? Explore Bianco Sue’s collection of short, chic, and nail-friendly press-ons made for real life at BiancoSue.com.