Are Your Acrylic Extensions Turning Yellow? Manicurists Explain Why

Low Quality Products

According to manicurist and Nailing Hollywood CEO Mazz Hanna, low-quality acrylic products are more prone to discoloration than high-quality acrylic products (which are stronger and made to last longer). If you’re dying to DIY your acrylic nails, consider brands like Kiara Sky and Morovan, which both have thousands of glowing reviews.

Expired Products or Mixing Brands

We all know how important it is to check the expiration dates of food. Well, the same is true of nail care products. "If the nail tech uses products past their expiration dates or mixes one brand's powder and another brand's liquid, it could react and turn yellow," celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec says.

Poorly Applied Acrylic

Even if non-expired acrylic is used, it could result in yellowing if it's misapplied. According to Kandalec, if the acrylic itself is not sealed correctly, either by being smoothed, filed, or sealed with a top coat, it can pick up pigments of anything it comes in contact with, which can cause discoloration.

Contaminated Tools

By now, you know how important it is to only go to salons that use sanitized products and tools. It's the key to avoiding unsightly and uncomfortable nail bed infections. It's also paramount in preventing acrylic discoloration. 

"If the artist uses a monomer that has been contaminated (dust, oils, or is just old), it will be yellow," Kandalec says. "The nail tech should pour a new monomer each time—so ask them to pour a new monomer for you in the little dish for your service."

Chips and Lifting

While acrylic is now available in colors, people often opt for clear or neutral hues and overlay it with gel polish. That said, if you have polish on your acrylics and it starts to crack, it can eventually lead to yellowing. 

"If you have polish on your acrylics and it chips or lifts, the chip becomes an opening for dirt and debris to build up on top of your acrylic," Hanna says. "The best way to prevent chips is to ensure that your topcoat is fully sealed around the whole nail, protect your nails with cuticle oil after your service, and wear gloves whenever possible." Additionally, she says to never use your nails as tools (to open packages, food seals, or whatever else) to prevent chipping.

Sunlight or UV Exposure

According to Hanna, sunlight and UV exposure can cause a chemical reaction within acrylic. "It breaks down certain molecules in the acrylic," she explains. "You can prevent this by staying out of the sun as much as possible." That said, she points out that higher-quality acrylic products are more resistant to UV discoloration.

Kandalec says the type of top coat you use can also help prevent discoloration. "Ask for a no-cleanse or non-wipe top coat next time," she says. "They are non-porous gel top coats, which prevent products from changing color."

Staining

Believe it or not, it's possible to stain your nails. "Staining can come from various things in your daily routine—makeup, cooking, gardening, etc.," Hanna says. "Anything that can stain your clothes can also stain your nails." Because of this, she recommends wearing gloves when working with highly-staining products. 

Cleaning Products

Cleaning products can cause acrylic to change color, too. "Bleach and cleaning products can strip the top coat or get to the acrylic from under the free edge or corners and discolor it," Kandalec says. "Be sure to wear gloves when cleaning or using corrosive products."

An Infection

When nails begin to chip, water can seep in. This can lead to an infection. "If the enhancement starts to lift and a bacterial infection starts to form (not to be confused with fungus—that's very rare on hands), it will turn yellow first, then green," Kandalec says. "If that happens, remove the enhancement, cleanse with 90 to 99% isopropyl alcohol, and give it time to receive oxygen."