Why are Your Nails Green?

Image from allabout.co.jp

Have you ever seen a green stain on your nails once your gel polish or acrylic extensions are removed?

You might be having a green nail syndrome or chloronychia. It is often mistaken for mold because the color is green but it is actually caused by a bacteria called pseudomonas aeruginosa.

According to cdc.gov, “Pseudomonas is a type of bacteria (germ) that is found commonly in the environment, like in soil and in water.” Like other bacteria, it flourishes in moist environments.

Why are my nails turning green after acrylics or gel nails?

Since the bacteria that causes green nails are basically everywhere, even on our skin and intestines, there is a high chance that it can get underneath your gel nails or sculptures especially if they are starting to lift already or if there are gaps, cracks, or chips. More so if you work a lot with water or wet environments!

Keeping lifted gel nails propagates green nails. (Image: whatthegelnails.com)

If you already have thin nails and you continue to get gel nails without rest, they will become thinner and lifting will occur more easily. This is why your favorite nail technicians sometimes tell you to let your nails have a period of rest from gel or acrylic nails.

Are green nails contagious?

Green nails can not be infected from nail to nail or from person to person. It is a fungus that is dried and killed by alcohol.

More often than not, green nails cannot make you sick. It is called an opportunistic infection, and it’s harmless to healthy people. It can also have a negative effect on people whose body is weak.

How do you get rid of green nails? Can green nails be treated at home?

If ever you get green nails, you will need to remove the rest of your gel or acrylic first to see if your other nails are also infected. The bacteria that causes the green nail is easily killed by alcohol so it is easy enough to cure.

Unfortunately, the green stain will stay but since the bacteria is dead it is no longer contagious.

However, you might need to have it checked if paired with Onycholysis and ingrown nails and other nail diseases. People with reduced immunity, illnesses or generally old and weak should definitely consult a doctor if you notice something wrong with your nails.

Source: Google Images

It is advised to take a break from getting any nail treatments for a while at least until your nail grows to a point where you can cut the part with green stain. You should not paint over green nails.

Can I still go to get my nails done if I have green nails?

Once the salon staff confirms you have a green nail, most likely they can only offer to remove your existing gel and not apply a new one. To be safe, they will use a dedicated tool for the removal.

From a hygiene point of view, it is standard practice for salons to disinfect the nippers and tools used for each client.

Preventing green nails is better than cure!

These are just a few reasons why you should get a nail treatment at a reputable and reliable salon.

In case you cannot go to a nail salon regularly, practicing proper daily nail care will prevent you from having a green nail as much as possible.

Here are some nail care tips you should follow:

1. DO NOT pick and peel off your polish
2. Get proper removal of polish
3. Apply cuticle oil to moisturize.
4. Avoid long exposure to water. Wipe your hands dry and avoid unnecessary moisture.

DO NOT pick and peel off your polish

Image from slmdskincare.com

Since gel nails last so long, most people tend to leave their nails to grow until the gel looks “floating” on their nails. Your real nails still grow all the time which is why you see a small gap between your cuticles and the gel or acrylic.

Nail technicians recommend having these filled by going back to the nail salon every two weeks. But most people might be too busy to go back to their favorite nail technician to remove or replace their existing gel nails.

You might be tempted to peel it off yourself, but this is a big NO NO!

Whenever you remove gel or acrylic, a layer of your nail also comes off. That is why it is important to have them removed professionally, since they have the proper tools and experience for gel and acrylic removal that doesn’t do damage to the nails.

Always moisturize!

We always hear this tip for skin care, but your nails need proper moisturizing as well!

You don’t have to worry much if you go to a nail salon regularly since the nail technician most likely is taking care of your nails with skills and techniques that will not damage your nails. You might also notice that at the end of the nail session they apply cuticle oil to your hands.

Cuticle oil not only makes your nails and cuticles moisturized and healthy, it also makes your gel nail last long since dry nails will make gel peel off or chip easily.

Cuticle oil pen is available for sale at any KIYOSA branch for only P350!

Kiyosa Japanese Total Beauty is a reliable nail salon that ensures each tool is disinfected for each client. The Japanese nail technique is practiced so that lifting gel and green nail is avoided!

You may book a reservation using our hotlines: 8805-8888 or 0939-915-8888. You may also request a reservation by clicking the “Web Reservation” button below!

KIYOSA Japanese Total Beauty branches are:
BGC branch: Ground Floor F1 Hotel, 32nd Street cor Lane Q, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila
Opens every Monday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 6 PM

Makati branch: Ground Floor The Palisades Condominium, Perea St., Legazpi Village, Makati City, Metro Manila
Opens every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, from 10 AM to 6 PM