I believe they do ruin your natural nails because it keeps your nails from breathing and I heard that acrylic nails can cause infections

Acrylic nails don't in and of themselves hurt your natural nails, the tech putting them on does that. if they buff too much and remove your natural nail and if they use too much primer and etcher they can cause real damage. nails don't need to "breathe" as they are dead when they grow past the cuticle. if you keep up the maintenence by getting them filled on schedule and keep an eye out for lifting and cracking you should be ok.

BEWARE OF UNTRAINED TECHS!! This is the BIGGEST problem- Most consumers in general, believe that if they go to a salon, the nail tech there will be perfectly capable to do their nails safely and attractively. THIS IS NOT TRUE! You wouldnt expect to go to a discount hair salon and get a great hair cut, don't expect to do to a discount nail salon for great nails! Acrylics have come a LOOONG way, and if you do your research, you can find an OUTSTANDING tech that knows more about the health and safety of your nails, and how to apply enhancements to go along with that. I have trained in various classes, and have learned exactly how to apply a nail that LOOKS real, doe NOT damage, and is CLEAN. I also do not use a dremel or e-file, though there are those who are trained to use them- Look for certificates on advanced training with these tools!! Interview Technicians like you would a babysitter- the health of your nails depends on it!! Ask them what products they use, how they use them, and where they trained to use it. Avoid techs that utilize techniques that use lower than a 240 grit file on your natural nails (ask, if they dont know, dont go), and also avoid those that use acrylic so wet that they get it on your skin repeatedly. This can cause overexposure problems, flaking itching or irritated skin, sometimes permanent allergies). Also ask them what they use for sanitation. Implements that are sanitizeable should be washed in soap and water and then disenfected in a hosptial grade disenfectant solution for at least 20 minutes. Tables should be sprayed down between clients and cleaned thouroughly. ALl tools and systems used should be stored in clean, dry, closed cabinets. These are rules that apply to EVERYONE, and no one seems to notice when it isnt being followed. As of late, the reins are getting tighter on these infractions, but its still up to the CONSUMER to make sure that they are getting the best nail care available... any questions feel free to email me: hreynosa@hotmail.com

uhmm that blood thing happend to me before, n they cut me with that buffer thing, n put like alcohol on it, n it stoped bleedin, is that ok? or is it goin to be infeccted! i dont want permanent damage dun to my nails...i do them all the time...like everytime i need a re-fill.