I’ve heard them all before. The nail myths that get passed around like beauty gospel: “Your nails need to breathe.” “Acrylics make your nails grow.” “If you stop biting, they’ll magically fix themselves.”
The truth? Most of these “facts” are actually doing your nails a disservice. If you want stronger, healthier nails that last, it’s time to let go of these outdated ideas.
Let’s break down the 5 biggest nail myths that need to retire, for good.
1. “Your Nails Need to Breathe”
Here’s the honest truth: nails don’t breathe. They’re made of keratin, just like your hair, and they get nutrients from your blood supply — not the air.
So, taking breaks between manis in hopes of letting your nails “breathe”? Totally unnecessary. What actually matters is how your nails are prepped, what product is used, and how they’re removed.
That’s why I recommend BIAB (Builder in a Bottle), Japanese gel nails, or Korean gels, the process of application and removal ensures your nails are protected, instead of stripping them thin.
2. “Acrylics or SNS Make Your Nails Stronger”
This one’s a biggie. Acrylic and SNS might look strong on the outside, but underneath, your natural nails are often left weak and brittle.
If you want nails that actually grow and stay healthy, BIAB nails or Japanese gels are the answer. They add strength without suffocating your natural nail, and over time, your nails rebuild instead of break down.
Searching “BIAB Nails Near Me” or “BIAB Nails Melbourne”? That’s exactly what I do every day at Apricot Nails.
3. “Extensions Ruin Your Nails”
Extensions get a bad rap, but the truth is it’s not the extensions, it’s the application and removal.
Gel X extensions, for example, can be applied and removed gently without damaging your natural nails when done professionally. The same goes for Japanese gels and Korean gels, it’s about the technique, not the myth. Old school extensions require harsh ‘super glue’ that is a pain to get off under gel, whilst full-tip Gel X extensions use gel itself, and soak or file off the way that gel polish, BIAB and hard gel do.
So if you’ve been avoiding nail appointments in Melbourne because you’re worried about damage, just know: the right products and the right nail tech make all the difference.
4. “If You Stop Nail Biting, Your Nails Will Fix Themselves”
I wish it were that simple. If you’ve been nail biting for years, chances are your nail beds are shorter, your nails are thinner, and they need some serious support to grow back.
That’s where Builder in a Bottle (BIAB) and daily oil, come in. BIAB is amazing for bitten nails because it acts like a flexible shield, giving your natural nails the protection they need to grow out without snapping.
I’ve had so many clients come in with bitten nails, and after a few BIAB appointments, their nails look like a completely different set. However this takes teamwork!
5. “Nail Care Is Just About Looks”
Nope. Natural nail care isn’t just about having pretty hands — it’s about nail health. When you choose the right products (like BIAB or Japanese gels) and go to a professional nail studio, you’re not just getting colour. You’re protecting, strengthening, and actually helping your nails grow.
Healthy nails don’t happen by accident. They happen with thoughtful prep, gentle removal, and the right products that support your natural nail health.
Ready to Ditch the Myths and Grow Healthy Nails?
If you’re tired of cracked polish, weak nails, or myths that hold you back, let’s change that.
At Apricot Nails in Forest Hill, I focus on nail health first. Whether it’s BIAB nails, Japanese gel nails, Gel X extensions, or Korean gels, every appointment is tailored to strengthen and protect your natural nails — no myths, no damage, just results.
📍 Join the waitlist in Melbourne today at Apricot Nails and give your nails the love they actually need.