The Truth About Fake Nails and Cuticle Insertion: What You Should Know

Acrylic nails have long been a beauty staple, allowing people to express personal style through length, color, and design. But in recent years, a growing trend on social media has raised concern: videos showing acrylic nails seemingly pushed under the cuticle or even appearing to go under the skin. These viral visuals spark one pressing question: is it safe—or even real?

Let’s clear up the facts with insight from licensed nail technicians and dermatologists.

Can Acrylic or Fake Nails Go Under Your Skin?

No—acrylic nails should never be inserted under the skin or cuticle. Doing so risks serious injury, infection, and permanent nail bed damage. In a properly done manicure, acrylic nails are applied over the natural nail plate, never underneath the skin or into the cuticle.

What may appear as nails “going into the skin” on camera is often an optical illusion created by:

• Tight camera angles

• Clever editing or overlays

• Acrylics sculpted close to the cuticle for a seamless look

But rest assured, no licensed professional would push acrylic or plastic nails under the cuticle or into the skin, as this violates safety protocols.

Why Does It Look Like Nails Are Inserted?

This illusion is mostly due to cuticle-level sculpting. Technicians often shape the acrylic or press-on nail so it sits flush with the cuticle, giving a "grown-from-the-root" appearance. This technique is common in salon work, particularly for natural-looking sets.

Some content creators go a step further for shock value—filming scenes where fake nails appear to slide under the cuticle or are “pushed in”. While it may look dramatic, such actions are likely staged or digitally altered.

Risks of Inserting Fake Nails Into the Skin

If someone were to actually push a nail product under the skin, here’s what could happen:

• Cuticle damage: The cuticle is a protective barrier. Breaking it opens the door to bacteria and fungi.

• Infection: Subungual (under-nail) infections can lead to pain, swelling, and even require antibiotics or drainage.

• Nail deformity: Damaging the nail matrix beneath the cuticle can result in misshapen or stopped nail growth.

• Skin puncture injuries: Acrylic or press-on nails are rigid—forcing them under soft tissue can tear skin and cause bleeding.

What’s Actually Used for Safe Nail Extensions?

Licensed salons use products like:

• Acrylic nail overlays – placed atop the nail bed

• Gel or dip powders – for flexible, durable finishes

• Soft plastic press-ons – attached with nail glue on the surface, not under skin

• Acrylic nail inserts – not literal implants, but shaped tips placed on top of natural nails

No safe nail system requires insertion beneath the skin or cuticle intrusion.

Social Media’s Role in Nail Myths

Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are packed with sensationalized beauty content. Hashtags like #acrylicnailsundercuticle or #fakenailsunderskin gather millions of views. While entertaining, these clips often misrepresent real nail techniques and can inspire dangerous DIY attempts.

If you see someone promoting “inserted” or “push-in” nails that go under your skin—don’t try it at home. These are either heavily edited, dangerous, or simply faked.

What You Should Expect at a Salon

A reputable nail technician will:

• Clean and gently push back your cuticles (not cut or damage them)

• Sculpt acrylics above the nail bed and just near—but never under—the cuticle

• Apply glue or gel only to the nail surface

• Educate you on aftercare and infection warning signs

They will never offer “fake nails inserted under the skin” as a service.

Bottom Line: Keep Nails Above the Surface

The look of seamless, natural acrylics can be achieved safely—without risking your fingers. Whether you’re wearing plastic nails, acrylic tips, or gel overlays, everything should stay above the skin.

If you’ve been curious about viral “nails that go under your cuticle” or have seen “nail insert in skin” trends online, now you know: it’s not real—and definitely not safe.

Stick to licensed professionals, ask questions, and avoid any technique that sounds like it breaks the natural barrier of your skin.