Acrylic nails are among the best nail art options to consider for your next visit to the nail salon. Unlike gel nails, they great for those looking to add length and strength to their natural nails. Moreover, acrylic nails have got your back if you’re looking for larger, and more evenly shaped canvas nail designs. From short acrylic nails to medium acrylic nails, to long acrylic nails, they all allow a lot of freedom in terms of nail art designs. So, are you researching about Acrylic nails ideas? Then you have come to the right place. I took my time to speak to a nail expert and professional manicurist as well as a few Instagram nail artists and here is everything you need to know about acrylics. If you’re also in search of ‘acrylic nail salons near me’, we also got your back.
Let’s dive right on!
What are Acrylic Nails? What are Acrylic nails Made of?
Acrylic nails — commonly referred to as acrylics are a type of artificial or “fake” nail style performed at nail salons. Acrylic is a mix of powder polymer and liquid monomer combined to form a gummy paste that’s then painted onto the nail with a brush. After application, it’s then given the desired nail shape and hardens in place to add strength, length, and thickness to your nails.
What is the Difference Between Acrylic Nails and Gel Nails?
Acrylics and gel manicures are two of the most popular salon nail services. Both add a strengthening layer to the nail. However, some key differences separate each of the nail styles. For instance, Acrylics are much stronger than gel nails which makes them more durable while gels require a UV light to set. Moreover, go for acrylic nail styles if you want to extend your nail quite a bit but if you’re looking for a more natural nail look, gel polish would be a perfect choice.
How Are Acrylic Nails Applied?
Unlike gel polish, (which comes in a normal nail polish bottle) the liquid monomer and powder polymer used to create acrylic typically come in a larger bottle and a small pot respectively. Your nail expert will then mix the two in a bowl to form the gummy paste which is then applied over your nail with a special acrylic nail brush. The applied layer hardens when it hits the air creating a protective layer over your natural nails. After hardening, it’s then filed to your desired nail shape or nail design. Before the nail beds, they are wiped down with alcohol to remove all dust and oil If you wish for longer nails, the length is added using nail tips or nail forms to create the desired length then the tips are measured, cut, and filed to your liking to achieve those cute acrylic nails.
How Long Does Acrylic Nails Last?
Are you searching for ‘how can I make my acrylic nails last long? ‘Then I got you. Depending on how fast your natural nails grow, Acrylic nails can last up to a couple of months as long as you do a proper fill a.k.a. a touchup about every two to three weeks. Doing a regular touch-up on your acrylics does not only improve the appearance of the manicure, but it also helps to keep your nails looking as good as a new-looking set of nails. Additionally, Nail professionals recommend linking up with your acrylic nail experts regularly for your infill and using cuticle oil daily.
How to Remove Acrylic Nails
Removing acrylic nails is not much different from taking off your gel manicure. However, nail experts advise you to resist the urge to pluck them off or to peel them off since it is unsafe and could cause damage to your nail bed. Â The best and safest way to remove acrylics is just to return them to the nail salon for removal by a nail professional.
To remove your acrylic nails, your nail tech will most likely use the soaking method. He/she will file the bulk of the acrylic off with an electric file leaving a thin layer behind, and then wrap the nails in an acetone-soaked cotton wool ball and aluminum foil.  A cuticle pusher is used to remove any excess acrylic, and then cuticle oil is applied to rehydrate the nails. That’s it, and you’re good to go with your natural nails still intact, smooth, and shiny.
What is the Cost of Acrylic Nails?
The exact cost of a set of acrylic nails depends on various factors such as where you live, the nail salon you go to, desired nail length, and any additional services you get. However, on average, a full set of acrylics will generally cost around $45-$55. Also, many independent nail techs and artists tend to charge more than a nail salon perhaps because of the cost of goods. Moreover, you can make your acrylics filled to make them last longer for $20 to $40 per fill.
Are Acrylic Nails Safe?
Many people wonder if can acrylics damage your nails especially if not applied or removed properly by a nail professional.  However, According to a manicurist, Acrylics do get a bad rap; but really, they aren’t any worse for your nails than other fake nail products. However, they aren’t completely without side effects if the right steps are not followed. Any nail enhancement should be maintained every two to three weeks to ensure that structure is restored to the regrowth of your nails. Also, the removal process can weaken your nails’ natural state, and that’s why it should be done by a nail expert. Another best thing you can do for your natural nails is to take occasional breathing space, from like three to six months between appointments to help replenish your nails.
Acrylic Nails Maintenance: How to take Care of my Acrylics?
Truth be told, Acrylics will require you to keep up with your nail appointments to keep them looking healthy and chic. However, a set of acrylics can be worn for six to eight weeks before it needs to be removed as long as any lifting of the acrylic is filled in properly. Your nail tech will use a soft, brittle nail brush to scrub the top and under your nails to remove dirt, and bacteria that may be trapped, dry your nails to prevent fungus and bacteria from growing, and apply a skin moisturizer to soothe the skin and cuticles. This ensures that your acrylics remain in tip-top shape, healthy, and adorable.
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Exclusively Written by: DANIEL MUTUMA
Photo credit: Pinterest
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