The Ultimate Guide to Acrylic Nails: Types, Application, and Care
Acrylic nails have long been a beauty staple—offering durability, versatility, and endless creative possibilities. Whether you’re drawn to dramatic lengths or a more natural look with subtle nail art, acrylic nails can be customized to suit your style. In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of acrylic nails, explain the step-by-step application process, and share expert aftercare tips to help you maintain gorgeous, healthy nails.
Understanding Acrylic Nails
What Are Acrylic Nails?
Acrylic nails are artificial nail enhancements made from a combination of a liquid monomer and a powder polymer. That becomes a sculptable bead, which is shaped atop your natural nail and then cures into a pliable, but sturdy, long-term extension. Acrylics, unlike natural nails, can easily be shaped into more of a style — accessible to square and almond to stiletto or coffin.
Why Choose Acrylics?
Long lasting: They’re sturdy and can last up to 21 days with care.
Flexibility: Can be easily adapted for length, shape and form.
Budget-Friendly: While you can choose to get natural nail polish or gel extension done at the salon every month, acrylics offer budget-friendly long-wear.
Types of Acrylic Nails to Consider
And when it comes to acrylic nails, the options are endless. Some of the most popular options include:
Traditional Acrylic Nails
Description: The original method, where you mix up acrylic liquid and powder and sculpt directly on your nail.
Best For: Those who want long-lasting versatility for everyday use.
Sculpted Acrylic Nails
Name: Gel Extensions Description: Built-in extensions that allow nail technicians to create and design their own unique shapes and lengths with the use of nail forms.
Best For: Clients Who Want Custom Designs and Extended Lengths Without Pre-Made Tips
Hybrids (Soft Gel Acrylics)
Description: A fusion of acrylic and gel methods that provide the durability that acrylic offers but with the flexibility and natural appearance of gel nails combined.
Best For: Those who want a more natural-looking, lightweight extension with less potential for damaging the natural nail
Press-On Acrylic Nails
Description: Ready-made acrylic nail sets that stick to your real nails using either adhesive tabs or gel glue.
Best For: An instant fix that doesn’t require a salon appointment.
Applying to College: What Does this Actually Look Like?
There are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a perfect acrylic manicure. That’s how the pros do it:
Preparation and Dehydration
Clean & Sanitize: start off by cleaning your nails to get oils and residues off of them.
File & Buff: Lightly file your natural nails and buff the surface to ensure good adhesion.
Dehydrate: Apply nail dehydrator to remove moisture.
Primer Application
Seal the Nail Plate: Use a primer to also prepare the nail and stop lifting.
Expert Tip: “Here is where the dryness/bonding level comes into play- macaroon∙polish is a water activated product, that will not be able to lift if you have perfect nail dehydration and primer application,” says nail technician Maya Lopez.
Mixing and Sculpting
From the Bead: Use your brush to dip into the acrylic liquid and then into the acrylic powder to form a small bead.
Sculpt: Apply a bead of Hard gel or Builder gel onto your nail, gently sculpting it over the free edge to create your desired length and shape.
Use Good Technique: Common sense goes here; if the person blending and shaping the dough takes care to do so consistently, a beautiful smooth surface will be the result.
Shaping, Filing, and Finishing
File and Buff to Shape: After the acrylic has cured, file and buff your nails to achieve the desired shape.
Top Coat: A clear top coat adds both shine and protection.
How to look after your acrylic nails
With proper care, your acrylics will last longer and will help protect your natural nail bed:
Avoid Strong Chemicals: Always wear gloves when cleaning or using chemicals to avoid weakening the acrylic.
Use a good cuticle oil or cream and use it regularly
Handling with Care: Don’t use your nails as implements to pry open packages or scrape surfaces.
Scheduled Fills: If you want your nails to look strong and not lifting, make sure to schedule a professional fill every 2 – 3 weeks.
Careful Removal: Avoid removing acrylic nails by hand. Use acetone-based removers or professional visits to prevent damage.
Case Studies and Real-World Examples
What the Experts Say:
“The key to perfect acrylics lies in the prep work,” says nail artist Carla Mendes, explaining, “If you put in the time to prep your natural nail, everything else comes together smoothly. (low ratio, the brow would feel spongy) and a natural finish,” she adds.
Real-World Example:
So many beauty fans document their success online. A popular beauty influencer recently recalled making the same switch, going from weekly salon manicures to DIY acrylics after learning proper techniques. Her results? Salon-quality nails that lasted more than two weeks with minimal upkeep — a sign of a successful application/maintenance routine.
Conclusion
Acrylic nails provide an amazing avenue for you to express your personal style with the many hours of customization. With knowledge of the types available, mastery of the application process, and commitment to ongoing upkeep, you can achieve beautiful, long-lasting nails that make a statement. Just keep in mind that the secret to healthy, enduring acrylics is in the preparation, the application and the aftercare.
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And we absolutely love hearing about your acrylic journey! Share your best approaches, favorite designs, or what you’re wondering in the comments. Post pictures of your beautiful nail art to inspire others! 💖 Sign up for our newsletter so you can get professional beauty tips, hot new nail ideas, and do-it-yourself nail care tips! 💅💕
