Everything You Need to Know about Getting Acrylic Nails

Acrylic nails aren’t going away anytime soon. You may have heard about how a dentist invented them in the 1950s. And you might be familiar with how rappers like Lil’ Kim brought acrylics into the spotlight in the 1990s. Now, they continue their climb with the help of social media and celebrities.

If you’re a professional, you must know that artificial nails are taking over even faster than artificial intelligence! There’s a huge demand for acrylics mainly because of nail art innovations. If you're an acrylics fan already, the experts are predicting a shift from understated to over-the-top designs this year. It’s the perfect time to take your skills to a new level.

So, whether you’re curious about acrylics or want to explain them to someone else, here’s the overview. It’s everything you need to know about getting acrylic nails.

What Are Acrylic Nails?

In short, acrylic nails are plastic overlays or extensions that strengthen and lengthen natural nails. You can get them premade, like press-on nails, or have them custom-made for your fingertips. This second type is what we'll cover today.

Acrylic nails created in a salon need two ingredients. They require a liquid monomer and a powder. The combination turns the acrylic powder into a moldable substance. It will air-dry and harden after a few minutes.

In other words, the monomer has a catalyst, and the powder has an initiator. Their chemical reaction creates a paste that can be shaped into infinite designs beyond overlays and extensions.

Benefits of Acrylic Nails

If you want long, strong nails, give acrylic nails a try. They are very durable, lasting up to two months before removal. After two or three weeks, you can fill them in where your nails have grown out.

If you wish you didn’t bite your nails, try acrylic overlays. You don’t have to get extensions at all. Overlays can be decorated and painted like acrylic tips.

Acrylic nails can help you grow your natural nails while providing the ideal canvas for nail art.

Downsides of Acrylic Nails

Acrylic nails are durable and versatile but not readily biodegradable. This can be a good thing, as it reduces the need for frequent replacements. However, it also means that leftover powder and monomer should be disposed of responsibly to avoid harming the environment.

Moreover, acrylic nails are inert after they cure and are suitable for most people. Unfortunately, a few people may develop a sensitivity or allergic reaction, usually to the monomer. This is not a common occurrence, and it's preventable. First, choose monomers with EMA instead of MMA, as they are safer for sensitive skin. Then, do a patch test before applying a full set of nails. If you experience an adverse reaction, it’s typically treatable with topical creams.

Acrylics make your nails look thicker and stronger by adding an extra layer of protection. However, this also means that the application and removal processes may make your natural nails thinner and weaker because of the filing needed. The nail artist can minimize damage with proper care and training.

How to Apply Acrylic Nails

Before you get acrylic nails, you need healthy nails as a foundation. They don’t need to be long, just strong. Give brittle nails a few weeks of TLC before getting extensions. Otherwise, your natural nails may easily break or tear from the strain.

When you’re ready to apply acrylic nails, round up these supplies:

• Acrylic powder in any color, from clear to glitter
• Liquid monomer, preferably from the same brand as the powder, for best results
• Clippers, cuticle pusher, buffer blocks, and nail files, both medium (for acrylics) and fine grit (for natural nails)
• Primer
• Top coat and colored polish, if desired
• Rubbing alcohol
• Glass dappen dish to hold the monomer
• Acrylic brush (#8 or #10 are sizes that beginners like)
• Paper towels and lint-free wipes for cleanup

There are kits that contain all of these supplies and more, like the

Pro Acrylic Kit Ultimate - YOUNG NAILS

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Steps to Apply Acrylic Nails

Once you have everything ready in a place with good ventilation, here is the way to do acrylic nails.

1. Pour liquid monomer into the dappen dish and lay out the powder and brush. Have paper towels handy.
2. Prep your nails as you would for any nail enhancements. At the end, wipe them with alcohol to remove oil and moisture. Then, apply the primer and let it dry.
3. Dip the brush into the liquid, then into the powder, to form a bead at the tip of the bristles. This is more challenging than it sounds, and it is helpful to have a lesson or watch videos first. The bead needs to be wet enough but not too soggy.
4. Use the brush to place the bead in the middle of the nail. Then, press and smooth the acrylic down toward the tip. Wipe off the brush on the paper towel before dipping it into the monomer to make a second bead. This prevents contamination with different colored powders.
5. Add another bead near the cuticle and work that down toward the middle of the nail. It’s best if the acrylic doesn’t touch the skin. Remember to create a C-curve for a more natural look.
6. Allow the acrylic to dry. It might take anywhere from 3 to 10 minutes. When you think it’s been long enough, tap the nail with the brush handle. The acrylic will click if it’s dry.
7. Now, file the nail to perfection and wipe off the debris. Paint it with polish, add embellishments, and finish with a top coat. Celebrate!
8. If you have leftover monomer, please don’t pour it back into the bottle. Instead, drop some powder into it so it will harden. Then, you can dispose of it according to local guidelines. (It may be classified as hazardous material).
9. Clean your acrylic brush with liquid monomer only, never acetone. Make sure it air-dries overnight before storing it.

The adventurous nail enthusiast may want to try this at home. But let’s be honest—it’s a lot of work! There’s no shame in letting a professional do your acrylic nails. You can watch the process and learn tricks for when you experiment later.

Conclusion

Acrylic nails are one of the most popular and versatile nail enhancements. We hope you’ll enjoy your experience with acrylics. We carry an immense selection of colors and styles for any nail design you can dream up!

Also, three cheers for LAVIS ACRYLIC AND DIP POWDER. You can use it for both acrylic and dip powder nails! Stock up on everything acrylic-related today and get free shipping on orders over $100.