These faux nails are ideal for those looking to make a fashion statement. Read our guide to learn everything you need to know before getting them done.
Acrylic nails are an extension of your own natural nails. They are a great option for those who have short nails or brittle, weak nails as they give strength, length, and thickness.
Acrylic nails are fake nails. However, these don’t come as ready-to-use nails. Instead, they are created right before your eyes using a combination of a powder polymer and a liquid monomer. This combination forms a dough-like paste.
A nail technician then uses a brush to press this paste onto your nail and give it the shape you desire and acrylic nail designs are then painted to on top of it.
How do you do acrylic extensions?
There are two ways in which an acrylic nail or an acrylic extension is applied to your natural nail.
1. Using a nail tip
A nail tip is essentially a moulded plastic nail, the basic kind you get in the market. To create an acrylic nail extension, the technician glues this nail tip somewhere halfway up the natural nail. This serves as a base for your acrylic nails. The acrylic paste is then applied to the entire nail and the tip to create one smooth artificial nail on which the nail artist will draw acrylic nail designs.
2. Using a nail form
A nail form is, quite simply, a piece of paper or foil that has been made for the explicit purpose of serving as a temporary base for the acrylic paste. To create an acrylic nail extension using a nail form, the technician places it under the tip of your natural nail and then proceeds to apply the acrylic paste on top of it and give it the shape you desire. Once the paste hardens, the nail form is removed from under it.
The nail form is designed in a manner that it serves as a platform on which the paste can take whatever shape you desire. Once the paste hardens, the foil can be taken out without the paste getting stuck on it or crumbling.
The acrylic paste is now an acrylic nail. And these nails are then coated with the nail polish of your choice.
How are acrylic nails different from gel nails?
Acrylic nails are an artificial extension, while gel nails are achieved using a polish. Gel nails are created by applying a gel polish on natural nails and curing them under a UV or LED light. Acrylic nails are stronger than gel nails and therefore last longer.
What are the benefits of acrylic nails?
1. Acrylic nails are long-lasting
Acrylics last about six to eight weeks, but you will need to refill them every two to three weeks, depending on the speed of your nail growth.
2. Acrylic nails are chip-free
Acrylic nails do not break easily and the nail paint rarely chips.
3. Acrylic extensions protect weak nails
Acrylic nails are a great option for those who suffer from weak or brittle nails because they serve as an extra coating on top of the natural nails.
4. Acrylic nails offer plenty of design choices
Since acrylic nails are an extension of your natural nails, you can create the nail shape and design of your choice. They provide a larger canvas on which you can play and there are plenty of nail art designs you can choose from!
How can you make acrylic nails last long?
Acrylic nails can last as long as two months (with filling sessions) if you take certain steps to make sure they don’t come off or break. One way is by wearing gloves to do everyday household work, like cleaning. That way the chemicals in the cleaning liquids and soaps will not touch the nails. Using cuticle oil and moisturiser regularly will keep your nails and cuticles healthy.
Remember to use hand sanitisers carefully. Sanitisers can be harsh on your nails just as they are harsh on your skin. Just as over-brushing can damage your teeth enamel, hand sanitisers can damage the coating on your nails. So wipe off any sanitiser drops that come in contact with your nails.
You should also not put too much pressure on your nails. This will cause them to lift faster than usual. So tap the phone or keyboard gently. And, of course, do not bite or pick your acrylic nails.
What are the best acrylic nail designs?
Acrylic nails lend themselves to a plethora of designs. Whether you’re looking for short acrylic nail ideas or want to make your long nails stand out, all you have to do is ask and the nail technician will deliver. Here are some cool acrylic nail designs to inspire your next nail set.
1. Metallic finish acrylic nail designs
Get noticed with chrome nails that add a metallic tone to your look. Take this acrylic nail idea a notch higher by creating three-dimensional acrylic nail designs that give the impression of molten metal drips.
2. Pop art acrylic nail designs
Comic book or pop art nails have a playful, animated design, characterised by sharp details and outlines that give a 3D effect and make for great acrylic nail ideas.
3. Marble effect acrylic nail designs
In this eye-catching design, no two nails are exactly alike. The inspiration comes from the concept of marbling in art. Classic combinations for acrylic nail ideas include black and gold, black and white, pastel shades and silver, white and grey, turquoise and gold, and blue and white.
4. Velvet effect acrylic nail designs
The texture of velvet nails works with all colours. The fuzzy-looking nails are striking and bound to turn heads.
5. Negative space acrylic nail designs
In this design, your nail is coloured with nail paint, but a part of it is left ‘unpainted’ (typically with a nude polish over it). This style is also called half moon negative space, which gets its name from the semi-circle shape at the base of your nail that is left exposed to make the rest of the design stand out.
You can try this trend in a variety of ways, the only rule is that you leave a part of your nail – any part of your nail – ‘exposed’.
How to remove acrylic nails
Resist the urge to remove them yourself. There can be some side effects if the nails are not removed properly, so it is best to have a professional do it.
If you can see the acrylic lifting from your natural nail, seek out a nail technician. When a nail starts to lift, dust particles can get in and cause an infection. So that needs to be taken care of as soon as possible.
The nail technician will first remove any gems or stones that may have been applied to the nail. Next, an electric file is used to remove the top layer of acrylics. Then cotton balls soaked in acetone are placed around your nails. These are held in place with pieces of foil that are wrapped around the tips of your fingers.
After about 15-20 minutes, the wrappings are removed as the acetone would have softened the acrylic. The nail technician uses a cuticle pusher gently to remove the remaining acrylic, and then buffs and shines your nails.
Acrylic nail designs are a great way to stand out. They’re also a great way to express yourself. From quiet sophistication to loud glamour or quirky cool – your acrylic nail designs need not just be nail extensions but extensions of your personality.
