What is an Acrylic Manicure?

No matter if your goal is to replicate Kylie Jenner’s dramatic claws on TikTok or just have strong, long nails for everyday life – acrylic nails are an indispensable beauty staple. But exactly what do they entail?

Acrylic nails are constructed using powder and liquid monomers combined into an artificial nail that can then be placed either on its tip or attached to a form for drying out and hardening.

Benefits

Acrylic nails can be tailored to match the natural nail in both shape and colour; providing lengthening or fullness that may otherwise not exist naturally. In addition, their strength and durability also add great benefit.

According to Dixon, professional nail technicians can perform this procedure safely; attempting it yourself at home could cause severe damage to natural nail beds and cuticles that could result in infections or permanent nail damage.

Installing an acrylic manicure involves filing, cutting and using chemicals that may be dangerous if done incorrectly; for this reason it is vitally important that a professional be hired.

Nail technicians advise clients to avoid home use of nail polish remover and seek professional infills on a regular basis. Otherwise, your natural nails may begin to break or lift from their sockets, creating gaps between acrylic nail and natural nail where bacteria and fungus can thrive, making reapplication harder for technicians and harder for you.

Techniques

Acrylic nails require masterful salon-level alchemy from experienced nail technicians. Nail technicians use a powder and liquid mixture to craft an artificial nail mold which they then glue on top of natural nails for length and structure.

Prepping nails for acrylics requires pushing back cuticles and filing nail beds to eliminate unevenness or hangnails, before an odorless monomer (white glue-looking substance) is applied directly onto each nail.

Nail extensions are then tailored to fit the desired length, shape and style before being painted to complete the look. Nail art comes in various colours and designs to match any aesthetic. From your own-nails-but-better looks to full claws claws, professional nail technicians must perform regular fills in order to avoid damaging natural nails; additionally using strengthening cuticle oils like Innisfree nail strengthener or Orly’s nail defense strengthening primer can keep acrylic nails strong and healthy during wear.

Cost

Consider several key aspects when calculating the cost of an acrylic manicure: your chosen salon, nail artist’s skill level and any additional add-ons will all have an effect on its final price tag.

According to The Beauty Academy, full sets of acrylic nails typically range in cost between $30 – $60 in reputable salons depending on the number of nails being done and any special designs like coffin or stiletto shapes that need to be added on top.

Acrylic nails are composed of powder and liquid monomers mixed together to form an artificial nail mold before being applied directly onto natural nails. Once on, this putty-like consistency can then be shaped and polished until reaching desired length and shape.

A professional nail artist will ensure that your acrylic nails are properly cured to ensure maximum longevity. However, remember that acrylics require regular upkeep in order to look their best.

Removal

Kandalec suggests visiting the salon where they had them done for best results when it comes to taking off acrylics; otherwise, an at-home acetone soak may suffice.

Step one is to trim acrylics as close to the nail bed as possible, notes She. Additionally, your work area should be covered in plastic to protect it from potential acetone stains or damage.

Once the acrylic nails have been thoroughly soaked and softened, you can begin buffing them off using either a nail file or padded nail buffer. If they resist removal easily, additional acetone soaking may be required if they don’t come off easily.

Rehydrate your nails with cuticle oil before proceeding, taking your time so as to not cause yourself any harm. Over-buffing can thin natural nails and leave them weak, so be gentle. She advises acquiring appropriate tools such as cotton balls dipped in pure acetone, aluminum foil nail wraps, orange wood sticks, padded nail files or drills as well as your favorite cuticle oil to assist.