Acrylic Nails

What are Acrylic Nails?

Acrylic nails are a two part system made of a liquid and a powder (a monomer and polymer). When mixed together, they form a thick consistency that can be used to apply tips and colors to natural nails. Gel acrylics are another form of acrylics. It is a one-step system and is applied and worn differently than the traditional. A coat of gel on top of the traditional acrylic does not make nails "gel acrylic."

Artificial nails can be applied in a salon or at home. Because the at-home application can be time consuming and takes a while to perfect, most people prefer to go to a salon.

Salon Application

When looking for a salon, get recommendations from friends and family who have had acrylic nails in the past. Visit salons before booking appointments. Check to be sure the salon adheres to the following:

• Licenses are posted.
• Clean, sanitized equipment is used.
• Nail tech and clients wash hands before beginning service.
• Strict cleanliness standards in the entire shop.

Extremely strong odors within the work areas could be a sign of poor ventilation.

Salon applications can range in cost anywhere from $20 to upwards of $100, depending on the kind of application, technique, training, and specialized polishing done on nails. Maintenance is usually recommended every two weeks or so to keep nails looking fresh. These visits tend to cost less. A visit can run anywhere from an hour to two.

At-Home Application

At-home artificial nails take a lot of practice before getting the look to be professional. It can take quite a bit of time to do nails during the learning process. However, if you feel you have the patience and time to develop your technique, it can be worthwhile.

Visit a reputable beauty supply or nail supply store to pick up supplies. You will need:

• Buffer
• Nail brush
• Liquid acrylic
• Powder acrylic
• Acrylic clippers
• Tips
• Adhesive

The clerk can recommend products she or he finds most useful and durable.

When you are ready to apply nails, this is the basic technique:

• Clean and dry nails, and push back cuticles. Some technicians would recommend “roughing up” nails, while others feel it is unnecessary to making the product adhere. Use whatever technique works for you, but be aware that too much roughing on the natural nail surface can cause damage.

• Apply well-fitting tips to the end of nail.

• Then, mix powder and liquid according to directions.

• Drop the small bead that forms on the end of the brush onto nail. Continue until a natural nail curve has been achieved.

• Trim nails to desired length.

• Brush off excess powder and nail dust.

• Buff nails and apply polish if desired.

For more extensive instructions on self-applications, contact a local school for classes or instruction.

How to Care for Nails

Properly caring for artificial nails can make them look better and last longer. With proper care, they will have to be replaced or repaired less frequently, saving time and money. Tips to keep nails looking their best include:

• Oil nails once a day.
• Keep pressure off nails.
• File any “lifted” areas (areas that are no longer flush with natural nail). Be careful not to over-file.
• Do not glue any lifted areas, as it can introduce bacteria and fungus, since most glues are not moisture-resistant.
• Do not share files or other nail tools with another person.
• Keep nail tools sanitized.
• Wear gloves when performing household chores, like working with cleaning chemicals. They can stain or discolor nails, and make the product weaker.

To change nail polish, use regular polish remover. After polish has been removed, wash hands and scrub surface of the nail. Apply cuticle oil to fingers, and buff the nail. Then apply base coat, color coats, and top coat, allowing dry-time in between.

Removal of Acrylic Nails

To remove acrylic nails, do not try to snap or break off artificial nails. This can seriously damage the natural nail underneath. Either visit your salon or use a nail soak for removal. Nail soaks can be made at home or you can purchase a kit.

Most nail soaks consist of straight acetone. To protect fingers and cuticles, coat them in Vaseline or other protective lotion. Then soak fingers in a small bowl. After about a half an hour, they should come off fairly cleanly.

by Amy Hoover