What are acrylic nails?

People have used acrylic nails for decades as fashion accessories, but in recent years, these nails have experienced a resurgence thanks to a combo of Instagram, celebrities, and the general obsession with nail art. Some acrylic nails mimic the look of real nails whereas others could stray intentionally in favour of a more artistic look.

Acrylic nails are ideal for people who’re looking to increase the strength and length of their nails, and they can also help to design a bigger and more even canvas for people who adore intricate nail designs.

Are you considering trying out acrylic nails? If so, then you’ll find this guide to be quite handy (pun intended). We’ll discuss what acrylic nails are, what they’re made of, how to keep them in their best shape, the advantages of acrylic nails, disadvantages of acrylic nails, and other good-to-knows. Keep reading to learn more about acrylic nails.

What are acrylic nails made of?

Acrylics are a blend of a powder polymer and a liquid monomer. They produce a paste that’s attached to the real nail. The liquid monomer is typically ethyl methacrylate which is combined with an inhibitor to create a malleable bead. Afterward, it’s formed in the desired shape and then it hardens in place to enhance strength, thickness, and length of the natural nail.

These nails are durable and can last up to 21 days. However, with regular touch-ups, acrylic nails last even longer. To give them colour, nail polish, gel polish, as well as dip powders may be used.

What differentiates acrylic nails from gel nails?

Both acrylic and gel nails provide an effect of a real fingernail with a strengthening layer, but gel nails need ultra-violet light to set and harden. Acrylic nails are stronger as compared to gel nails which makes them more durable. Gel nails have a high-gloss finish and can last for about two weeks.

Acetone is usually used to dissolve gel nails but, in many cases, it requires buffing to remove. Prolonged buffing could result in thinning of the fingernail plate. If you’re looking for a natural look, then you should consider gels. But if you want to elongate your nails a bit, then acrylics is what you’d want.

Are acrylics safe and how can you guarantee their safety?

Acrylic nails often receive criticism, but really, they are not any worse for your fingernails than any other artificial nail techniques. They have a few side effects which could worsen if you fail to follow the appropriate steps to care for them. For instance, the removal process of acrylic nails could weaken the natural condition of your fingernails.

The good thing is that if the process is carried out properly, it won’t bring about any permanent effects. This is why it’s crucial to go to a professional salon to have them removed safely. How can you find a professional salon near you that can meet your needs? Use the Booksy app to search for nearby salons and book an appointment. But we’ll discuss Booksy later!

Besides having a professional safely remove your acrylic nails, we recommend that you take occasional breaks or breathing spaces in between your appointments. The best time to take this breathing space is between three months and six months. This period will rejuvenate your nails and have them ready for the next application of acrylic nails.

How long do acrylics last?

Typically, acrylic nails last about six to eight weeks, although a refill could be required after two or three weeks, depending on the growth of your fingernails. A refill is a touch-up between your cuticle and the bottom of the fingernail. The refill is used to enhance the appearance of your manicure, and it also helps the acrylics to be more durable.

Fills are crucial because as your nails grow, the lifting and separating start to happen. Although it may not be easily noticeable, the space creates an area where moisture is trapped between the fingernails. This can potentially be a breeding ground for bacteria which could affect your overall health

How to make your acrylic nails more durable

It is a popular belief that once you get acrylic nails, you cannot use your hands much. However, we disagree with this notion. You can still use your hands as usual if you have acrylic nails. There are only a few precautions that you should take to keep them in great condition.

First, you should always wear gloves when you’re carrying out activities such as cleaning. In addition, use cuticle oil and a moisturizer to keep your nails and hands healthy and in top condition.

Just like you’d do when going for any other cosmetic treatment, it’s essential that you do your research and due diligence on the salon you intend to go to for the treatment. The reason behind this is that the appropriate care, as well as attention to detail, can go a long way in extending the lifespan of your manicure.

The other enemies to acrylic nails are failing to go for refills and wearing them even after their lifespan is over.

The best way to remove acrylic nails

We know that it may sound tempting to pluck the acrylics off by yourself, but we encourage you to resist that temptation. The safest and most effective way of removing acrylic nails is to visit a nail expert and have them removed professionally. It’s essential that you don’t remove them unsafely or by yourself because it could result in potential damage.

It may take some time and money to remove acrylics as compared to the regular nail polish removal, but it is totally worth it. In most cases, the professional will use an electric file to get rid of the nail’s top layer. Then they will wrap your nails in a foil that contains a cotton ball with acetone and allow them to soak in there for around 15 minutes.

The nail expert will probably use a cuticle pusher to get rid of excess acrylics and use cuticle oil to moisturize your fingernails. Once that has been done, then you’re good to go with your natural fingernails still intact.

Advantages of acrylic nails

• Acrylics are more durable as compared to gel nails or dip.
• Acrylic nails are more cost-efficient (not only when it comes to the initial cost, but also due to the fact that they require fewer replacements).

Disadvantages of Acrylic Nails

• They’re rigid and inflexible.
• Prolonged use can lead to brittle and thinned nails.
• The process of setting and curing takes longer than for gel nails.

How to find an open nail salon near you – use Booksy and find one swiftly

You may have used Booksy before or have heard about it. It’s a booking platform that is used to book appointments for a wide variety of beauty and health services, such as nail treatment, haircuts, waxing, massages, and so much more.

To use Booksy to identify a nearby salon, visit our website or use our mobile application, turn on your location services, find the search bar, and type in “nail salons”. You will be presented with numerous options of salons in your proximity. Compare them against each other until you find one that suits your needs.

To know which salon is the best for you, you can use our special features such as the “Top Reviewed” section or “Recommended by Booksy”. You can also click on “Map View” to view all the nail salons near your region on a map. You can also read the user reviews at the Feedback and Review section to find out what they have to say about the services they received from the nail salons.

Final thoughts

Acrylic nails are a quick and convenient way of getting gorgeous long nails. They’re long-lasting as they have a lifespan of several weeks, especially if taken care of. Acrylic nails are widely available and have been present for ages. This means that they’re more affordable as compared to newer alternatives.