Acrylics are a popular trend amongst the masses although, just a few years back, they were mostly considered celebrity fashion. Acrylic nails are essentially a fusion of powder polymers and liquid monomers. They provide you with a choice to enhance the way your nails look. If you’re not happy with your natural nails or your nail’s shape, you know what exactly to do!
Acrylic Nails Design Ideas That Will Wow You
- Rose Quartz
- Ombre Effects
- Nude Shades
- Neutral Acrylics
- 3D Acrylics
- Gold Foil Acrylics
- Matte Acrylics
Application Process
Liquid monomers are mixed with powders, and they are formulated into a raw dough that is eventually pressed on to your natural nail. The dough tends to harden its consistency when pressed onto your nail length with a brush. After this process, nail technicians will fill your nails with the length that you want.
It is completely alright to get your acrylics done as many times as you wish to but keep in mind that you consult a very professional nail technician or salon to do that for you!
Maintenance of Acrylics
As per most of the technical reviews claim, acrylic nails need their maintenance session every two to three weeks. Acrylics are likely to suffer discoloration, and become slightly yellowish, due to which they require weekly buffing. In their maintenance sessions, a nail technician would fill the grown-out parts of your natural nails and give them a neat and finished look! The most vital part of maintaining your nails is to use cuticle oil. This will help maintain the look of your nails, giving them a natural texture rather than making them look fake or overdone.
When it comes to their removal, ‘acetone’ is highly recommended. All the professional nail technicians prefer soaking your nails in acetone; which is a colorless liquid solution that has the tendency to break down the acrylic material. These are to be soaked in it till the acrylic gets soft or roughly for 15-20 minutes. It is advised for you to always seek professional assistance while removing your acrylics because if this procedure is not rightly done it gets brassy on the skin and your nail bed!
Cost of Acrylic Nails
There are various factors that affect their cost. It majorly depends on the kind of salon you are choosing and the location that you are in. The nail technician’s level of expertise also impacts on its cost. Maintenance of such nails itself requires a separate expense to make sure that they last longer for you. Other than these factors, cost highly depends on the quality of the acrylics that you are choosing; low quality means lowers cost and higher quality, consequently, a higher cost.
How Are They Different from Gel Nails?
Gel nails are cured under UV lamp and have a gel like finish to them. A gel-based polish is directly applied onto your natural nails, whereas acrylic nails are a completely new covering on your natural nails and have a complex process of removal that often causes nail damage. Gel nails, on the other hand, are very easy to remove.
Pros & Cons of Acrylic Nails
Primarily, acrylics are cheaper in cost than gel nails which makes them affordable. Such nails have a higher durability level meaning that they last longer than other polygel nails. They have a smoother and wider surface, moreover you can do nail art on them easily. You can decide their length and shape on your own, because they are customizable. For example, short, long, mid-length, round, almond, stiletto or coffin shaped acrylic nails.
On the other hand, acrylics have their cons as well. They look a lot more artificial than gel nails because they have a very thick surface. They require a higher cost for their maintenance and a harsh process for removal, which consequently leaves your skin damaged.
The Verdict
This varies from one person to another, depending upon their budget, skin type and just general preference regarding your nails. Pros and cons are clearly mentioned above, and you can easily judge your choices through reading those.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Remove Acrylics at Home?
Soak your fingers in a mixture of baking soda and toothpaste. Otherwise, you can dip your fingers in warm soapy water.
Do they Hurt?
They may hurt if they are applied unprofessionally or if the layer is made too thick.
How Long Do Acrylic Nails Last?
Generally, they last about 6-8 weeks with maintenance, depending on your nail growth.
Do they Damage Your Natural Nails?
If they are not professionally removed or taken care of as your nail technician suggests, your natural nails end up getting damaged.