Long nails are an obsession for every girl, and your presence here is the proof. Not only for girls even some boys also loved to keep long nails. Yes sounds weird, but it is! The one fashion items that will not change is long nails from the past to the present and even in the future. They have always been the obsession, and they always will be.
But time and evolution always bring some good and helpful changes to make life easier. As the field of fashion and beauty is getting more broad, it is bringing many new items. Acrylic nails are one of them. They are not unique to you, but now they have become skin-friendly, more extended, and smooth.
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What made Acrylic Nails so popular?
In the past, Acrylic Nails were not so popular as today. People loved to keep their natural nails growing long or otherwise short. But as social media is getting over our lifestyle like Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and hundreds of other social media apps, people are improving their fashion sense.
On the other hand, these social media websites are also promoting beauty cosmetics like Acrylic Nails. So to some extent, this thing is creating a sense of competition between everyone to look better & to look cooler.
Do you want to know from what material Acrylic Nails are made?
Here is the complete chemistry of Acrylic Nails.
Acrylic Nails are made from acrylic glass which is also known as (PMMA). The glass is mixed with the monomer, which is liquid by its consistency. This liquid is sometimes referred to as Ethyl Methacrylate. When this mixture forms a plastic, it is given the desired shape of the nails. The shapes given to the plastic are so smooth and natural that they look like natural nails.
Acrylic nails: Are they safe?
As a matter of fact, acrylics don’t hurt your nails more than other artificial nail products. Although they are safe to use, some side effects can worsen if you do not care for them properly.
A manicurist said:
“The removal process can weaken your nails’ natural state, but when done properly, it won’t cause any permanent damage, which is why it’s very important to have a professional remove them.”
As an added measure, you can take occasional breaks between appointments to decrease the risk of damage to your natural nails. To help rejuvenate your nails, professionals recommend taking a break from getting acrylics every three to six months.
Gel nails
It is possible to utilize gel nails as artificial nail extensions or even as nail polish. Under UV light, they are hardened, so they last longer than regular nail polishes. Their high glossed finish lasts for about two to three weeks, but it can also last for more than three weeks if you take care of it.
But one thing that you should know is that the nails made from the gel are strong but not as strong as acrylic or fiberglass nails. So don’t expect that these nails will bear high pressure. Certain types of gel nails don’t dissolve in acetone, so they need to be removed in a salon by buffing. Frequently buffing the nails can cause the nail plate to become thin.
The Gel-X brand of gel nail extensions was introduced in 2017 and can be found in most drugstores. The nails are topped with different styles and lengths of precut soft gel nails that cover the entire nail bed. After applying the gel-X primer, a PH bonder is applied. A blue UV or LED light is used to cure the gel adhesive before being glued into place. Usually, it takes 20 minutes to dissolve gel-X nails in acetone.
What Is the Difference Between Acrylic Nails and Gel Nails?
They both add strength to the nails. The greater strength of acrylic makes it more durable than gel. So most people go for Acrylic Nails. However, Gel Nails require a UV light to set.
While experts suggest that
“If you are looking to extend your nail quite a bit, then you would want acrylics, but if you’re going for more of a natural look, gel is what you’d want.”
How to Apply Acrylic Nails?
- Having acrylic nails is a very cool thing. Your hands become more beautiful and stylish but applying acrylic nails is a very tricky thing. Sometimes their surface becomes rough and uneven. So some points should must consider while applying acrylic nails.
- First, you need to prepare your nail. For this, gently push the cuticle back so that you have more space for acrylic. Also, clean your nail properly. There should be no residue of nail paint left on your nail. You can also use acetone or a nail brush to clean your nails.
- Now it’s time to pour the acrylic. Fill your dappen dish with acrylic liquid. To remove air bubbles from the dappen dish, dip the acrylic brush into it and push the brush tip to the bottom. You can use the brush to remove excess liquid from the dappen dish by swiping the edge once.
- Now dip your brush into the jar of acrylic powder. The one most important thing is that the angle of your brush should be like 45 degrees. It will help to pick the acrylic powder in a proper amount. So wait for 2 or 3 seconds until the powder and liquid react to form a smooth ball.
- Place this ball over your nail and gently start spreading it to the nails. Bring the tip of the brush downward to apply it equally.
- Now clean your brush, and remember that you have to clean your brush with a tissue or wipe it every time you put it in powder for a new ball. To drain the excess liquid, press the brush against a lint-free pad.
- You can repeat the procedure until you get your desired layer over your nails.
How to Remove Acrylic Nails?
Removing your Acrylic Nails is not rocket science. You can also easily remove them at home. But some people don’t know how to remove them. So for them, Here I have mentioned the tips, tricks, and some products that are used to remove Acrylic Nails.
Manifest Nail owner Savannah Walker, a professional nail artist in New York City, says that taking acrylics off forcefully also removes some layers of the natural nail.
Moreover, she said:
“Usually, this results in thin, flimsy, damaged nails, which last for months until they grow out,”
There’s nothing better than that! For damage-free removal of acrylics, we recommend keeping some handy tool items on hand.
The list is mentioned below:
- Acetone Nail Paint Remover
- Nail Filer
- Cotton Bags
- Wooden Cuticle Sticks
- Aluminum Foil
- Nail Buffer
Steps to Follow:
Shorten the length of your Acrylic Nails
Nail artist Ashlie Johnson said:
It doesn’t feel good to cut such long nails, but you’ll lose many lengths. You won’t fill your acrylics yourself, so cutting them down should be your best option. Make sure you leave about two centimeters of the nail above your nail bed when you cut down your extensions with sharp nail clippers. The quickest and easiest method for reducing your nails to their natural length is this method.
Use a Filer and File Away
With a nail polish remover, you can remove acrylics that have been painted with regular polish.
Nail Artist Amy Le said:
“The more of your acrylic you file off, the less time you have to soak in acetone later.”
But you still need to leave a thin layer of acrylic to avoid chipping your natural nails. So don’t go too harsh with your file. File them in a way as experts suggest.
Make Your Nails Soak in Acetone
This can be done in two ways. The first technique uses cotton balls and aluminum foil, which is similar to removing a gel manicure. To clean acrylic-covered nails, wrap a cotton ball in acetone and wrap the foil tightly around it.
Gyimah, our Nail Expert, says to squeeze it.
“There should be a bit of acetone dripping out of your foil when you squeeze — that is how you know you have enough on the cotton ball,”
For each nail to break down properly, soak it for at least 10 minutes. But if you have a thick layer of acrylic Nails over your mail, then use a towel soaked in warm water. It is because warm acetone works faster. Do not try to provide heat to acetone as it is flammable and can catch fire.
If you’ve run out of cotton balls and foil, then here is the other method. Submerge your fingers in acetone after pouring it into a small bowl. To break acrylic nails, it may take up to 20 minutes.
Compared to the cotton ball and foil method, this might be faster and more effective. But after using this method, your skin will become a little dry.
Gently Remove Acrylic Off Your Nails
Now it’s time to push the acrylic of your nail with the help of an orange stick or a cuticle pusher. Take your stick and then start gently removing the acrylic from the cuticle area of the nail to the free edge.
But if you face difficulty removing the acrylic of your nail, you have to repeat the previous step, i.e., soaking your nails in acetone. But this time, remember to soak them for around 10 to 15 minutes.
Nail shaping, filing, and buffing
Now here is the time to shape your natural nails in the perfect shape you want to. Some go for U-shape while other select V-shape. While some want straight corners shape. So it’s entirely up to you. Once it is done, check your nails if there is any residue left or not.
To remove product residue or rough edges from your nail beds, lightly buff the tops of your nails.
Hydrate your Nails and Cuticles
It is essential to hydrate your nails as they will feel very dry afterward. You should rub cuticle oil on your cuticles and around your fingertip’s free edge. Moisturizing your cuticles, skin, and nails will result in softer, healthier-looking skin and nails.
Strengthen and Repair
During the next few weeks, consider staying away from polish and trimming your nails short. It’s time to give your nails some stay and rest so that they can come back to their original strength and shiny look.
However, if your acrylics leave your nails extremely weak, you might want to get a strengthening treatment.
Use Hand Cream & Oil Regularly
Make sure you always have cuticle oil and hand lotion on hand, as you’ll need to use both regularly. Dry, brittle nails will be less likely to break this way. It won’t take you long to restore your natural nails too long or beautiful lengths with some patience and hydration.
Acrylic Nails Precautions:
You can easily handle acrylics if your hands are free. Professionals always recommend wearing gloves when you clean. It keeps your hands and nails healthy. Besides this, also try to use moisturizers and cuticle oils. Always choose an oil that contains Vitamin E.
If you’re planning to have your manicure done, make sure your salon provides the proper attention and care to your manicure. In addition, acrylics are also negatively affected by wearing them beyond their useful life and not having fills done. So remove them after the proper duration.
