Ava Monroe
Acrylic nails are a popular choice for those wanting to enhance the look of their natural nails, but can you get acrylics if you already have gel nails? If you're considering getting acrylic nails, it's important to understand the process and any potential risks involved, especially if you already have gel nails. So, can acrylic nails be applied over gel nails, and what are the things you need to consider before making that appointment?
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What You'll Learn
Preparing natural nails for acrylics
Preparing your natural nails for acrylics is an important step in the process of getting acrylic nails. Here are some detailed steps to help you prepare your natural nails for acrylics:
Strengthen your natural nails: Before applying acrylics, it is important to ensure that your natural nails are strong and healthy. If your nails are brittle or weak, consider using a natural nail strengthener such as jojoba oil to improve their health.
Remove any old polish: Start by removing any old nail polish or gel nails. Soak off gels in particular to avoid damaging your natural nails. A manicurist can help with this process and ensure your nails are ready for acrylics.
Prep your cuticles: Gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher, being careful not to cut them. This step is important because acrylics will not adhere to your cuticles, and pushing them back will ensure a longer-lasting manicure.
Trim and file your nails: Trim your natural nails to a short, even length using nail clippers or scissors. This provides a good base for the acrylics and helps prevent your natural nails from snapping. After trimming, use a nail file to smooth out any rough edges and create a uniform shape.
Buff your nails: Use a soft nail file or a buffing block to buff the surface of your nails, making them slightly rougher and less shiny. This step helps create a better surface for the acrylic to stick to and ensures a smooth transition between your natural nail and the acrylic tip.
Clean and prime your nails: Use a lint-free pad or paper towel soaked in acetone to clean your nails and remove any remaining moisture or oils. This step is crucial for optimal adhesion, as oil on the nails can prevent the acrylic from sticking. You can then apply an acid-free nail primer to the entire nail bed to prepare it for the acrylic application.
By following these steps, you can effectively prepare your natural nails for acrylics and ensure a longer-lasting and smoother manicure. Remember to always take care of your natural nails, even when wearing acrylics, to maintain their health and strength.
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Gel acrylics
The term "gel acrylic nails" can refer to two different things. The first is a nail extension created with a premixed gel and applied in a similar way to acrylics. However, it is not made from acrylic and must be cured with an LED/UV light. The second is a hybrid approach that combines the two methods. In this case, a gel nail is applied first and then overlaid with acrylic. Once the nail is formed and shaped, you can use traditional or gel polish.
Gel acrylic nails offer the more natural look of gel nails with added strength from a light layer of acrylic. This hybrid approach can provide a more natural-looking result with some added strength. Gels tend to look the most "natural" since they create a thinner coating over the nail. Acrylics, on the other hand, provide a much harder shell, making them ideal for people with brittle or soft nails or those who tend to pick at their nail polish. Acrylics also provide a better base for those who want to add decorations to their nails, such as crystals, pearls, or chains.
Both gel and acrylic manicures are long-lasting and are great ways to try out new nail trends. Gel nail polish is cured with a UV lamp, resulting in a super shiny and durable finish that can last for weeks without chipping. It also dries within 60 seconds, saving time at the salon and eliminating the worry of smudging. Acrylic nails are created by blending acrylic polymer powder with a liquid monomer to form a gummy paste that is painted onto the nail and hardens when exposed to air. Acrylics are primarily used to strengthen and lengthen the nail, and nail polish is usually added on top for colour.
The best way to remove acrylic or gel nails is with an acetone soak. First, clip off the ends of your nails with a nail clipper, then file and buff the tops of your nails to remove the nail polish. Next, apply cuticle oil or petroleum jelly to protect your skin during the soak. To remove the acrylic or gel, saturate a cotton ball with acetone nail polish remover and place it on top of the nail. Wrap a piece of aluminium foil around each nail and wait for 20 minutes. Once the time is up, the product should be soft enough to flake off. If not, you may need to soak your nails a little longer.
Other considerations:
- The difference between gel and acrylic is mostly in how they are done. Acrylic is not inherently worse for your nails than gel.
- Acrylic is less flexible and more prone to damage if you are rough on your hands.
- Gel is generally considered to be more natural-looking, simpler to apply, and more flexible than acrylic.
- If your nails are brittle or weak, it is recommended to get them back to optimal health before getting acrylic nails.
- Jojoba oil is a natural nail strengthener that can be used to prepare your nails for acrylics.
- Make sure the tools your nail technician is using are sterilised to prevent infections and ruin your manicure.
- Acrylics cannot stick to the cuticle, so make sure your cuticles are taken care of before your appointment to ensure your manicure lasts longer.
- The upkeep for acrylic nails is minimal but necessary, especially if you want your manicure to last and your natural nails to stay healthy.
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Sterilising tools
Firstly, it is important to understand the difference between sanitising, disinfecting, and sterilising. Sanitising involves removing debris and washing tools with soap and water. Disinfecting kills most bacteria, fungi, and viruses, but it may not eliminate all microorganisms, especially resistant bacterial spores. Sterilising, on the other hand, kills all microorganisms, including spores.
Before beginning any nail service, ensure that both you and the client wash your hands with liquid soap. It is also beneficial to have additional infection control measures, such as automated soap dispensers, hand sanitisers, or alcohol-based wipes. While hand sanitiser is a good backup option, it should never replace proper handwashing with soap and water.
Next, gather all the multi-use nail tools suitable for disinfection and sterilisation. These are typically hard and non-absorbent tools made from metal or glass. Start by using a clean, dry scrubbing brush to dust away any debris into a bin. Then, sanitise the tools by washing them with soap and water at the sink.
After sanitising, it is time to disinfect the tools. Use a hospital-grade disinfection solution such as Barbicide or Mundo, following the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure that the tools are thoroughly submerged in the solution. Using a disinfection tray is recommended to keep the tools flat and fully submerged. If using a jar, turn the tools around after the correct submersion time to ensure complete disinfection.
Finally, if your tools have come into contact with blood or bodily fluids, or if you want to minimise the risk of transmitting certain infections (e.g., COVID-19), you must sterilise them. Place the disinfected tools in an appropriate steriliser, such as a sterilising box or jar. Once sterilised, you can store your sterilised tools in the unit until you need to use them.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your nail tools are properly sterilised, maintaining a high level of hygiene and safety for yourself and your clients.
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Aftercare for natural nails
It is important to take care of your natural nails, especially if you plan to get acrylic nails. Here are some detailed aftercare tips for maintaining the health of your natural nails:
Firstly, keeping your nails clean and dry is crucial. Bacteria and fungi thrive in moist environments, so maintaining dryness prevents bacterial growth. Always wash your hands and ensure your nails are grime-free. Use an acetone-free nail polish remover to avoid drying out your nails. Additionally, scrub your nails and surrounding skin gently with a clean toothbrush and soap to remove dirt and exfoliate dead skin. Avoid using metal tools under your nails, as this can cause the nail plate to separate from the skin.
Secondly, when performing tasks that involve water or harsh chemicals, such as cleaning or washing dishes, wear rubber, vinyl, nitrile, or plastic gloves to protect your nails. Too much water exposure can weaken your nails, causing them to split, peel, or break.
Thirdly, consistent trims are essential for maintaining nail health. Aim to clip your nails every two weeks, adjusting the frequency as needed based on how your nails respond. Keeping your nails short, especially if you have struggled with hangnails or breakage, can help prevent further issues. A shorter style with rounded edges looks neat and is easier to manage, reducing the risk of additional wear and tear.
Additionally, it is important to moisturize your nails regularly. Before bed, apply almond or avocado oils to your nails and cuticles to keep them hydrated. Any nutrient-rich oil or moisturizer will help maintain nail health.
Finally, avoid using your nails as tools, such as opening cans, as this can cause damage like chipping, splitting, or lifting of the nail bed. Keep your nails shaped and free of snags by filing them with an emery board.
By following these aftercare tips, you can ensure the health and strength of your natural nails.
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Removal techniques
There are several methods for removing acrylic and gel nails. One popular method is to use acetone, which can effectively remove both types of nails. However, it is important to note that acetone can be harsh on the skin and nails, so it is recommended to use it sparingly and follow up with a nourishing hand cream or nail oil.
For gel nails, one can use pure acetone or a gel nail polish remover. The traditional method involves soaking cotton balls in acetone and wrapping them around the nails with foil. This process can take up to 20 minutes. A faster alternative is to use a gel nail polish remover, which can remove the polish in just 5 minutes without the need for acetone or additional tools.
To remove acrylic nails, one can also use acetone. It is recommended to start by filing down the acrylic as much as possible to reduce the soaking time. Then, soak the nails in acetone for 15-45 minutes, depending on the thickness of the acrylic. After the soaking process, the product should gently lift off the nail.
Another method for removing gel nails involves using an e-file or a nail file to gently file through the topcoat and colour. It is important not to file down to the natural nail to avoid damage. After filing, one can use a gel nail polish remover or acetone to remove the remaining product.
It is recommended to work on one hand at a time and choose a well-ventilated area when removing nail polish at home, as acetone has a strong smell. Additionally, using a cloth to cover the work area can help avoid acetone stains.
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Frequently asked questions
No, acrylic nails cannot be applied over gel nails.
Acrylic nails require a smooth and dry surface for application, which gel nails do not provide.
If you want to switch from gel to acrylic nails, it is best to first remove the gel nails completely and prepare your natural nails for the acrylic application.
To prepare your natural nails for acrylics, ensure they are healthy, dry, and free of any oils or creams. You may also want to trim and file them to the desired shape, as acrylics can be difficult to reshape once applied.
