Isla Bennett
Acrylic nails are a popular choice for those seeking long-lasting, sturdy manicures. While it may seem daunting to attempt this process at home, it is possible to achieve with some practice and the right tools. This step-by-step guide will take you through the process of doing your own acrylic gel nails, from preparation to application and finishing touches. The process involves several steps, including nail preparation, application of acrylic gel, shaping, and finishing with a top coat. By following these steps, you can achieve strong and long-lasting nails that resist damage and provide a beautiful manicure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Longer nails, longer-lasting manicure, strong nails |
| Application technique | Combines acrylic and gel techniques |
| Safety | No monomers or airborne dust |
| Ease of use | Easy to handle, does not expand, quick and easy application |
| Preparation | Remove old nail polish, trim nails, disinfect hands and utensils, push back cuticles, file nails, remove excess moisture, apply nail primer, apply nail glue and tips |
| Sculpting | Press the brush flat to the nail, smooth out bumps, spread evenly, repeat as needed |
| Drying | Tap the nail to check for a 'ting' sound, leave longer if no sound, file the nail once dry |
| Top coat | Seal in the acrylic with an air-dry, mega gloss, or matte top coat |
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Prepare your nails
Preparing your nails is the most important step in the acrylic application process. Without proper preparation, the acrylics won't stick to your nails.
First, remove any old nail polish with an acetone-based, oil-free nail polish remover. If you have old acrylics or gels, it's important to soak them off. Do not peel them off, as this will damage your nails. Trim your nails to a short, even, manageable length. This provides a good base for the acrylic.
Next, disinfect your hands and utensils with a hygienic preparation solution. Push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher, ensuring that no cuticle remains on the nail bed. File the free edge with a cushioned file and then file the nail plate gently and superficially in one direction only.
Remove excess moisture by applying a thin coat of artificial nail prep. Use a nail primer to remove the remaining moisture and oils from your nails. This step is crucial for the best adhesion. Carefully rub the surface of your nails with acetone, using a cotton ball or lint-free paper towel. Be careful not to use too much or get it on your skin. There are acid-free primers available if you are unsure about using acid.
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Apply acrylic gel
To apply acrylic gel, start by prepping your nails. Remove any old nail polish with an acetone-based, oil-free nail polish remover. If you have old acrylic nails or gels, soak them in pure acetone until they can be pushed off easily. Do not peel them off as this will damage your nails. Trim your nails to a short, even length using nail clippers or scissors.
Next, disinfect your utensils and hands with a hygienic preparation solution. File the free edge of your nails with a cushioned file. Gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher, ensuring no cuticle remains on the nail bed as the acrylic will not stick to it. Remove the cuticle with a metal pusher. File the nail plate gently and superficially in one direction only, using a padded file. Clean the nail with a particle cleaning brush.
Remove excess moisture by applying a thin coat of artificial nail prep. Apply a bonder, depending on the greasy nature of your nail. Place the nail form tip and cut it if necessary to give a subtle 'C' curve. Apply a nail primer to remove the remaining moisture and oils from your nails. This is an important step for the best adhesion. Use a cotton ball or lint-free paper towel to carefully rub the surface of your nails with acetone.
Now you are ready to apply the acrylic gel. Sculpt the acrylic by pressing the brush flat against your nail and gently moving the acrylic to smooth out bumps and spread it out evenly. Remember to keep your brush clean by dipping it into the acrylic liquid. If you need more acrylic to cover your entire nail, repeat these steps until you are happy with the coverage.
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Sculpt the acrylic
Sculpting the acrylic is a crucial step in achieving the desired nail shape and length. Here is a detailed guide on how to sculpt the acrylic:
Prepare the Nails
Before applying the acrylic, ensure your natural nails are clean and free of any old polish. Use an acetone-based, oil-free nail polish remover to remove any existing nail polish. If you have old acrylics or gels, soak them in pure acetone until they can be easily pushed off. Trimming your natural nails to a short, even length will provide a good base for the acrylics.
Apply the Nail Primer
The nail primer removes excess moisture and oils from your nails, ensuring the acrylic adheres properly. Use a cotton ball or lint-free paper towel to rub acetone on the surface of your nails. Be cautious when using nail primer with acid, as it can burn your skin.
Sculpting Technique
Now, you can begin sculpting the acrylic. Press the brush flat against your nail and gently move the acrylic to smooth out any bumps and spread it evenly. Remember to keep your brush clean by dipping it into the acrylic liquid throughout this process.
Assess Coverage
If you need more acrylic to cover the entire nail, repeat the previous steps until you are satisfied with the coverage. You can also use a pinching tool to make the nail longer and more slender, creating a stronger C curve. Place the pinching tool on the nail like a clamp while the acrylic is still drying but no longer feels tacky.
Filing and Top Coat
Once the acrylic has dried, you can file the entire nail to achieve a smooth surface and defined shape. Use a coarse nail file (e.g. 180 grit) to shape the tips and file them to your desired length. Finish with a finer grit, such as 1000 or 4000, for extra shine. Finally, seal in your work by applying a top coat to your nails.
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File the nail
Filing your nails is an essential step in achieving the perfect set of acrylic gel nails. It is a process that requires precision and patience to ensure a neat and desired nail shape. Here is a step-by-step guide to filing your nails for acrylic gel nails:
Step 1: Prepare Your Nails
Before you begin filing, ensure your nails are clean and dry. Wash your hands with soap and warm water to remove any oil or debris that may interfere with the filing process. If your nails are on the longer side, use nail clippers or scissors to trim them down to a more manageable length. For acrylic gel nails, it is recommended to have a short, even base to work with.
Step 2: Understand Nail Shapes
Nails come in various shapes, including square, squoval (a combination of square and oval), round, oval, almond, coffin, and stiletto. Your natural nail shape can guide the shape you choose. For example, if you have tapered sides leading to a rounded peak, almond-shaped nails may be the most flattering and easy to maintain.
Step 3: Hold the File Properly
When you're ready to begin filing, hold the nail file parallel to the side of your nail. For the initial shaping, you can also hold the file perpendicular to the edge of the nail, allowing you to get a basic shape worked out.
Step 4: File with Control
Start filing from the side or edge of the nail and work towards the center. File in one direction only, avoiding a back-and-forth or 'saw-like' motion, to protect your nail from splitting and tearing. Be mindful of your form and take your time to avoid over-filing or damaging your nails.
Step 5: Achieve Symmetry
For rounded or pointed shapes, alternate filing each side of the nail to create a smooth and symmetrical curve. Aim for an equal number of strokes on each side. For a coffin shape, file perpendicular at the tip to create a squared end. For square nails, file perpendicular to the tip until flat, then smooth out the edges.
Step 6: Fine-Tune the Shape
Once you've achieved the basic shape, you can fine-tune it further. For almond, coffin, or stiletto nails, focus on filing the sides more than the tip to create a narrow, tapered look. For round or oval nails, make smaller cuts at the end of each nail to shape the curve.
Step 7: Finish and Buff
After filing, you can use a buffer to smooth out the surface of your nails and remove any scratches or ridges left by the filing process. Finish with a high-grit buffer, such as 4000 grit, to add extra shine to your nails, similar to a top coat.
Remember, filing your nails for acrylic gel nails is a gradual process, and it's important to work slowly and carefully to achieve the desired shape without damaging your nails.
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Add a top coat
Adding a top coat is the final step in achieving the perfect acrylic gel nails. It is a crucial step as it seals in the acrylic and gives your nails a finished look. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to adding a top coat:
Firstly, ensure that your acrylic nails are completely dry before applying the top coat. You can test this by tapping your nail; if it sounds hollow, it is not dry, and if it 'tings', it is ready for the top coat. The drying time will vary depending on the products used and the number of layers applied.
Next, select the type of top coat you wish to use. There are various options available, including Air Dry, Mega Gloss, and Matte Top Coat. Each of these will give a different finish to your nails, so choose the one that suits your preference.
If you opt for an Air Dry top coat, apply it to your entire nail and leave it to dry for approximately two minutes. This type of top coat is convenient if you do not have a lamp to cure your nails.
Alternatively, if you choose a Mega Gloss or Matte Top Coat, apply it in the same way you would a regular nail polish. These options will give your nails a glossy or matte finish, adding shine or a subtle effect, respectively.
Finally, allow your top coat to dry completely. Again, the drying time may vary, so be sure to give it enough time to set properly. Once it is dry, your acrylic gel nails are complete!
Remember, it is essential to follow the previous steps correctly when doing your acrylic nails to ensure the best adhesion and a long-lasting manicure. With the right products, practice, and patience, you can achieve salon-quality results at home.
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Frequently asked questions
First, remove any old nail polish with an acetone-based, oil-free nail polish remover. Then, trim your nails to a short, even length. Next, disinfect your hands and utensils with a hygienic preparation solution. Push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher, ensuring no cuticle remains on the nail bed. File your nails with a cushioned file and remove excess moisture with a thin coat of artificial nail prep. Apply a nail primer to remove any remaining moisture and oils. Find the right size nail tips for your nails and glue them on.
File the entire nail until it is smooth on top and around the edges. Use a coarse nail file to shape the tips and file them to the length you want.
Tap the surface of your nail with the handle of your acrylic brush. If it makes a clicking or ting sound, it is dry.
Buff the surface of the nails with a buffer to remove scratches. Finish with a high grit buffer for extra shine. Use a small brush to dust off any excess nail dust.
Paint your nails with a coat of clear polish or coloured nail polish. You can also add a top coat to seal in the acrylic.
