Noah Sinclair
Acrylic nails are a great option for those seeking a long-lasting, professional-looking manicure. While they can be expensive to have applied professionally, ranging from $30 to $50, many people opt to do their own acrylic nails at home. This can be achieved through the use of a kit or by buying the supplies separately. Before applying acrylics, it is important to prep the nails by removing any old polish, trimming and shaping them, and pushing back the cuticles. Once the nails are prepared, the liquid acrylic can be applied, followed by the powder colour of your choice, and a top coat for a shiny finish. It is important to note that acrylic nails are temperature-sensitive, so it is recommended to work in a cool space to allow for more time to perfect the application.
Characteristics and Values Table for Making Your Own Acrylic Nail Gel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail Preparation | Remove old nail polish with acetone, trim and shape nails, push back cuticles, buff nail surface |
| Acrylic Kit | Liquid monomer, synthetic nail tips, acrylic powder (polymer), nail glue, nail file, nail clippers |
| Application | Pour liquid acrylic into a dish, dehydrate natural nails, prime nails, apply acrylic powder, finish with a thin encapsulation layer of acrylic mixture |
| Temperature | Room temperature affects acrylic application; a cooler room provides more time for application |
| Removal | Soak nails in pure acetone, do not peel off |
| Practice | Practice on training fingers or hands before applying to real nails |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping your nails
Remove Old Polish
Start by removing any old nail polish or gel residue. If you have gels, take the time to soak them off using pure acetone. Avoid peeling them off, as this can cause unnecessary damage to your natural nails. Gently soak them until they can be easily pushed away.
Trim and Shape
Use nail clippers or scissors to trim your natural nails to a short, manageable length. A few millimeters is a good length to work with, as it provides enough space to glue the tips later. You can then shape your nails using a nail file. File your nails to your desired shape, whether it's round, pointed, square, almond, or oval.
Push Back Cuticles
Gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher. This step is important because you want the acrylic to adhere to your natural nails, not your skin. Pushing back the cuticles will help reveal the base of your nails and ensure a clean surface for the acrylic to stick to.
Buff the Nails
Use a soft nail file or buffer to create a slightly rougher surface on your nails. This step might seem counterintuitive, as you may want your natural nails to remain smooth and shiny. However, buffing makes the surface less shiny and slightly rougher, providing a better base for the acrylic to adhere to.
Dehydrate the Nails
Before applying the acrylic, make sure to dehydrate your natural nails to remove any moisture. This step is crucial because any remaining moisture can prevent the acrylic mixture from sticking properly. You can use a product specifically designed for nail dehydration, like a nail prep dehydrator.
Clean the Nails
Finally, clean your nails with soap, water, and isopropyl alcohol. This will ensure your nails are free of any dirt, oil, or residue, creating an optimal surface for the acrylic application.
Remember, proper nail preparation is essential for achieving long-lasting and salon-worthy acrylic nails. Taking your time with these prep steps will help ensure a successful and professional-looking manicure.
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Choosing a kit
If you're new to the world of acrylic nails, it's best to start with an all-inclusive kit. These kits are ideal for beginners as they contain everything you need to get started, including detailed instructions. This way, you can get a feel for the process and decide if it's something you want to continue doing.
When shopping for an acrylic nail kit, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure the kit does not contain MMA (methyl methacrylate). MMA is a type of dental acrylic that is too hard for natural nails and may cause an adverse reaction. Instead, look for EMA (Ethyl Methacrylate), which is better suited for natural nails.
You'll also want to consider the quality of the kit. Opt for a reputable brand or one that is recommended by many people. This will ensure that you're getting high-quality products that are safe and effective. Some popular options include Young Nails, Mia Secret, and Kiara Sky. These brands offer a range of kits suitable for beginners and professionals, with high-quality products curated by experts.
Another thing to keep in mind is the type of kit you need. If you're just starting out, a trial kit or starter kit might be a good option. These kits typically include smaller, trial-sized products that allow you to sample the brand's offerings without committing to a full-sized product. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more comprehensive option, consider a pro kit or a kit that includes a variety of neutral acrylic powders and gels to build your foundation.
Finally, don't forget to consider your environment when choosing a kit. If you're practicing at home, opt for a low-odor acrylic kit to ensure a pleasant experience.
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Applying the acrylic
Before applying the acrylic, it is important to prepare your nails. Start by removing any old nail polish. If you have gels, take the time to soak them off to avoid causing unnecessary damage to your nails. Next, trim your nails to just beyond the smile line, ensuring they are short as the acrylic tips will be attached to them. Nails that are too long may snap, causing the acrylic to come off. File your nails to achieve your desired shape, whether it is round, pointed, square, almond, or oval.
After shaping your nails, gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher or your thumbnails. Be careful not to cut your cuticles as this may cause infection. Instead, you can soak your nails in warm water to soften the area before gently pushing back the cuticles.
Now, you are ready to apply the acrylic. First, buff each nail to create a rougher surface for the acrylic to adhere to. Then, pour liquid acrylic into a dish and dip a brush into it. Next, dip the brush into a separate dish containing acrylic powder. Apply the mixture to your nails, flattening and brushing it towards the tip. Allow the acrylic to dry for about 10 minutes before polishing.
It is important to note that if your nails appear unhealthy, you should not apply acrylic. Nail fungus is highly contagious, so disinfect your tools before use. Additionally, be cautious when filing your nails, as over-filing can damage them and make them more susceptible to infection.
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Finishing with a topcoat
Select an Acrylic-Friendly Topcoat
It is important to choose a topcoat that is specifically designed to be compatible with acrylic nails. This will ensure that the topcoat adheres well to the acrylic material and provides a strong and durable seal.
Apply a Thin Layer
When applying the topcoat, use a thin and gentle brush stroke to avoid adding too much bulk to your nail. A thin layer will also help the topcoat dry faster and more evenly. Be careful not to over-brush, as this can affect the smoothness of the final finish.
Seal and Protect
The topcoat serves as a protective seal, giving your acrylic nails a shiny and chip-free finish. It helps to lock in the colour and design of your acrylic nails, preventing smudging and ensuring their longevity.
Drying Techniques
Proper drying is crucial to achieving a smooth and streak-free finish. Allow the topcoat to air-dry naturally in a well-ventilated area. You can also use a nail lamp, such as a UV or LED lamp, to cure and harden the topcoat. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific drying method and duration recommended for your chosen topcoat.
Maintenance and Touch-ups
To maintain the shine and durability of your acrylic nails, regularly apply cuticle oil to nourish and moisturize your nails and cuticles. This will also help strengthen your natural nails. For touch-ups, simply file and buff your nails gently, being careful not to over-file, and reapply the topcoat as needed.
Remember, the topcoat is the final step in your acrylic nail routine, and it plays a vital role in achieving the desired look and longevity of your manicure. By following these steps, you can ensure a professional-looking finish that will keep your acrylic nails looking their best.
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Removing the acrylic
Removing acrylic nails can be a tedious and time-consuming process, and it is not recommended by manicurists to do it yourself as any error can damage your nail beds. However, if you are in a bind and cannot make it to the salon, there are ways to remove acrylic nails at home.
Firstly, you will need to cut down your extensions using sharp nail clippers, leaving about two centimetres of the nail above your nail bed for safety. This provides a good base for the next steps and ensures you do not accidentally cut yourself or damage your nail bed.
Next, you will need to file your nails. If you have regular polish on top of your acrylics, you can remove it with acetone or nail polish remover. If you have gel polish, use the coarse 100-grit side of your nail file to file off the shiny topcoat. Then, use the coarse side of the file to get rid of most of the acrylic. Filing off as much of the acrylic as possible will reduce the amount of time you will need to soak your nails in acetone later.
Now, you will need to soak your nails in acetone to remove the remaining acrylic. The acetone should be at least 70-proof or higher, as lower-grade acetone will require more soaking time. There are two ways to do this: the first method involves cotton balls and foil. Soak a cotton ball in acetone and place it over your nail, then wrap your finger tightly with foil. You can also use nail polish remover clips instead of foil. This method is more complicated and requires patience, but it can be done.
After soaking your nails for the recommended time, the acrylic should be soft and can be gently pushed off the nail. Do not peel the acrylic off, as this will damage your natural nail and make it thinner.
Finally, follow up with a good hand cream or nail oil, as acetone can be very drying to your skin and nails.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to remove any old nail polish. If you have gels, take the time to really soak them off so as to not cause unnecessary damage to your nail.
Next, you should trim your nails to a short, even, manageable length.
Buff the surface of your nails to make the surface slightly rougher and less shiny. This provides a better surface for the acrylic to stick to.
Push back your cuticles. You want the acrylic to be adhered to your natural nails, not your skin.
After securing all of your acrylic tips in place, use nail clippers and a file to shape them accordingly.
