10 Tips For Getting Acrylic Nails For The First Time - Prep My Nails (2024)

Colorful, imaginative acrylic nails appear to be the current manicure fad, and if you haven’t already jumped on board, chances are you’ve considered it. The sharp claws are all the rage among celebrities, but the cool gals, you know, have tried them out as well.

Some individuals go all out with vivid colors, patterns, forms, and sizes, while others stick to monochromatic tones and tints to keep it simple and minimalistic.

Regardless of how appealing acrylic nails may appear, there are a few things to consider regarding this fashion trend. Whether you want a dramatic appearance or something more subtle, there is just one way to go about it, and it can be a bit unsettling at first.

10 Tips For Getting Acrylic Nails For The First Time - Prep My Nails (1)

What To Ask For When Getting Acrylic Nails?

So you have decided to get glorious Acrylic nails but you don’t know how to talk to a nail tech about it. Don’t worry we are here to help. Please read on with an attentive mind.

Acrylic is a beautiful material that transforms into a hard, nail-like texture. It may be used as a quick fix to get long, almond-shaped nails for your next party or as a regular component of your cosmetic regimen if you have fragile nails. Acrylic nails combine a powder with a liquid solution to produce a tiny bead with a dough-like feel.

You then apply it to each nail with a brush, and once formed, it hardens. Acrylic nails endure a long time—we’re talking long, thick nails that don’t break and varnish that doesn’t peel very often. Unlike standard quick-to-damage nail varnish or even gel paint, acrylic nails, which usually last one or two weeks, are incredibly long-lasting.

Acrylic nails instantly make your tips appear long, thick, and healthy, but the process might be intimidating if you’re new to the game. Here are ten things to keep in mind before having acrylic nails if you’re thinking about it.

1. Prep Work Is Essential

It’s all well and good to want artificial nails, but you must first ensure that your natural nails can handle them. If your nails are brittle or weak, you should strengthen them before applying acrylics. As a natural strengthener, use jojoba oil. Formaldehyde is present in a variety of nail strengtheners. Jojoba oil is an entirely natural nail strengthener, and it’s one of the few oils that the nail can fully absorb.

2. They Could Be A Little Uneasy At First

Pain may be beautiful at times; this is true for acrylics. When putting on a set for the first time, it may most likely feel a little snug. If they irritate you for more than a day or two, go back to your salon and ask your manicurist to attempt a tension-relieving strategy – your manicurist could propose decreasing the length or adjusting the tip size. You can ask to have them deleted if they are bothering you.

3. They Need Regular Upkeep

Acrylic nails aren’t a one-and-done sort of manicure; because nails grow, they need to be maintained. According to experts, fills should be done every two weeks, not just to keep them looking good but also to ensure that the nail is healthy. Moisture can sneak beneath the acrylic and cause fungus to grow. You’d have to get the acrylic removed and then reapply in that instance.

The fungus may be polished away and treated in moderate cases. Still, in more challenging situations, it is recommended that the nails be left acrylic-free for a while to allow the nail to recover. Plus, if you leave them alone for too long, they may shatter. Be cautious if you opt to wait three or four weeks between fills, as many individuals do.

4. The Cost Can Become Expensive

Make sure you have the money in your pocket to keep up with the fillings every couple of weeks. A new set can cost $100 or more, depending on what you’re having done, where you live, and which salon you visit. Fills might cost $50 or $60. Of course, it may be less expensive, but be prepared and do your homework before scheduling an appointment. Not that there’s anything wrong with splurging on manicures, but if you’re intending on getting them for a long time, be sure you can afford it.

The best thing you can do is to buy an acrylic kit for beginners which will cost you around $20 and try them at home. It is not that difficult. All you need is a bit of practice but if you have the money then obviously go for salons for next-level acrylic nails.

5. They Can Cause Nail Damage If Ignored

In addition to the fungus, neglecting monthly manicures may cause long-term harm to your nail beds. Clients frequently begin to ‘pick at’ the lifting acrylic between fills, causing damage to the nail. Make sure whoever removes your acrylics knows what they’re doing to avoid harm.

You can typically avoid damage if you remove them properly, and you take particular care of your nails afterward. Once removed, it’s critical to keep them short for a while and moisturize them with moisturizing oils to maintain them healthy.

6. They Are Not A Long-Term Commitment

Getting artificial nails doesn’t mean you’ll have to wear them for the rest of your life. Some people choose to wear acrylics for a particular event and then take them off after a few hours. Again, there is no damage if applied and removed correctly by a nail specialist. Whether you want to give them a try to see if you like them, go ahead and do so.

7. They Make A Few Surprising Things Difficult

Acrylic nails are fun, but they can make a few things more complicated than they need to be. Picking up money is difficult, dealing with contacts is risky, auto-correct has to deal with many errors, and finger food is a disaster to deal with.

8. Remove Them On Time

If you wait too long to remove them, they may break and fall off. It will damage your natural nail, so schedule an appointment at your local salon before it becomes brittle. Also, do not neglect your nails by skipping a manicure, as this might result in long-term damage.

9. It’s A Hassle To Get A Fresh Set

Acrylics will not assist if your natural nails are fragile. Your natural nails may become so brittle after removing them that they may split down the middle. If this is the case, replace the tips of your nails as soon as possible. Soak your nails in acetone for a few minutes before gently filing the old set down and repeating the process a few times.

It is far gentler than removing the previous set with a clipper and an acrylic nail pushed under your existing nails to pull them out. Many ladies despise the procedure and refuse to undergo it.

10. There Are Countless Color And Shape Options

Even if there are a few things to consider before getting acrylics at your subsequent manicure treatment, there’s no disputing that they’re fun, stylish, and fashionable. You can do practically anything with acrylics that you can do with your natural nail, plus more, whether you use gel paint or ordinary polish, long and pointed points, or rounded and graceful tips.

You can get ideas from your favorite celebrity or try something more subdued and basic. The possibilities are unlimited – remember to snap a photo once you’ve completed them!

Conclusion

Acrylics can harm your natural nail bed, so adopting a few precautions ahead of time might help speed up the healing process. Because acrylics may make your nails dry and brittle, moisturize your tips regularly. Apply a moisturizing nail cream or oil to your nails twice a day, in the morning and evening.

Because nail health begins at the cuticle, make sure to massage it in there as well. After that, apply a polish hardener and strengthener to your nails—they apply like a top coat and prevent nail breakage. Because the application procedure of acrylics might influence the state of the nails after removal, see a nail specialist who comes highly recommended.

More Articles On Acrylic:

  • Beginner’s Guide To Acrylic Overlay On Natural Nails
  • Why Do Nails Grow Faster With Acrylic?
  • Are my nails too short for acrylic?
  • Using Clear Nail Polish to seal Acrylic pain
  • Can You Use and Mix Acrylic Paint With Nail Polish?
  • Can You Mix Acrylic Powder With Gel?
  • How Long Does Acrylic Paint Last On Your Nails?
  • Can You Use Any Monomer With Your Acrylic Powder?
  • How Long do your Nails have to be to get Acrylics?
  • Nail Tips Vs. Acrylic – Which Is Better?
  • How To Get Rid Of Natural Nail Growth Under Acrylics?
  • Acrylic Ballerina Nails Vs Coffin – Which Is Better?
  • How long for Acrylic Nails to dry without UV light?
  • Does Acrylic Overlay Add Length to My Natural Nails?

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10 Tips For Getting Acrylic Nails For The First Time - Prep My Nails (2024)

FAQs

How do I prepare for my first acrylic nails? ›

Before you start, first, you will need to master prepping the nail!
  1. Gently push the cuticle back with your cuticle pusher, ensuring no cuticle remains on the nail bed, as the acrylic will not stick to it.
  2. Use a buffing block to remove all shine to the nail by softly swiping left and right over the entire nail bed.
Sep 26, 2019

What is nail prep for acrylic nails? ›

Acrylic Nail Preparation Procedure

Spray anti-bacterial spray onto the cuticle knife to wet. Push up cuticle and scrape off the dead skin (dry loose skin).

How to make acrylic nails step by step? ›

How to Do Your Own Acrylic Nails
  1. Prep Nails. Items You Will Need. Nail file. ...
  2. Choose the Right Size. Items You Will Need. Acrylic nail kit. ...
  3. Apply with Acrylic Glue. Items You Will Need. ...
  4. Apply Pressure to Each Nail.
  5. File and Clip Nails as Needed.
  6. Apply Coat of Acrylic Color.
  7. Dry for About 10 Minutes.
  8. Apply Protective Top Coat.
Aug 21, 2023

Why is my acrylic not sticking to my nail? ›

There are A LOT of factors as to why nail enhancements won't stay on. The amount of water exposure like washing your hands a lot, if you swim a lot, take long baths, also improper prepping or even if your nails are naturally long and/or thin.

Why are my acrylic nails popping off? ›

The falling off of artificial nails is usually caused by aeration. Aeration occurs when artificial nails are not properly fluffed everywhere on natural nails, especially near the nail bed. In this case, the material comes in contact with the cuticle or adherent skin and this causes aeration.

Why does my acrylic keep lifting? ›

If you get gel or acrylic on the skin and you don't take care of it, you will also get lifting. Apply the product, let it flow. Make sure the product is thin in the back by the cuticle and then point the finger down so it moves away from the cuticle area naturally.

What is a quick on your finger? ›

The hyponychium (informally known as the "quick") is the epithelium located beneath the nail plate at the junction between the free edge and the skin of the fingertip. It forms a seal that protects the nail bed.

Can I do acrylic nails without tips? ›

On the other hand, acrylic overlay is applied directly onto the natural nail plate, without the use of nail tips. It focuses on enhancing the natural nails while adding strength and durability. Another popular nail enhancement technique is gel nails.

What happens if you don't put primer before acrylic? ›

The first and most significant risk is damage to your natural nails. Without a primer or base coat, the acrylic can adhere directly to your nails, causing them to become weak, brittle, and prone to breakage.

What order do you put fake nails on? ›

Place the fake nail just above the cuticle (keep it straight as you don't want any crooked-looking nails) and then press down onto the nail bed. Saunders says to press with the orange stick instead of your finger or nails so that they won't get glued together.

Do you need nail prep for acrylic nails? ›

Yes, using both a primer and a dehydrator is recommended for acrylic nails, especially if you're a beginner. While a dehydrator can help to remove moisture from the nail bed and prepare it for the application of acrylics, a primer is essential for bonding the acrylics to the natural nail.

Do acrylics hurt the first day? ›

Immediate Discomfort: Some discomfort or sensitivity is relatively common immediately after a nail appointment, particularly if you've had acrylic or gel nail enhancements applied, extensive filing, or shaping. This immediate discomfort should start to subside within a few hours to a day.

Does it hurt to get acrylic nails for the first time? ›

Acrylic nails naturally tighten as they dry. In occurrence, it can cause some discomfort. It is due to your nail bed adjusting to them. It happens most often for those who are getting acrylics for the first time.

Can bitten nails have acrylics? ›

However bitten your nails are they can be done providing the surrounding skin is not swollen and the skin unbroken. Sculptured acrylic nails would generally work best as this method can create an illusion that the portions of the nail is not of a nail biter.

Do you need a UV light for acrylic nails? ›

Acrylics start to cure when they come into contact with air, and usually completely dry in about 10-15 minutes. A UV light is not needed for acrylics, and is actually not recommended — it doesn't speed up the curing process like it does for gel nails.

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