Nails, Services-tipsy

Spring is the time for renewing and refreshing your style. It’s also a great time to get a fresh set of nails. We’ll be honest, if you’ve never had acrylic nails before, it can take some getting used to. But once you learn to properly care for them, they are a fantastically fabulous fashion accessory.

Here’s everything you need to know about acrylic nails. 

Acrylic vs gel nails

Acrylic nails are created using a liquid monomer and powder polymer. When mixed, they create a pliable paste that can be bonded to your natural nails to create shape and length. The acrylic is filed down and feathered to look like a natural extension of your natural nails. 

Acrylic nails are great because:

• they add toughness to your nails
• you can wear them for months at a time, with a few touch-ups and fill-ins as needed
• the shapes, lengths, and designs are only limited by your imagination and the skills of your nail tech
• they make your nails look younger and stronger
• they can discourage nail-biting 

On the other hand, gel nails are a special polish that hardens under UV light. It helps strengthen your nails, but not as much as acrylic.

How do you know what style to choose?

• For a more natural look, choose gel nails
• For lengthening, strengthening, and shape, choose acrylic

What’s the process to apply acrylic nails?

Getting a complete set of acrylic nails usually takes an hour or more. Here’s what to expect from a nail technician applying acrylic nails:

1. We file your natural nails to create a somewhat rough surface. This makes bonding the acrylic to your natural nail stronger. 
2. We mix the acrylic liquid and powder to form a paste. The paste is a bit shiny and looks like a bead.
3. This paste is applied to your nail and shaped or buffed to your desired shape. 
4. Your newly shaped nails will then take about 10 minutes to fully air-dry.
5. A protective coat of polish is applied to seal the acrylic. 

Applying acrylic nails must be quick, as it begins drying as soon as it’s exposed to air. For this reason, the acrylic paste will be kept sealed or mixed in small batches as needed. 

 

How long do acrylic nails last?

With good care, acrylic nails can last six to eight weeks with proper care. Depending on how fast your nails grow, you may need them filled every two to three weeks to keep them looking fabulous. Without these fillers, the edges of your acrylic can begin to lift and get caught or ripped easily. 

Maintenance really is key to prolonging your gorgeous look. Here are some tips to help your nails look fabulous longer:

• Wear gloves when doing anything dirty or exposing them to any chemical or household cleaning agents
• Use moisturizer and cuticle oil to keep your hands and nail area moisturized to prevent drying and cracking. (vitamin E cuticle oil works great)
• Don’t use them as a tool to poke or rip anything
• Keep them dry, avoid prolonged exposure to water, and dry them completely after they get wet.
• Avoid acetone polish removers

Are acrylic nails safe?

Acrylic nails aren’t any more dangerous than other nail products. The only consideration is to get a professional to apply and remove them. Improper removal can weaken and damage your natural nails, so it’s important to do it as gently as possible. 

While it’s safe to get acrylic nails as often as you like, most technicians will recommend taking a break every couple of months to give your natural nails some breathing room to help them rejuvenate.

 

How do you clean and remove acrylic nails?

When you’re ready to remove your acrylics, it’s best to have it done by a professional. Since a professional will likely file the top layers of acrylic off before soaking your nails in an acetone solution for about 15-20 minutes to remove the deeper layers. A cotton ball soaked in acetone is applied to your nail and covered with foil to hold it in place. When the cotton ball is removed, the acrylic is usually soft enough to gently peel off. 

After uncovering your natural nail again, it is likely to be dry and brittle. Your nail technician will remove any excess acrylic from your nail by hand, then apply cuticle oil to hydrate and moisturize your nails.  

If you try to peel the acrylic off on your own, it can cause severe damage to your natural nails, so always go to a salon to get it done professionally, and safely. 

How much do they cost?

Acrylic nails done by a reputable nail artist are often around $70, and a fill-in is $55. There may be an extra cost if you wish to apply any other nail polish or nail art. 

How do you pick the right salon?

Not every nail salon can do acrylics. Make sure you choose the right salon with experience to do these particular types of nails. Look for a salon with

• a strict, detailed cleaning routine
• experience in acrylics
• well-maintained tools and equipment
• tech’s that have pictures of recent acrylic nails sets they’ve applied
• fair pricing
• appropriate licenses and certifications
• good reviews on social media and online business review sites. 

Where to get the best acrylic nails in New Jersey

Tipsy Nail Club in Montclair, New Jersey, is the best for creating fabulous nails with acrylic. Our high-quality treatments and acrylics look better and last longer. We offer the best nail art in the city!

Haven’t been to Tipsy yet? Get 20% off your first mani-pedi treatment today!