Acrylic nails | 101

A little while back, one of my beautiful readers asked me to do a post all about acrylic nails. This is a little different from what I usually write, but I like that. Nails and nail art are a big thing in the beauty world and its important to make an informed decision about which style and formula is best for you. After all your nails are not just a fashion accessory so its important to ensure you are caring for them properly.

Acrylic nails have been around for quite some time and are still the most popular form of nail enhancement, but they way in which they are applied has moved on a lot. Most salons will now not use electric and metal tools as they cause a lot of damage to the natural nail, and some salons even apply acrylics with a special gel formula which is easier to remove and, therefore, better for the natural nail underneath.
I am actually trained in the application and maintenance of acrylic nails, so please dont think that I am just rambling about something I know nothing about in this post, I will be combining my experience with acrylics as well as information I received during my training.

The Pro's

.Nails of any length or shape you like - This is a given, but if you grow your natural nails too long, then they are more than likely going to become thin and brittle and will break more often, however, if you are wearing acrylic nails then you wont have this problem no matter the length or shape.
. Strong Nails - If your natural nails are prone to snapping or breaking then acrylic nails may be good for you as they will give strength to the nail. Note that they wont make your natural nails stronger but the acrylic layer, while applied, will give extra strength and support to the nail overall.
.Longer Lasting Polish - Natural nails contain oil which breaks down polish and causes it to chip. Because the acrylic doesn't contain oil it means your polish will last on and on - which is handy if you don't have time to re-paint them every couple of days.

The Con's

. Can be expensive - Cheap acrylics aren't always a good thing. Its better to pay a little more to a fully qualified technician (ask to see their certificates if you are unsure) who will carry out the treatment correctly. This will give you peace of mind but it also means you have to shell out a few more pounds.
. Can Cause nails to be brittle - This is only true if you are having your nails done by a lazy/unqualified technician. If the removal process is done carefully and correctly then your natural nails should be just as before, however, if your technician is rushing through and using electric drills and files then your natural nails will, of course, be left damaged and brittle
. A lot of upkeep - Your natural nails are constantly growing, which means your acrylic nails will eventually grow up and out, leaving a bare patch of natural nail at the bottom, this is the part which needs to be 'filled in' and usually this is to be done every 2-3 weeks which means more cost. If you are prepared for the upkeep of your acrylic nails then this wont worry you, but if you are not keen on spending money on your nails then this is something you should consider before getting your acrylics done.
. Bacteria can grow underneath if not applied properly - once again, the horrors of unqualified technicians. If your acrylic nails are not applied properly then they will begin to 'lift' - this is when you have small gaps or bubbles underneath the acrylic. This is obviously not a good thing as bacteria and dirt can be harboured underneath causing all sorts of problems to your natural nails, I really can't say enough how important it is to check that your nail technician is fully qualified.

Care for your acrylics at home

If you are serious about your acrylics then there are a few things you can do at home to ensure they will last as long as possible and look as good as possible.
. Only use a non-acetone polish remover - If you want to change your nail polish colour on your acrylics before your next appointment then don't panic, you can easily do this at home, just make sure you are using a non-acetone polish remover. Acetone breaks down the acrylic and causes it to thin, so make sure you are using the correct polish remover and you wont have any problems.
. Avoid oil based products - as mentioned, oil can cause the acrylic to lift off of the natural nail, so try to use products (body creams, hair products ect.) which do not contain oil to keep your acrylics in the best shape.
. Keep your cuticles in shape - Good nail technicians will do this for you at each appointment anyway, but it is good to keep your cuticles pushed back as the acrylic doesn't adhere to them, so you could end up with those dreaded gaps and bubbles!

If you are looking for long lasting colour on your nails without lengthening them, then 'Gel nails' may be better for you than acrylic nails (let me know if you would like to see a post about Gel nails, too). In the end it really all comes down to common sense when you are considering having acrylic nails - does the salon environment look clean? Are high quality branded product labels and technicians qualification certificates displayed? Have you heard good reviews? These are all things which can make the difference between a botch job and a professional finish!

I hope that this post has helped you to decide on your next nail treatment or, at least, cleared up some misconceptions you may have about acrylics nails! The only thing left to decide now is, which colour polish will you finish your new set of nails with?