All About Acrylic Nails: Your 101 Guide

Who wouldn’t want stronger, longer and more beautiful nails? Although acrylic nails have been the most popular nail enhancement they are beginning to fade out of the salon/spa menu of services. Why? The new trend of gel manicuring has reached the public. Many people still prefer acrylic nails because they have quick maintenance and for the most part are inexpensive when it comes to balancing the nails (filing in the outgrowth of the nail).

The word acrylic is a shortened term for the word “methacrylate” which is a combination of monomer liquid and polymer powder. The polymer powder found in acrylic nails gives the nails its strength and durability, the monomer liquid forms nail like fibers with the monomer liquid, which hardens and resembles a natural nail. At every salon/spa that offers acrylic nails, the chemical process is all the same as all acrylics use monomer liquid and polymer powder.

Acrylic nails are all applied using the same basic process of cleansing, priming, mixing, sculpting and finishing. Technicians use this process to ensure an infection doesn’t form under the enhancement and that the nail does not get damaged during the process. Cleansing the nail with an isopropyl alcohol will rid the nail of any grease of oil and kill any bacteria. Priming the nail will allow the acrylic adhere to the nail bed. This is done with methacrylic acid, which dissolves a thin layer of the natural nail. The nail bed becomes rough allowing the acrylic to adhere. Next, the acrylic resin is mixed (monomer liquid and polymer powder). This does dry very quickly so the technician must work quickly. Once the resin is hardened, it cannot be used and won’t shape to the natural nail. Sculpting the nail is next which involves the process of using either plastic or a thin metallic foil to create a free edge with the acrylic. The resin is then applied over the plastic or foil to the clients desired shape. Once the mixture has hardened, the nail form can be removed. Finishing the acrylic involves filing and smoothing the acrylic, then painting the enhancements.

Acrylic nails are great if it’s hard for you to grow nails or if you have thin or brittle nails. Acrylic nails do need to be balanced every several weeks which can get in the way of everyday life if you have a tight schedule. It is also important to be sure the acrylic is not lifting, this will cause a higher risk of bacteria getting under the nail and causing an infection.

Acrylic nails may not be for everyone, but are definitely one of the more popular options in nail enhancements. And, for those really ambitious, there are DIY kits and drill files and accessories you can try at home!

 
Content Provided By: Alexia Hites