Acrylic Nail Tutorial

Acrylic nails have taken the beauty world by storm, offering a long lasting and customizable manicure that can withstand daily wear and tear.

Whether you’re a beginner wanting to learn how to apply acrylics at home or someone looking to refine your technique, this guide is for you.

In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know from preparing your nails to applying acrylics and caring for them afterward. By the end of this, you’ll be confident in your ability to create beautiful acrylic nails right at home.

Table of Contents

What Are Acrylic Nails?

Acrylic nails are artificial nails that are applied over your natural nails using a combination of acrylic powder and liquid monomer.

These nails are highly durable and come in various shapes, lengths, and designs, making them a favorite for many who want longer lasting manicures.

Unlike gel nails, which require a UV light to cure, acrylic nails dry naturally once the mixture is applied. This makes them easy to work with at home, and they’re often the go to choice for custom nail art due to their versatility.

Benefits of Acrylic Nails

Durability: Acrylic nails are known for their strength and longevity. When applied correctly, they can last up to three weeks without chipping or breaking.
Customizability: You can choose the length, shape, and design of your acrylic nails. From a classic French manicure to bold, intricate nail art, the possibilities are endless.
Protects Natural Nails: Acrylics can help protect weak or damaged nails and encourage them to grow longer.

Tools and Materials You Need

Before starting your acrylic nail application, it’s important to have all the necessary tools and materials on hand. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Essential Tools

Acrylic Powder and Monomer: Choose a quality acrylic powder (clear or colored) and liquid monomer. The ratio of these two determines the consistency of the acrylic, so it’s crucial to get it right.
Nail Tips: These are used to extend the length of your nails. You can opt for pre shaped tips or full coverage tips depending on the look you’re going for.
Acrylic Brush: A good quality acrylic brush is essential for picking up the right amount of product and shaping your nail designs.
Nail Forms: If you prefer sculpting nails without using tips, nail forms are a great alternative. They allow you to shape the acrylic directly onto your nail.
Primer and Dehydrator: These products prepare your nails for acrylic application, ensuring proper adhesion and longevity.
Dappen Dish: This small dish holds the monomer for easy access while applying acrylic.
Nail File and Buffer: A file helps shape the acrylic nails, and a buffer smoothens the surface for a flawless finish.
Cuticle Pusher and Nippers: These are essential for pushing back cuticles and trimming excess skin around your nails for a clean look.
Nail Drill (Optional): While not necessary for beginners, a nail drill can make the process faster and more precise when shaping or removing excess product.

Optional Tools

UV/LED Lamp: Some acrylics require curing, especially when using gel polish or topcoats.
Top Coat: Choose a glossy or matte top coat to finish off your nails and protect the acrylic from chips.

Preparing Your Nails for Acrylic Application

Before applying any acrylic product, you need to properly prepare your natural nails. Proper preparation is crucial for ensuring that the acrylic adheres well and lasts as long as possible.

Step by Step Nail Prep

Remove Old Nail Polish: If you have any old nail polish, start by removing it with an acetone based remover.
Push Back Cuticles: Use a cuticle pusher to gently push back your cuticles. This helps create more space for the acrylic to adhere.
Trim and Shape Natural Nails: Trim your natural nails down to a manageable length and shape them with a nail file. A square or oval shape works best for acrylic nails.
Buff the Nail Surface: Buff your nails lightly to remove the shine from the natural nail. This step ensures that the acrylic will adhere properly.
Apply Nail Primer and Dehydrator: Use a nail primer to promote better adhesion and a dehydrator to remove any oils and moisture from the nail surface.

Proper preparation is crucial for the longevity of your acrylic nails. Skipping these steps can result in premature lifting or damage to your natural nails.

Applying Acrylic Nails: Step by Step Guide

Once your nails are prepped, it’s time to apply the acrylics. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Choosing Nail Tips or Forms

You’ll need to decide whether to use pre shaped nail tips or nail forms.

Nail tips are glued to the natural nail, extending the nail length, while nail forms are placed under the natural nail and used to sculpt the acrylic directly onto the nail.

Nail Tips: Pre shaped tips are quicker to apply and are great for beginners. Choose tips that fit the width of your natural nails and are the desired length.
Nail Forms: Nail forms allow for more flexibility in shaping the nail, especially if you want to create a sculpted look.

Step 2: Applying Nail Tips

To apply nail tips, follow these steps:

Select the Right Size: Choose the appropriate size of the nail tip that fits your natural nail. Ensure that the sides of the tip align with your nail edges.
Apply Nail Glue: Apply a small amount of nail glue to the natural nail and attach the tip. Press down firmly for a few seconds to secure it.
Trim and Shape: After the tip is secured, trim it to your desired length. Use a nail file to shape the tip to match the natural nail.

Step 3: Mixing Acrylic Powder and Monomer

To apply acrylic nails, you’ll need to mix the acrylic powder and monomer to create the right consistency. The key here is the ratio of liquid to powder:

Bead Consistency: The ideal acrylic bead should be neither too wet nor too dry. If it’s too wet, the acrylic will run, and if it’s too dry, it will be difficult to mold.
How to Dip Your Brush: Dip your brush into the monomer first, then into the acrylic powder. Gently wipe the brush on the side of the dish to remove excess monomer before picking up the powder.

Step 4: Applying the Acrylic

Place the First Bead: Start by placing a small bead of acrylic at the base of the nail (near the cuticle). Use the brush to gently push and press the acrylic into place. Be careful not to touch the skin with the acrylic.
Build Up the Nail: Continue applying small beads of acrylic, working from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. Use your brush to smooth and shape the acrylic as you go, ensuring an even application.
Shape the Nail: Once the acrylic has dried, use a nail file to shape the acrylic nails into the desired form. Focus on creating a smooth, even surface.

Step 5: Curing and Setting

Allow the acrylic nails to air dry and harden. This process usually takes about 15 minutes, depending on the size of the beads. Once the acrylic is fully set, you can begin filing and buffing to shape the nails.

Nail Art and Design (Optional)

If you’re feeling creative, you can add intricate designs to your acrylic nails using nail polish, gel polish, or rhinestones.

Here are some tips for adding nail art:

Nail Polish Designs: Apply your favorite nail polish colors over the acrylic and let them dry. Use nail art brushes for detailed designs.
Gel Polishes: For a glossy finish, consider using gel polishes over your acrylic nails. These will require curing under a UV or LED lamp.
3D Nail Art: You can create 3D designs using acrylic powder itself. Sculpt flowers, hearts, or other shapes directly onto the nail for a unique look.

Filing and Buffing for a Smooth Finish

Once the acrylic has set, you’ll need to file and buff the nails to perfection.

File the Nails: Use a coarse nail file to shape the acrylic, focusing on the free edge and the sidewalls. File in one direction to avoid weakening the acrylic.
Buff the Surface: After filing, use a buffer to smooth out any rough spots and to ensure the surface is smooth and even.

Top Coat and Final Touches

To seal the acrylic nails and give them a glossy finish, apply a top coat. Make sure to cover the entire nail, including the edges, to avoid chipping.

If you’ve added any nail art, ensure that it’s sealed properly with the top coat. Allow the top coat to dry completely.

Aftercare and Maintenance

Taking care of your acrylic nails is just as important as applying them. Here are some tips for keeping your nails in top shape:

Moisturize: Regularly moisturize your cuticles and nails to prevent dryness.
Avoid Impact: Protect your nails from heavy impact or damage by wearing gloves during chores.
Touch ups: If you notice lifting or chipping, touch up the acrylic or visit a nail technician for a refill.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overloading the Brush: Too much acrylic on the brush can lead to bulky nails or uneven coverage.
Skipping Nail Prep: Proper preparation is crucial for long lasting results.
Not Allowing Enough Drying Time: Be patient and let the acrylic set before filing or applying additional coats.

Removing Acrylic Nails Safely

When it’s time to remove your acrylic nails, it’s essential to do it safely to avoid damaging your natural nails. Here’s a simple guide:

Soak the Nails: Use acetone to soak your nails for 15-20 minutes until the acrylic softens.
Gently remove acrylic: Use a wooden stick or cuticle pusher to gently lift the softened acrylic from the natural nail.
Buff and Moisturize: After removal, buff your nails and apply a nourishing cuticle oil to keep them healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long do acrylic nails last?
- Acrylic nails can last anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks, depending on how well you care for them.
Can I apply acrylic nails at home?
- Yes! With the right tools and some practice, you can apply acrylic nails at home.
Are acrylic nails damaging to your natural nails?
- If applied and removed correctly, acrylic nails should not damage your natural nails.
How do I know if my acrylic nails are lifting?
- Check around the cuticle area. If you see any gaps or lifting, it’s time for a refill.
Can I add gel polish to acrylic nails?
- Absolutely! You can apply gel polish over acrylics for an added layer of color and shine.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of acrylic nails takes time, but with this step by step guide, you have everything you need to get started.

Whether you’re looking to create a simple, elegant look or experiment with bold nail art, acrylic nails offer endless possibilities. Keep practicing, take care of your nails, and soon you’ll be able to create stunning acrylic nails with confidence!