Back to main page

A Look At Step By Step Acrylic Nails

Many women opt for artificial nails rather than natural. Some women prefer them because of their durability and strength, while others adore them for their length and beauty. No matter the reason, artificial nails are a commitment that also need maintenance about every two weeks to look their best. Whether this is your first time having acrylic nails applied, or you’re just curious about the process, the following step by step acrylic nails instructions may help you decide if they’re right for you.

Clean and Trim

Before an artificial tip can be applied, the natural nail bed has to be clean and dry. If you visit a professional manicurist, your nails will be filed, and your cuticles will be pushed back with an implement known as a cuticle pusher. Dead cuticle debris will then be removed from the edge with a cuticle nipper. Removing the old cuticle and pushing it back will create a more attractive nail bed and will also help nails look longer. Once the nail bed is clean and dry, nail tips may be applied.

Tips or No Tips?

For women who are satisfied with their natural nail length, applying an artificial tip may not be necessary. The gel and powder can be applied directly over the nail bed to strengthen and thicken the natural nail. For those opting for length, a faux nail tip is the next step. The nail tip that best matches your nail shape and width will be used.
The tips that are used can range from traditional white through to patterned and glitter tips. These look really stunning, and as the artwork is on the tips the look is uniformed to complete an even look.

Applying Liquid and Powder

Once the nail tip is selected, it’s time to adhere the tip to the nail bed. Two small glass jars will normally hold both the monomer (liquid) and the polymer (powder) acrylic for easy access and application. The manicurist will then dip a small brush into both formulas and apply a small bead of acrylic on the nail and tip, working quickly to build up and blend the two nails (natural and tip). This is the most difficult part of artificial nail application. If the formulas are applied incorrectly, the nail may appear lumpy, too thick, or crooked.

Hygiene and Cleaning

It has been in the media often about some clinics substandard cleaning of utensils and equipment. Our advise to you ask about the sterilization of tools and to look to see if a new clean set of brushes and tools are used each time you arrive.