Acrylic nails are artificial nails that are glued to your natural ones. They are made by mixing acrylic powder, which is a polymer with glue that acts as a monomer. Acrylic nails are also called sculpted nails because the mixture of acrylic powder and glue is sculpted on natural nails to get the shape that you desire. Acrylic nails are best done from a salon, and it is mandatory that the first few times you get it done with the help of an expert. Once you know well about the procedure, you can try doing it on your own at home. You can check out The Cuddle ‘s website for 50 Stunning Acrylic Nail Ideas to Express Your Personality.
Getting acrylic nails done is not rocket science, and you can do it easily if you know what has to be done and what are the things that you’re going to need. If you’re a person who loves to show off your nails, you can save a lot of money if you learn to get acrylic nails done by yourself. Here’s a step-by-step guide that will help you get acrylic nails done by yourself!
Get all the stuff that you’ll need
If you’re doing it for the first time by yourself, it’s better that you buy an acrylic nail kit so that you won’t miss out on anything. Once you know all the tools properly, you can go shopping for each one of them separately. Also, kits contain detailed instructions on how to get done with the process. Make sure that you get a monomer that’s EMA – Ethyl Meth acrylate and not MMA (Methyl meth acrylate). MMA is a dental acrylic that is too strong for your nails, and EMA is the ideal monomer for your nails.
Get your nails ready
- Remove the traces of your old nail polish using a good nail polish remover and if you have acrylic nails on, remove them by dipping your nails in pure acetone. Do not peel off the nail polish or the nails at any cost.
- Trim your nails, buff the top layer of your nails, and wash off the nail dust so that the surface of your natural nails is a bit rough for the acrylic to stick on better.
- Use a wooden cuticle pusher to push them in so that the acrylic doesn’t stick to your skin.
- Use a nail primer so that the acrylic coat sticks better and looks better.
Applying the acrylic
Apply the right-sized tips to your nails with a dab of glue, and if you don’t get the right-sized nail, you can always file down the bigger one to your nail size. Mix the acrylic and get some water in a separate bowl. Now, take the acrylic on the brush and apply it to your nails without making any bubbles. Make sure you don’t apply it to your cuticles. Once the acrylic has dried, you can file it and paint it according to your preference.