Few beauty treatments are as divisive as the acrylic nail. As contentious a subject as marmite, the mere mention of an acrylic nail causes some to recoil in fear, while for others the nail tech's chair is as reassuring as the arms of your best friend.
For many of us, our first experience of nail extensions came in our late teens, rushing down to the nail salon in preparation for a big event (cue prom flashbacks and questionable outfits), the sense of excitement overwhelmed only by the smell of formaldehyde.
Call it nostalgia, or a renewed interest in bold nails, but acrylics are having a comeback. Whether it's been a year or ten since you last had them done, we're here to give you a refresher course on all things acrylic nails with a helping hand from the pros.
What You Need To Consider Before Getting Acrylic Nails
Why should I opt for acrylics?
There are many reasons why acrylic nails make a good investment, not least because they make a super satisfying sound clicking across your keyboard.
'The main reason is usually to conceal nails that are not aesthetically pleasing to the eye, many of us find it hard to grow our natural nails and acrylic solves this problem,' says celebrity session nail artist and founder of Manicured London Tinu Bello.
'They provide you with your desired strength, length and shape along with longevity when maintained well. What's more, they can be a great help for nail biters.'
How long will acrylic nails last?
'Acrylic nails typically last six to eight weeks, with an infill conducted every 2-3 weeks to conceal growth,' says Bello.
'It's suggested to remove all acrylic every eight weeks so your technician can check on the health of your natural nail, and update the structure of the acrylic by applying a new set.'
The beauty is, between infills, acrylic nails still look pretty and preened. Unlike traditional nail polish, gel can withstand far more wear and tear, meaning you won't find yourself with pesky chips and scratches.
Check your nail health
While the endless nail shape and design combinations of acrylics may seem like your biggest challenge, the health of your nails is the most vital part of preparation.
While acrylics might seem like a safe bet to hide already damaged nail beds, this will make them way worse in the long run. 'Applying nail enhancements to damaged nail plates can cause sensitivity,' says session celebrity manicurist Michelle Humphrey.
'If your nails are weak and brittle I suggest using a nail strengthener like OPI Nail Envy or Sally Hansen Hard As Nails a few weeks prior to having acrylic to make them stronger,' advises Bello.
Do your research
While we don't always realise it, our nails factor into a lot of our daily activities, so it makes sense that you would want the very best for them, and that means finding someone that follows best acrylic nail practice.
'Make sure you find a reputable nail technician and look for someone that's qualified and insured. I'd always recommend checking out someone's work on their website or social media to get an idea of the potential outcome,' advises Humphrey.
'Avoid nail bars that are using MMA acrylic and opt for a salon that uses EMA. EMA is a much more flexible acrylic and of high cosmetic grade.'
Plan ahead
There's nothing that induces a sweaty brow quite like being asked 'What do you want?' in the nail bar when you've not thought it through. Hundreds of nail polish swatches, a waiting room full of people behind you, and that's before you've even considered a shape. Do you feel the beads of sweat forming?
It's in the best interest of you and your nail tech to come to your appointment with an idea of what you'd like. Plus, choosing your design should be the really fun part. 'Most of my clients have nail art so I always advise them to save some inspo images to their phone or to make a Pinterest board of nails they love,' says nail artist and salon owner Alice McColm of Alice McNails.
'It's so much easier to convey what you want through an image and less chance of crossed wires.'
If you're an acrylic amateur, resist the temptation to go talon-crazy on your first appointment. Practicality has to come into play as navigating life with long nails is no mean feat. 'Go conservative on the length, they will grow in time and you'll get used to them,' says Humphrey.
ELLE Edit: Summer Nail Polishes
Essie Gel Couture V.I.Please
Hermès Les Maines Hermès Nail Polish Rose Tamisé
Palette London Chai Tea Nail Paint
Nailberry Nailberry L'Oxygéné Nail Lacquer Mistral Breeze
How To Maintain Your Acrylics
Consistency is key
So you've had your nails done, you can't stop admiring your hands every five minutes and have approximately 400 photos of your new mani in your Instagram drafts... Now what?
Maintaining your acrylics won't only make them last longer but will also save you time and money in the long run. As McColm neatly puts it: 'treat them like jewels, not tools.' Avoid coming into contact with products that contain strong chemicals (such as paint stripper) which will tamper with your acrylics, and where you can, be sure to wear gloves.
According to Humphrey, if you want to keep your nails looking and feeling their best, regular nail appointments should be booked 2/3 weeks apart. 'This is crucial to rebalance the nail which avoids putting the nail bed under any stress,' she advises.
Top tip: 'For the first 24 hours avoid having hot baths, swimming pools, saunas or hot tubs,' says McColm. 'The first 24 hours are crucial, as this is when your nail enhancements are hardening.'
A little TLC goes a long way
In terms of keeping your nails looking their best, McColm advises keeping a bottle of cuticle oil within reach at all times. 'It can make such a difference to the life span of your nail enhancements,' she says.
Bello echoes this sentiment: 'Cuticle oil will help to hydrate and nourish the cuticle and the skin around the nails while also keeping the nails flexible to prevent breakage.'
How To Remove Acrylic Nails
The most important factor in maintaining the health of your nails post-acrylics lies in how you get them taken off. 'It's so easy to damage your natural nails with improper removal,' warns McColm. If your nail extensions start to come away, despite how much you might want to, picking them should be avoided at all costs.
'If you've got any lifting, get yourself back to the salon,' says Humphry. 'Nails that need fixing or replacing are usually an additional cost as this can take longer and your nail tech can usually tell if you've picked your nails due to the nail plate damage.'
'Your nail tech will remove the first layer of gel polish, and trim the acrylic tip to match the length of your natural nail. Then, each nail is soaked in warm acetone for 15-minute intervals (warm acetone helps to speed up the process),' says Bello. 'At each interval, a layer of acrylic is safely removed using traditional tools or an electric nail-file, and this is repeated until all acrylic is removed.'
What's more, if you're getting another set from the same nail tech they will often remove them for free. No more excuses.
The Best Hair, Skin And Nail Supplements And Vitamins Worth A Spot In Your Beauty Routine
ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.
