Acrylic nail extensions are a very popular and ever trending choice for those seeking long-lasting, durable, and stunning nails. Whether you are a beginner or a professional nail technician, mastering acrylic extensions requires a lot of practice, patience and of course our few tips and tricks can help you a long way. In this blog, you’ll be learning all about acrylic extensions and a few tips and tricks that can ease your application process providing your clients with the most flawless looking nails.
What are acrylic nail extensions?
Acrylic nails are the strongest form of nail extensions, they are created by using liquid monomer and acrylic powder to build a hard and protective layer on nails. The mixture of acrylic with monomer is applied on to the nails using an acrylic brush and then shaped and air dried to form a beautiful and durable acrylic extension set.
Tips and Tricks for a perfect acrylic application:
A Perfect Nail PrepA proper nail preparation is extremely important in order to increase the longevity and durability of the acrylic nail extensions. Few important steps that one should not miss during the nails prep are,
- Pushing back the cuticles
- Removing the shine of the nails, lightly buffing the natural nail helps one remove it’s shine. It helps the acrylic powder adhere better.
- Applying dehydrator and primer, the purpose of this particular step is to ensure that the acrylic bonds well with the natural nail.
It’s important to always use the right monomer in order to achieve a ravishing look. There are 3 types of monomer setting liquids,
- Slow setting monomers, ideal for beginners and learners
- Medium setting monomers, the perfect choice for all nail technicians as it isn’t too fast nor too slow just the perfect amount.
You can check out Ellement Co’s Monomer which is a perfect medium setting monomer that helps you create a flawless base and 3D nail art work as well
- Fast setting monomers, they aren’t usually preferred because the powder dries up quickly not giving enough time for application leading to wastage of product
The liquid-to-powder ratio should be balanced. Too much liquid results in runny consistency, while too much powder makes the mixture thick and impossible to apply. Hence, it's very important for one to pick the right amount of monomer liquid and similarly the right amount of powder to form a perfect bead. A perfect bead should have a creamy and smooth consistency where it isn’t entirely runny nor it is too study.
If your acrylic nails look smooth, have even finished then it means that the application process was just on point. If you wish to achieve that even finish and flawless acrylic base then follow the steps mentioned below,
- Start with the apex - Apply the first bead near the stress area that is the apex of a nail. That makes sure to provide strength and structure to your application.
- Work in sections - Start with the apex and the move to cuticle area and lastly smoothly brushing it towards the free edge. Working in sections will make sure an even distribution.
- Smooth and Shape - Use the belly of your acrylic brush to smoothen the acrylic mixture and make it evenly distributed on your entire nail.
Shaping and Filing
Once the acrylic mixture has set, ensure to file and buff efficiently to achieve that finished look that your client desires.
- Start with filing sides and free edges
- Refine the surface using a grit filer to smooth out the entire surface
- Lastly, buff buff to achieve a smooth and shiny surface.
Mastering acrylic nail art might get tricky, but with patience, practice and guidance one can definitely achieve their desired acrylic extensions looks.