It is short and weak for someone like me who loves nails as much as I love my hair (story of my life). Because of this, I became interested in fixing and treating nails early. Now, my other problem is chipping a nail. That’s even worse because it can deflate your confidence. So then I got to know about acrylic nails.
Now, there is a lot of contemplation about acrylic nails. The scare and misinformation are one of the things that birth the question, “Is it okay to get Acrylic Nails Once?”
Yes, it is possible to get Acrylic Nails just once. Some people like to get acrylic nails just for special events and occasions, which is okay. You can easily have them removed when you are ready. I am sure that if you get them well fixed, they will become your new best friend.
What are Acrylic Nails?
Acrylic Nails are faux nail extensions made from Acrylic plastic and are placed over your natural nails. Acrylics combine a liquid monomer and a powder polymer that forms a paste bonded to the original nails with a brush.
They are then shaped into your desired shape and left to harden or air-dried. Acrylic nails are the best solution for people who like to have different nails or people like me who want more length. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Who Can Get Acrylic Nails?
Everyone knows that dos and don’ts are the rules of the universe. The same applies to Acrylic Nails. So who can get Acrylic Nails?
1. People Who Want Longer Nails
If you love long nails, then this is your bus stop. Acrylic Nails have some unique longer extensions to offer you.
2. People Who Want 3D Nail Art
For people who love 3D art on their nails, then acrylic nails are for you. They offer you a variety of crafts that will blow your mind.
Things To Know Before Getting Acrylic Nails as a First Timer
1. It Might Take Time Before you Get Used to Them
If you are making them for the first time, you may feel a slight tightness, soreness, or sensitivity with them, but it gets better as time goes on, probably after the first day.
If it persists after a few days, you can go back to your nail technician and ask for them to relieve the tightness a bit. However, if it keeps bothering you, you might need to remove them.
2. Neglecting Them Can Damage Your Nails
If neglected, the gap between the nails and the acrylic nails can become a breeding ground for fungi and other bacteria. The lifting of Acrylic can also cause damage to your nails.
If you keep them for a long time, make sure that they are touched up regularly, or they will cause damage to your nail beds. You also need to make sure whoever removes them is an expert who knows what they are doing. Else your nails can get damaged.
3. You Need To Be Consistent With The Maintenance
Unlike normal nails, which are a one-and-done manicure, Acrylic Nails need consistent maintenance and upkeep. Nail specialists recommend that people who love acrylic nails go for touch-ups and filling every 14 days or so to keep the nail healthy.
Failure to keep up with maintaining them can cause damage to your natural nails, and your acrylic nails can keep breaking off. Now that’s a nightmare!
4. The Maintenance Can be Quite Expensive
Acrylic Nails can be quite expensive to maintain because you need to touch them up and fill them every couple of weeks. Expenses can also depend on where you live and where you get your nails done. If you plan to maintain acrylic nails, then have it at the back of your mind that you will incur extra costs to make them still look pretty.
What you shouldn’t do is go to an amateur or just any nail technician because you intend to save up costs; you may end up with damaged nails.
5. It Can Make Things Tricky for a While
As a first-timer, you may have difficulties using your new acrylic nails for a while. Yeah, they take some getting used to, but once you are consistent with them, it’s only a matter of time before you become a pro at using them for everything you need to do.
You should also note that acrylic nails give you endless possibilities and ideas of doing with your nails. So do not be afraid to go for what you want.
How To Apply Acrylic Nails On As A Beginner
Before you can apply your acrylic nails, you will need the following;
- Cuticle Pusher
- Nail files and Buffing Block
- Nail Dehydrator
- Nail Primer
- Dappen Dish
- Free wipes
- Acrylic Powder
- Acrylic nail brush
- Acrylic nail glue
- Top coat.
Step 1: Prep your Nails
Gently push your cuticle back so that the Acrylic will not stick to it. Next, use your buffing block to remove all shine from the nails. Next, wipe the dust with your wipes and make sure it is all removed.
You can now fit the nails on to get the proper sizes for each of your nails, then file them gently to your taste. Once you are done selecting your nails, gently apply them on with your acrylic nail glue, then use nail clippers and a file to shape them to fit the shape you desire.
Then apply your nail dehydrator to the entire nail bed. Once it’s done, use your primer on the whole nail bed.
Step 2: Apply your Acrylic
Pour your acrylic liquid into your dish and dip your acrylic brush into it to get the liquid. Gently dip the brush tip into the acrylic powder and apply it to the top of your nail.
Sculpt your Acrylic and gently move it to smoothen it out and spread it evenly around the nails. Do this repeatedly until the entire nail is covered.
Wait a bit for it to dry before filing it again. This will make the shape more defined.
You can now add a top coat on your Acrylic to seal it in. Finish off your manicure by adding your cuticle oil to your cuticles and gently rubbing it in with your fingers. Now you can enjoy your acrylic nails. Yay!!!
Tips on Making Your Nails Healthy After Getting an Acrylic
1. Wear your Natural Nails Shorter
After removing your acrylic nails, you should trim your nails and keep them shorter for a while. Then, you can use a nail strengthener instead of extensions or polish to gain back healthy nails.
2. Stay Off Extensions for a While
It is also recommended that you stay off your extensions for a while to give your nails breathing space. It also gives them a chance to recover their strength.
3. Keep your Nails Hydrated
You can use olive oil, cuticle oil, hand lotion, nail strengthener, etc., to keep your nails hydrated. This will strengthen them and keep them from breaking off.
4. Go for Professional Treatments
After removing your acrylics, your nail technician may know just what your nails need. You can consult with your nail technician to understand what you can do to keep your nails healthy pending the time you will fix another acrylic nail.
5. Eat Healthy Food
What a lot of ladies do not know is that the type of food you consume contributes to whether your nails stay healthy or not. Therefore, you must eat healthily to keep healthy nails.
Are Acrylic Nails Permanent?
As beautiful as Acrylic Nails are, they are not permanent. Even though they are the perfect solution for short, weak nails, they still wear out and fade. A well-cared Acrylic manicure can last for 6-8 weeks before removal.
But, some people keep it for a longer period, like three months upward, as long as it is well cared for. Specialists recommend that acrylic nails be removed at least every three months to give the natural nails space to breathe and grow healthy.
How Often Should you Take a Break from Acrylic Nails?
Although there is no specific time to get a break from your acrylic nails, it is advised that you should give your nails a break after using your acrylic extensions for a long time. Some specialists suggest between 12 weeks to 24 weeks. This is mainly dependent on how long you have had your extensions.
You need to understand that this break is a time to get your nails back on the healthy track and get better nails before applying another set. Failure to give breaks can seriously damage your natural nails or cause infections.
Is It Bad to Get Acrylic Nails All the Time?
Yes, it's bad to get acrylics all the time. Your nails will become brittle and damaged if you don't give them breaks from the harsh chemicals in nail polish remover and if you don't let your nails breathe by removing them. But if you're wearing acrylics most days anyway, wearing them for another day or two won't do any damage.
Can Acrylic Nails Permanently Damage Your Nails?
Yes, acrylic nails can permanently damage the nails. Over time, your own nails will grow underneath the acrylics and if they are left on too long or if they are taken off improperly, this will damage your own natural nail.
How Long Should Your Nails Be to Get Acrylics?
When it comes to length, there are no one-size-fits-all rules. Some salons will require you to show them a nail that is at least half an inch past where they trim off your natural nail (which means they'll care less about length than strength), while others use a quarter inch as their minimum length (and tend to care more about length than strength). The standard range is typically between 0.4
Conclusion
Yes, you certainly can get it just once. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, and you will enjoy them too. Just make sure that they are applied and removed expertly.