Get Ready to Shine with Long Acrylic Nails

Thanks to the never-ending videos of Cardi B and Kylie Jenner on Instagram – the concept of long nails acrylics is returning! Click on any nail art video, or subscribe to any beauty vlogs – this style of artificial nails is raging. In fact – visit any nearby salon for a manicure, and acrylic nails are their invariable suggestion. So, what is this rage all about?

This content will provide you with complete details regarding this nail art. Additionally, it will give you insight into some of the versatile styles and a quick factual readthrough before you decide to paint your nails!!

Let’s nail it then –

Quick Science – What are long acrylic nails?

It is a technique to harden the nails by placing a chemical layer over them. Specifically, acrylic is a blend of powder polymer and liquid monomer used to create a paste that assures the bonding of the counterfeit nail to the natural one. Once the basic sticking of the nail is complete, most beauticians trim the nail according to the demand and, if left, do the next bit of artwork.

Is that a bit complicated? Well, let’s simplify it a bit. What happens in acrylic nails is that a monomer and a polymer are blended to form a soft ball-like structure that can be shaped quite like a nail. Invented by (surprisingly) dentist Maxwell Lappe to curb the urge of nail-biters, this is not just a fashion obsession but a trend worldwide.

That’s just the beginning of nail art. There’s a whole tale that is awaiting your response. Get through it –

Any other variety to try?

Acrylic nails are not the only style you can try to fashion your long nails. There are some other options, equally good and affordable – without a doubt that you may try checking. They are –

# Gel Nails 

The concept of gel nails works in a triple format base. First, apply the base coat, hold it under UV rays (30 seconds to 2 minutes) and then apply the paint. Once it is set, you finally shield it with the gel to protect your nails in the long run.

#Wrap Nails 

For this – a piece of paper, a bit of silk or any other linen, or even fiberglass (mostly used) is painted and glued to the woman’s natural nails. Called tips or extensions, it is perfect for women who love to flaunt their nail art.

#Solar Nails 

The most common of the range – they are quite like the French manicured nails (only that they are attached)!

If you try any of these styles, albeit – taking into account the acrylic style as well, you will find that – your nails will be more durable, and the polish will last longer. Also, these styles were specially curated for protecting brittle nails in the long run.

What to check before getting it?

If you are still reading this and wish to proceed to know ‘the facts you need to check beforehand,’ then it may be stated that the – magic of long nails acrylics has somewhat caught up with you. So, here’s what you must know before you get those extensions yourself – 

• Have you checked your nail health? Is it good enough to hold on an acrylic paint? 

As stated previously, acrylic nails were invented to soften brittle nails and remove the urge to bite on nails. However, you must understand that not all nails are suitable for acrylic paint. At this point in time, these nail enhancements might look like the only mode to better your already brittle nails, but in the long run, they may enhance the sensitivity of the nails.

In one of her sessions, the celebrated manicure artist categorically stated, “If you apply nail enhancements to already damaged nails, then it may increase the sensitivity levels”. So, you might jump with joy at those extensions, but your nails may not have the best shield. 

• Why stick to acrylic only? Gel nails are quite fashionable 

Though less in a popular context, gel nails also enhance the protection and fashion levels of your nails. You must note that gel nails are used to harden the edges of your nails rather than the whole of them.

Additionally, the key aspect of long nails acrylics is their durability which is higher than gel nails. The most important and affordable aspect is that every time your acrylic nail needs a touch-up, you may do the needful at home. While for gel nails, you must visit the nail technician every time!! 

• Check on your nail technician’s and the salon’s testimonials 

One of the very important points that you have to check!! Is your nail technician qualified? What about the salon that you plan to visit? Do they have the required licenses?

You might think that nail art is no tattooing and you need not be so concerned with it. But the truth is that – if performed incorrectly, it may cause fungal infection and excess pungent growth. This will do nothing but harm your ‘nail decor’ and could lead to certain unwanted infections.

Done with the qualification part? Then check what kind of chemical products they use on their clients. The brands, tools used, and procedures followed will give an idea of their standards. Also, testimonials from previous clients are important evidence to analyze if they cater to your requirements for this beauty treatment.

Checked and set? See the price tags, book the appointment and go on for your nail date.

• What style would you want for your nails?  

Now, this is a tricky area. You might have some styles in your mind, and the concerned salon that you visit may also show you some unique styles. Either way – you have to choose from a wide range.

So, how do you decide? The basic criteria are – it should be comfortable to be always carried. It is no secret that carrying this nail itself can be quite a task. You must also note whether your dear nail art suits every occasion (at least some of the major occasions).  Talking of the color – white, tan and pink are mostly chosen.

Imagine you get your acrylic done on Halloween, and then you have a wedding to attend. So, it is best to keep something moderate that may suit every occasion. Keep track of the color as well!

Done with the acrylics? Care for it – 

• You have to be consistent with the care

Once you are done curating long nails acrylics, you will have to care for them, albeit consistently. Most nail salons vouch for cuticle oil. You will have to nourish the cuticle as well as the area around the skin to enhance the protection of acrylic nails. Moisturising is the way to make it long-lasting.

• Manicure is very important 

Most people think that once they are done with the nail art, they do not need regular manicure sessions. But that is one grave mistake that you will make. The post-extension manicure session helps cement the nail art and, if required, re-coats the extension. Do not miss the sessions!

Knowhow: How is it done?

Your nail technician will do the job of painting up the long nails acrylics. But as a curious individual, why don’t you also get to know some of the specifics?

Here’s how it is done –

• You already know about the blending of polymers. Once applied – this mixture takes 30 seconds to 15 minutes to settle and harden.
• The application process starts with the tips of the nails. Once that is smoothened, your nail artist will start applying it to the rest of the portion of the nail.
• When the entire nail is polished with the gel, certain ‘forms’ are placed on the nails. This helps to mold the artsy nail that comes from the acrylic paint. Once the action is over – remove the ‘form’ and leave out the nail to absorb the gloss.

Your artist will tell you how much time it will take to settle, and then you are good to go!

Can you do it at home?

Of course, you can! But you will have to be someone who really knows how to manage the art. Trying out long nails acrylics, even with the specialists in tow, can get tricky. So – here are the basics –

• You must clean and trim your nails first. Then push the old cuticle back and remove the old paint.
• Then you will have to file your nails. Wait for it to dry before you proceed.
• You have kept the fake nails ready, right? Well, apply the glue and place the fake one. The glue must not dry out or be too thick. It hampers the nail placement. Practice it before you go in for the final show.
• Do not pull it off if you have mistakenly placed it wrong! Rather – soak your nail in the solvent that has been given to you and wait for the glue to soften. Once it softens, it will automatically chip off. Then you can dry it and try again.
• Once it is done – you can trim your nails to the ideal shape. You are set to go!

You can try these styles

More or less, you are aware of the styles and standards that is there in the domain of long nails acrylics. Now it is time for some styles that you can put in this range of nails. Do you have some style in mind? You can accommodate them with this list as well –

Thematic acrylic styles

As you have guessed from the name itself – it is theme based. From the evil-eye theme to the black rose thematic option, or even some mandala art to gaze at – these styles are raging the market now. In fact – if you are of the crafty type, then you may very well choose the contrasting shades and pick up some art of your type to place it on the counterfeit nails.

#Tip – If you are doubtful about the shade and the nail artist also can satisfy your crunch – go for pastels with white ornamentation. This combo is unmatchable.

Basic studded styles

One of the styles that have recently been the talk of the town when it comes to choosing long nails acrylics is – the studded ones! It is quite prominent with –

• Little stones studded against a basic shade. You can put it on every nail as a parallel.
• You can also choose this studding against a deeper shade of acrylic on alternate fingers.
• If you want to stud up every finger then you can either change the alignment of the studded piece or choose a set of style for your fingers. As in – two fingers with a singular style, another two with an alternative style.
• Want something extraordinary? Then you can choose to stone up only one or two of your fingers leaving the others with just the basic acrylic.

Basic white accentuated nails

There’s nothing like the classic monochrome acrylic nails. Just match up two of your choicest shades, paint them in the style that you like and leave it on for the classic look.

Glitter and Pastel combination

Want to keep it simple but with a touch of glitter? Well for that – you will have to choose something of a pastel hue and sprinkle a dash of glitter on it.

• Go in for the standard – pastel shade with glitters on all fingers
• You can also choose to go in for alternate fingers – one with the pastel hue and other with the glitter sprinkle.

The most chosen – oil painted acrylic nails

Putting another famed style for your long nails acrylics – is painting them with oil colors. As you have already seen in multiple Instagram videos about how these oil painted nails have been part of the stories with some very artistic and dainty picturisations coming up the way.

• Mostly people like to choose the design of this kind of acrylic nails themselves. If you belong to that category – try in for some glamorous shades or go in for a subtle hue with the design pasted in contrasting shade.
• Frosted nail art is another format that has gone viral in a short span of time. Mostly based on nude shades, for this it is best to stick to the ideas of your designer, since a mismatch of shades (a common mistake) can spoil the look!

The factors mentioned above are some of the styles that seem to have taken the artists and users for some ride. If you want to go in for some shade factor, apart from lighter tones of pink and white – the darker shades of blue, red, hot pink, green, turquoise are making a wave.

Additionally, the creativity factor has improved comparatively with simple lines and curves being replaced by creative dainty designs.

Your answers to some imminent queries

That was quite an information about long nails acrylics. However, on the last note, you might just want to pop some questions that you might have been having for quite some time now.

Query 1 – Why not gel nails? I heard a lot about them, so what’s the harm in trying?

You must be wondering about this since the time you started reading this content. Well, no doubt gel nails are a rage and can equally add on to the glow of your nails, but, when placed to compare with acrylic nails – gel nails do fall a standard below. Why?

• Unlike their acrylic counterpart, gel nails require a UV ray format for settling down. However – in terms of lasting long, unfortunately they do not live up to their fame and do get disintegrated way before their acrylic counterpart.
• Gel polishes are thicker and at times can be applied over acrylic nails as well. Therefore you might find them to be heavier than the acrylic ones. Rather than beauty enhancements, at times they are also seen as shield for protecting the nails. If you are therefore looking from a beauty point of view – this is not the one that you would choose atleast over the acrylic variety.
• Though gel nails are supposedly more flexible compared to their acrylic soul sisters – they are prone to peel-off and chipping as well.

Nonetheless – there is no ‘winner’ in this competition and some people actually prefer gel nails over the acrylic ones. However, if you have to go by the words of the professionals, acrylics are always the ultimate choice!

Query 2: How long do these acrylic nails last?

This depends on what kind of work that you are associated with. If manual labor is regular for you – acrylic nails do not last long. At the same time, if you are someone who has a comparatively relieved lifestyle, then automatically the nails last longer.

However – it is important that you go in for maintenance sitting every 3 weeks to maintain the standard of the nails. This will also reduce the chances of having an infection and trim down your natural nails that would grow underneath.

Another suggestion that we would like to forward coming from notable nail artists is that – if possible leave out the counterfeit long nails acrylics for a month before reinstating them. That will give the nails the much-needed breathing space which will benefit your nail growth.

Query 3: What about the safety factor?

Technically they are very safe, but it also depends from where you are getting the nail art done from. The Mayo Clinic records state – when done by the normal procedure, this nail art is not prone to any infection. But, at times if the artists do not sterilize their tools or if the nails are too long (i.e. gap between long nails and artificial nails is too much) – it can give rise to some infections.

If (though it may happen rarely) you find redness or a pus occurrence around the nails, you must consider a medical professional at the earliest.

Query 4: What is the approximate cost of these nails? Are they worth the money?

Answering the second query first – they are completely worth the money! In fact apart from the style factor, there’s no denying the benefit that it brings to your nails. You can definitely wave a goodbye to the brittle nails when you do up your nails with the acrylic painting.

Now coming to the initial query – at standard rates, the acrylic nails can cost between $10-$20. However, with the change in hues – especially the pink and tan ones – the price could very well go up to $50-$60. Getting a little more creative? That could pinch your pocket by – $100-$120.

You want it themed? Seems like you are in the mood for some celebration! Well then be ready to pay a premier price per sitting (you might require 2-3 sittings) for themed acrylic nails.

Query 5: Are these nails vegan?

If you are a vegan and looking for long nails acrylics as a style statement, then perhaps you will not be happy. The brushes that nail designers use for this purpose are made of ‘kolinsky’. Now, kolinsky hair is a specific type of hair from a weasel native to the winter domains of Russia and China.

Most designers use this hair for their brushes due to their texture and flexibility. However – in recent times, many of the designers have switched to synthetic brushes. Hence, if you are strict about this – do ask your designer for the details and specify your requirements if any.

Acrylic or not – keep your nail well

Now that you have a fair idea about factitious nails, it is entirely up to you whether you want to proceed. Want to go for it? The points that we have mentioned above will assist you. If you are not comfortable with that but want to sport a healthy set of nails – here are some tips for doing so –

• Include protein components as part of your diet.
• While cleaning nails, use warm soapy water. Keep it away from harsh chemicals and detergents.
• You can use a nail thickener or a straightener to ensure that your nails do not break.
• Know how to file your nail correctly.

Nailed it!

Well, that was all you wanted to know about long nails acrylics. If you still have queries, consult a beautician or a nail artist. You can also keep checking this page for more information on such topics.