Acrylic nails that makes you feel like an absolute goddess – ask Kylie Jenner, with her always changing sets of stunning talons. And while they first popped up and gained popularity in the 90s, they’ve been modernized in a new and chic way – you just have to know what you’re getting yourself into beforehand.
1. They can feel “tight” and uncomfortable for the first time. If it lasts longer than a day or two, you might need to go back to the salon and try tension relieving tricks, like shortening length or changing size of the tip.
2. They need to be maintained and filled every other week because moisture can get under the acrylic which can create a fungus.
3. Preparation is key. Prep weak or brittle nails with jojoba oil, which is a natural strengthener, since many artificial nail strengtheners can contain formaldehyde.
4. Ensure that our removal process isn’t removing layers of your own nail – many salons go straight to drip the acrylic off, but soaking in acetone for 30 minutes helps break it down so that it can be removed without the damage.
5. Make sure your nail artist is working with sanitized equipment, since unhygienic practices can lead to infections that definitely will make you want to stay away from manicures for a while.
6. Think about shape – square might be better if you type a lot, but oval flatters most hand sales and I a classic choice you can’t go wrong with. Start short even if you want vampy Kardashian nails. You can always get them filled in as they grow longer.
7. Invest in a good cuticle oil, which will keep our acrylics lasting longer and maintain your nail health, as well as the skin around them.
8. Once you’ve gotten your acrylics done, make sure to wear gloves whenever you wash the dishes or use cleaning products, especially ones using bleach which is sure to ruin a fresh manicure.
9. With an experienced and detailed technician, getting these nails can take upwards of 1.5 hours, and they last for two to three weeks.
10. A new set can cost upwards of $100, but since it lasts two to three times as long as a traditional manicure, and more intricate, the hefty price tag is justifiable.