Acrylic nails are quite a fashionable approach to beautify your fingernails and enhance the look of your hands. Acrylic manicures are known for their ever-lasting durability and longer lengths, where you can play with some creative nail art for any mood.
If you plan to get your acrylics done and wonder how long they will last, we are here to address your query and cover everything you need to know before getting your hands on this latest nail trend.
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Quick Answer
Your acrylic nails should last around 5 to 7 weeks on average, considering how well-maintained your nail care regimen is and the chosen method for their application. The condition of your nail bed, the sequence of the application procedure, the quality of the product, the intensity of the UV lamp, and post-care are all determinant factors for the longevity of your acrylic nails.
This article will explain how there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question and provide some recommendations for prolonging the life of your gorgeous acrylics.
How can you increase the longevity of acrylic nails?
When you get acrylic nails done, you would naturally wish they last for a long while still looking beautiful. It might not be very pleasant to require a fill-in only a week after having your nails done. The after-care and the chosen method can significantly impact how long they last.
Here are a few things you need to look out for to prolong the life of your acrylics:
Limit the activities that expose your nails to damage.
The most significant disadvantage of acrylic nails is the need for caution when performing certain tasks using your fingers. It entails being extra careful with closing doors, washing dishes, and opening anything with your fingertips.
For example, avoid using your nails to open cans, tearing objects open with your fingers, or picking things from a groovy surface. The less effort you put into your nails, the longer they will stay without cracking or chipping.
Get your acrylics repaired immediately.
If your acrylic nails are chipping or need a touch-up, don’t sit back for several days to fix them. When you overlook broken acrylic nails, the damage spreads to the rest of the nail bed, making repair more difficult and expensive.
If you break your skin while your nail is damaged, you are at risk of developing an infection in your nail bed if the nail is left untouched.
Moisturize your fingertips regularly
It’s also critical to keep the skin around your acrylics moisturized if you want to extend the life of your nails. Keep your hands moistened daily and treat any dryness or peeling instantly.
If the skin around your artificial nails appears itchy, it could be indicating infection. Get your nails removed in such cases to prevent them from worsening.
Apply a protective topcoat
Once a week, layer your acrylic nails with a top coat or nail hardener to help them stay longer without breaking or chipping. After you’ve had your manicure, the nail technician will usually apply a topcoat.
However, it’s a good idea to regularly apply a coating of topcoats to protect them from scratches and knicks that might happen daily.
Apply nail oil
Moisture and oil are beneficial to your nails like they are to the rest of your skin. Apply nourishing oil to your nails once a week to keep them healthy. You can use neutral oils like almond, Vitamin E, or Rapeseed oil.
The oils will help keep your nails healthy and prevent them from breaking or cracking. Once you’ve removed your artificial nails, nurture your nail beds regularly with oils to help them recover.
How much does acrylic manicure cost?
The cost of acrylic nails differs depending on the nail salon and the nail technician. The average cost of a mid-range acrylic manicure in a spa or salon, according to Cost Helper Health, is $35 to $45 for a basic set. This price can rise to $50 or $60 for hues like pink or white.
Don’t be surprised if you see that some acrylic nails, especially the more innovative ones, might cost over $100 or $120. It’s tempting to buy acrylics at a low price, especially because there are “deals” on the internet for as little as $10.
However, your health comes first when it’s about your nails – or anything related to your body. A poor acrylic set has a greater chance of causing long-term damage to your nails. And you wouldn’t want to choose a considerably lower price at the cost of your health.
Can acrylic nails be painful?
Don’t be alarmed if your nails get sensitive or uncomfortable after receiving an acrylic nail manicure; this is a normal side effect. Many ladies report soreness on their fingernails and even a constricting sensation due to the application process after their first experience with acrylic nails.
It may happen because you aren’t used to this kind of filing that occurs during the application of artificial nails. In the next 24 to 48 hours, the soreness should subside.
Remove the artificial nails as quickly as possible if you detect significant tenderness or damaged skin around your nails, as these are indicators of infection.
Warm a hand towel with water and wrap it around your hands to ease discomfort. Now let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. It will aid in the loosening of the acrylic and also relieve soreness.
Can acrylic nails break?
Acrylic nails aren’t as fragile as you would think. It all relies on how effectively the nails were fixed and how well you maintain them afterward.
Suppose you routinely use your acrylic nails for activities that could cause them to break or chip off, such as opening bottles, tearing open packages, or cleaning your house. In that case, they may be more vulnerable to early cracking.
Taking good care of your acrylic and choosing a renowned nail salon to get them can help your acrylic manicure last longer.
How to remove acrylic nails?
It is recommended to get your acrylics removed from the nail salon. However, if you wish to do it at home, here are the simple steps you can follow to get rid of your acrylics:
- To minimize soaking time, start by reducing the additional lengths of the enhancement with nail clippers.
- Remove the maximum product possible with a 100-grit nail file while avoiding filing into the natural nail. Any gel polish, topcoat, or nail art should be removed, making it simpler for the remover to permeate the skin.
- Soak a cotton swab in the remover and wrap your fingertip in a two-inch-long piece of foil with the cotton that remains in direct contact with your acrylics, repeating on each finger.
- Remove the foil first and then the cotton after 15 to 20 minutes and gently push the wet substance away from the cuticle.
- After removing the product completely, apply nail oil on your nails and make sure it penetrates your cuticles.
What is the difference between acrylic nails and gel nails?
Gel nails are created by applying multiple coats of lacquer to your natural nails and curing them with a UV lamp. On the other hand, acrylic nails give a hard, protective covering thanks to the powder and liquid hybrid mixture used in creating them.
Acrylic nails are more durable than gel nails in terms of durability, and they stay longer on average. While, gel nails are quite easily removable and can even be scraped off, making reapplication easier and faster.
Overall, gel nails are kinder on your fingernails, and they can be useful if you’re recovering from nail damage or seeking nail extensions that can be worn for months at a time without needing to take frequent breaks to allow your nails to breathe.
What tells you it’s time to get a fresh acrylic set?
A few indicators tell you it’s time for new acrylic nails.
- One of the signs is chipping. If your acrylic nails begin to chip, this indicates that they are no longer sticking to your nail bed and must be replaced.
- When the acrylic grows too thick, they need re-sculpting from the technician.
- Greater acryl-nail damage near your cuticles.
Wrap Up
Despite being one of the most durable manicures that exist, acrylic nails need a lot of care and maintenance to stay longer and presentable.
Now that you know how long your acrylic nails can last plan your next salon trip accordingly.Let us know in the comment section below: How was your first experience with acrylic nails?