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Acrylic nails originated in the United States in the 1950s and were the world's first nail extension technique. An acrylic nail design is created by combining monomer and powder, which together form the reconstruction product used for nail coverage or extensions.
ACRYLIC NAIL EXTENSIONS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Did you know that acrylic nails were invented by a dentist? While working, he injured his nail and used resin to cover it. Shortly after, acrylic was formulated and patented as a nail reconstruction product, becoming a massive success in the market.
Despite the introduction of newer products like gel, Acrygel, and builder polish, acrylic nail extensions remain highly popular, especially in America.
But what makes this technique so special? Let's explore the key characteristics and curiosities about acrylic nails.
WHAT IS ACRYLIC AND HOW DOES IT DRY?
Acrylic consists of a liquid and a powder, also known as the "mix ratio." The liquid contains monomers, while the powder includes initiators and additives. Together, they trigger a polymerization reaction. Unlike products that require UV lamps for curing, acrylic initiates the process using heat. Depending on the external temperature and the warmth of the client's hand, different types of liquids can be chosen.
For example, in summer, it is preferable to use a SLOW liquid because higher temperatures accelerate polymerization. In winter, when the "mix ratio" polymerizes more slowly, FAST and STRONG & FAST liquids are recommended for better application control.
In summary, acrylic polymerizes based on the external environment, the "mix ratio," and the amount of material used. The more product you pick up, the faster the polymerization process.
PROS AND CONS OF ACRYLIC NAIL EXTENSIONS
Like any technique, acrylic nails have advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a breakdown:
PROS
- Fast drying: No need for traditional curing times; therefore, no lamp is required, eliminating the risk of burning sensations.
- Highly durable: Ideal for individuals who play sports, use household cleaning products that damage nails, or work in laboratories with chemical exposure.
CONS
- Strong odor: The monomer emits a strong smell, which can be unpleasant for many people.
- Requires expertise: Acrylic takes about 3-4 minutes to fully solidify, but it must be worked within 30 seconds. This requires skill and speed.
- Compatibility issues: Acrylic is not compatible with all products. For example, it cannot be combined with gel. If switching from acrylic to gel, the acrylic must be completely removed first. However, it is compatible with HD Fiber gel bases or Acrygel.
WHEN TO USE ACRYLIC
Acrylic is perfect for those who suffer from onychophagia (nail-biting) due to its rigidity. It is also excellent for toenail reconstruction, especially the big toe, as it adheres easily to the nail bed.
For bitten fingernails, acrylic nails can be applied directly onto the fingertip without a nail form. If a single nail requires acrylic due to specific issues, a nail technician can apply acrylic to that nail while using gel or other products on the remaining nails. However, acrylic and gel should not be layered together, as this could lead to lifting.
ARE ACRYLIC NAILS HARMFUL? LET’S CLARIFY
When acrylic nails were first introduced, they caused various allergies and skin conditions. Over time, it was discovered that the primary cause was a component in the liquid called methyl methacrylate, a highly toxic substance. Fortunately, new research led to the discovery of a safer alternative: methyl methacrylate (MMA), which is completely safe and has no contraindications.
Many clients wonder whether acrylic nails are harmful based on rumors or the strong smell of the liquid. In reality, acrylic nails are safe when used correctly by a skilled technician.
Proper application techniques and safety measures, such as wearing a mask and protective glasses, play a crucial role in preventing potential damage. For example, during removal, the nail should never be filed after soaking in solvent, as the nail plate becomes fragile.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GEL AND ACRYLIC NAIL POLISH
The primary differences between gel and acrylic lie in the product composition, application process, and final result.
PRODUCT AND APPLICATION
Gel is a pre-mixed compound applied directly to the nails and cured under a UV or LED lamp. It is easy to use, odorless, and does not require mixing. However, it can cause a burning sensation during curing.
Acrylic, on the other hand, consists of a liquid monomer and powder that must be mixed by the technician. Once mixed, it starts solidifying immediately.
Application differs as well: while gel is applied from the apex to the tip, acrylic is worked from the center of the nail to the tip, then spread around the cuticle area.
One key advantage of acrylic nails is that they do not require lamp curing, making the process slightly faster.
FINAL EFFECT
While modern gel nails can look very natural, acrylic nails allow for even thinner, sleeker extensions.
HOW TO APPLY ACRYLIC NAILS
Want to learn how to do acrylic nails? Here’s a step-by-step guide for applying acrylic nail extensions:
Step 1: Brush Preparation
- Dip the brush into the acrylic liquid.
- Lightly tap off excess liquid, then dip it into the acrylic powder.
- When the brush tip touches the powder, a small bead forms, which will be used for the nail extension.
Step 2: Acrylic Application
- Apply acrylic to the nail and wait 3-4 minutes before filing.
- Remember, acrylic continues to cure for 24 hours, becoming fully stable at the end of this period.
Step 3: Liquid-to-Powder Ratio
- Finding the right balance between liquid and powder is crucial to control polymerization speed.
- Too much liquid or powder can cause the acrylic to set too quickly, damaging the brush.
- Keep the brush moist to prevent acrylic from drying and hardening on it.
Step 4: Brush Maintenance
- Keep the brush wet during application to prevent drying.
- After use, clean the brush in the liquid and leave the bristles slightly damp to maintain shape.
Step 5: Colour Application
- Before applying gel polish, use a primer or binder on the filed structure to prevent chipping.
- Some prefer to use an Alpha base to create a strong bond between the acrylic and the color, keeping the color flawless.
Final Tips:
Avoid using the buffer on the acrylic, as this could polish it, leading to the detachment of the colored gel like a film.
HOW TO REMOVE ACRYLIC NAILS
Wondering how to remove acrylic nails? Although acrylic is durable, it can be dissolved using acetone or a remover.
- Start by removing at least 50% of the acrylic using an electric file.
- Soak the nails in remover for about 10 minutes until the acrylic dissolves completely. Avoid filing the nail plate afterward, as it becomes sensitive after exposure to acetone.
- Applying a Repair Gel afterward will strengthen and restore the nails.
By following these simple steps, you can safely remove acrylic nails while keeping your nails healthy and beautiful for a long time.
ACRYLIC NAIL KIT: EVERYTHING YOU NEED
The acrylic nail products that you need include powders, liquids, and brushes.
ACRYLIC NAIL POWDER
Our acrylic nail powders are incredibly fine, allowing for precise work and a medium polymerization speed.
A major advantage is the variety of colors available. This is particularly useful because acrylic does not bond well with colored gels. Having the color already in the powder makes the job easier for those who frequently use acrylic nails.
ACRYLIC LIQUID FOR NAILS
Passione Beauty offers 3 types of acrylic liquid Monomers, each with specific characteristics to meet different needs:
- SLOW Liquid: This liquid polymerizes slowly, making it ideal for summer climates. It has a violet filter that keeps the builder's color stable.
- FAST Liquid: This liquid polymerizes quickly, perfect for winter climates when the room temperature is lower. The blue filter helps maintain the builder's color consistently.
- STRONG & FAST Liquid: In addition to polymerizing quickly, this liquid is especially suitable for rebuilding delicate nails or nails with lifting issues, maintaining the structure for a longer time.
ACRYLIC NAIL BRUSHES
Acrylic brushes are special nail brushes with an open tip: this design allows the monomer to evaporate and reduce the odor. Before storing the brush, it is recommended to slightly dampen it with the liquid to keep the tip in the correct shape.
In summary, choosing the right materials – from powders to liquids, to brushes – is essential for professional and high-quality acrylic extensions. With our fine powders, specialized liquids, and brushes specifically designed, you can ensure precise and long-lasting work, regardless of the climate conditions.
