Acrylic nails are fun and sexy, but can be expensive to get done and refilled at a salon. While short acrylic nails may last longer because they’re less likely to break off, the wrong application can still leave your nails chipping or popping off if you don’t take the right steps.
There are also different levels to doing acrylic nails, such as expert vs. beginner. These simple steps will help whether you are a beginner or have done your nails a different way at home before.
Doing your acrylic nails at home can be easy as long as you have the right tools, prep correctly and follow these steps.
What You Need to Do Acrylic Nails at Home
Items to add to your nail kit:
- Nail file
- Nail clippers
- Cuticle pusher
- Nail primer
- Acrylic nail glue
- LED Lamp
- Protective top coat
How Much are Acrylic Nails?
The cost of acrylic nails varies depending on different factors, such as the length and color. Short acrylic nails cost between $10 and $30, whereas long acrylic nails may cost between $20 and $50.
Once you know how to do your own acrylic nails, you can save money with an at-home acrylic nail kit instead of going to the salon every time you want a change or need a fill.
Are Acrylic Nails Hard to Do Yourself?
If you are new to doing your acrylic nails at home, the good news is it’s relatively easy to learn how to do it. It is even easier if you have an acrylic nail kit, which includes practically everything you need.
Are Acrylics Bad for Your Nails?
In order to apply acrylic nails, you will have to rough up the nail bed, which can thin and weaken the nail. Removing acrylic nails can also cause damage if not done correctly. As with anything you do to your nails, make sure to use top-rated products and pay attention to each step of the process. If you find issues with your nails, seek a nail technician and/or a medical professional.
How to Do Your Own Acrylic Nails
Prep Nails
Items You Will Need
- Nail file
- Nail clippers
- Cuticle pusher
- Nail primer
First, it is important to prepare your natural nails for application. You will need to remove any old nail polish and clip your nails to a reasonable length. You typically want them as short as possible so they don’t overlap with the acrylics. Losing your natural nail can hurt if one of your fake nails comes off. After roughing the top of your nail and clipping, apply a nail primer. This will help dry the top of your nail of any natural oils so that the acrylic glue will stick better.
Also make sure to round off your nails, push back the cuticles with a cuticle pusher and buff your nail bed. Get the cuticles out of the way so you have as much surface area to use as possible and rough up the surface of the nail bed with your nail file to make the acrylic stick easier and last longer.
Choose the Right Size
Items You Will Need
- Acrylic nail kit
Depending on which acrylic nail kit you buy, your acrylic nails can come in various lengths. You will want to cut them evenly before putting them on. This will help make sure they’re at the right, consistent length. More trimming can be done after the nails are on.
Keep in mind to adjust the length of the nail in comparison to the length of which finger you’re placing it on.
Apply with Acrylic Glue
Items You Will Need
- Acrylic nail glue
Acrylic glue is extremely strong, so don’t use too much. Apply a single, small dot of nail glue to the center of your nail, closer to the cuticle than the tip. Do this one by one (glue-nail, glue-nail) so the glue doesn’t dry before you apply your nails.
Apply Pressure to Each Nail
File and Clip Nails as Needed
- Nail clippers
- Nail file
Apply Coat of Acrylic Color
Dry for About 10 Minutes
Apply Protective Top Coat
Place each nail one by one on your natural nail and apply light pressure for 5-10 seconds to guarantee the acrylic won’t slide. There is no need to press until your fingertips are white, but make sure you are firm and don’t move when applying pressure, otherwise your acrylic may slide and stick in the wrong position.
Items You Will Need
Once the acrylic nails are secure, cut or file them to make sure they are even and at the length you desire. Be careful not to file your nails down too forcefully, as you may warp the shape. This is where you can push and pull to get the length you want.
Once your nails and primer are in place, now comes the fun part – color! Choose your favorite acrylic color and apply just like you would a normal nail polish. Just be careful not to smudge your nails.
If you want more opaque color, apply a second or third coat after the previous coat dries.
If you are letting your acrylic nail color air dry, it’ll take about 10 minutes. This time may be shorter if you have an LED lamp and/or quick-dry top coat.
Finally, apply a protective top coat to protect your acrylic paint and help your color last longer.
How to Clean Acrylic Nail Brushes
To clean your acrylic nail brushes, fill a bowl with a nail brush cleaner and gently swirl your brushes in the cleaner for 2-3 minutes. Afterward, wipe with a cloth and let dry.
In a lot of cases, an acrylic nail kit will come with everything you need to do your acrylics at home. Whether you’re doing short acrylic nails or long acrylic nails, you can follow these steps for application. Find the color and length you want and follow each step carefully to for results that rival a salon’s
Also make sure to check out how to make your acrylic nails last for tips on why your acrylic nails may not be lasting as long as you expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can acrylic, hard gel, or dip powder nails be applied over nail tips?
Yes. This process is commonly referred to as a nail tip with a sculpture or acrylic overlay.
What should I do if nail glue gets on my skin?
In a pinch, you can use acetone polish remover or run hot water where skin has glue.
Why does my nail technician use a primer?
Nail technicians use a primer to help acrylic nail extension products adhere better to the nail
Do acrylic nails hurt the first time?
If you have never had your nails done before, acrylic nails may feel heavy or mildly painful for the first few minutes.
