You've heard people talking about Acrylics.

How good they are. How bad they are.

How they saved their nails. How they ruined their nails.

How they stopped their nail biting habit. How they started their nail art habit.

But what ARE they? What do nail techs actually DO?

Let me talk you through a typical acrylic nail service with me...

Let the Acrylic Commence...

First up, nails are prepped. This means...

Cleaning the nail plate (the pink bit) of any old

Paint/Products
Excess cuticle
Oil

Note: Your cuticles should still be smiling after this and not leave you feeling like you've been attacked by a cuticle-nipper-happy nail tech. No pain necessary.

Next...

Tip extensions are applied to the TIPS of your nails.

This is to add length only. There is no strength in these bad boys.

They start off mega long so that..

Nail techs have something to hold for application
You can choose which length you want
You can choose which shape you want

I use CND tip extensions because they are made from a lightweight, easy to file, thin plastic with a beautiful shape to them.

Note: There is no electric file needed at this point. Not on your natural nails. I only ever use mine to shape the acrylic afterwards. Never on your natural nails.

This is a picture of my dear friend Kathleen, sporting uncut nail tips. Circa 2014.

Acrylics start life off as a powder and a liquid.

There are loooooaaaddddds of different brands around the world who make this.

Some are better than others.

Each nail tech will have their favourites and some don’t care what they use at all (don’t go to these places) but the love of my nail life is… surprise surprise….. CND! They really do do the best nail products for both nail tech and client. Health, safety, quality, beauty.

I dip my acrylic sculpting brush into the purple liquid, then my acrylic powder, which makes a bead of acrylic.

Beads of acrylic are placed over the nails. This adds strength to the tips and creates a natural looking nail, over the top of your own.

I know you don’t want really thick, fake nails which look bleugh.

BUT, they have to be a certain thickness with an apex in the middle (the strongest point which will stop them from breaking) otherwise they will be too weak to battle against you, bossing life. I try to get a good balance of thin but strong for you, don’t worry.

Acrylic with Shellac & "Moonstone" Nail Art

Fast forward to all 10 nails being done, I use my electric file to make sure they are smooth and even.

A little buff for good measure and boom! Time to pop the nail paint.

This will take approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to apply a full set and paint.

Further reading:

Will Acrylic Ruin My Nails?

Whats The Difference Between Gel And Acrylic?

So now you know what to expect, if you’ve always wondered. I look forward to seeing you in the studio!

Rachel x

Book Online