The Great Acrylic Nails Debate 2024: Is It Worth Getting Them?
Fake nails, specifically acrylic ones, have been a staple of fashion-conscious females for years, helping them get the long, intricate nail designs they desire – but are those little tips actually beneficial for us? Since there are many positive and negative things said about acrylics, taking your time to do research is beneficial for avoiding future regrets.
I have read lots of information about acrylics to make the advantages, disadvantages, and alternatives comparison to help you decide whether to wear acrylics or not! Read on to find out more of the details
Acrylic Nails vs Gel Nails: Better Than What?
Here is where we come across the most common types of fake nails: acrylic and gel. However, which of the two types really wins? Here’s how acrylic and gel compare:
Durability
Acrylic and gel nails, in particular, are significantly stronger than natural nails. But then again, gels are slightly more flexible and not likely to chip or crack like the acrylics.
Longevity
Gel manicures may last up to three weeks without a fill in contrast to two weeks of acrylic manicures on average. Gel disposed properly can even last more than one month!
Damage Risk
When used properly, both options do not present a significant threat to your actual nails. But again gel tends to stick better along the nail plate instead of building up on top, minimizing the risks of removing layers of the real nail in the wrong way.
Time Commitment
Prepare yourself for longer bookings if getting acrylics. They cost more than gels and an initial full set takes well over an hour while gels take only 30-40 minutes. Also, acrylic fill appointments are more extended than gel fills every two to three weeks.
Price
While application takes longer, acrylics are slightly cheaper than the fiberglass in terms of cost per set. One potential benefit of gels could be that they cost less in the long term, due to the fact that fewer fill appointments may be required.
Customization
Where choice is concerned, acrylics scores a hat trick on length, shape and design. The product is more suitable for shaping creative forms. Gels can too but are most effective on short natural hair.
The Verdict:
Gels were found to be stronger, longer lasting, and requiring less maintenance compared to acrylics. However, as for the flexibility, acrylics provide more freedom for the person who has a passion for bright nail art designs. So, always consider your lifestyle and your goals when choosing between these two fabulous types!
What are acrylic nails in the first place?
It is however important to provide a clear understanding of what acrylic nails entail before going deeper into the details.
Powder acrylic polymers and liquid methyl methacrylate monomer are combined to make acrylic nails, which are a type of fake nails. When combined, these compounds form a thick paste that sets quickly to produce the acrylic nails applied on your natural nails.
This acrylic mixture assists in establishing a strong extension that can add length, strength and complex designs to natural nails. Also, acrylics are more advantageous because your real nails grow out from under the extension so fills require replacing the faux growth only and spare your own nails from being filed constantly.
Acrylic nail sets require meticulous application by a professional technician through a multi-step process:
- Prep – the surface of the nail bed is first washed, then sanded and treated to remove moisture to enhance bonding.
- Tip or Form Application – A tip or form is placed on the nail end, which defines the required length and shape of the edges.
- Brush Application – This is where the acrylic powder and liquid are brushed on to the form and natural nail.
- Shape – After they have solidified, the acrylics are cut to the desired shape.
- Polish Application – Nail polish or nail art, if wanted, is put on last.
Maintenance fills up every 2-3 weeks to replace growth and repair small cracks or breakage. Proper removal must only be done by professionals to prevent the accidental prying off of layers of your real nail in the process.
Do Acrylic Nails Hurt?
There is a popular acrylic myth that their application and wearing them are very painful. Nonetheless, acrylic nails themselves should NOT cause any sort of pain at all!
Here’s the truth on any acrylic discomfort:
Application Discomfort
The application pain is partly attributed to excessive filing on the natural nail. To prevent this, look for a technician that does not over-file the nail bed.
You might also experience a sensation of warmth or occasionally, a mild pinching feeling from the acrylic brushes or the form placement.
Weight and Balance Pain
As the acrylics become longer or thicker, hand rubbing increases resulting in hand fatigue, finger strain, or nail bed aching. By keeping the length a little shorter, long-term discomfort is avoided.
Allergic Reactions
Itching or burning sensation or reaction pain can very rarely be associated with the acrylic powder, glue, polish or any other product used. Make sure you inform your technician of any allergies you have beforehand to avoid this!
Pressure Sensitivity
This is still the case however even if one does not have an allergic reaction, many people feel a slight increase in pressure sensitivity after new acrylics have been placed. If nail pain from typing or cleaning up is only felt for a few days, then you are probably adapting normally.
When in Doubt, Ask!
This is extended, sharp or severe pain when using the tech, in the immediately following hours or days, or at any time thereafter. Some sensitivity is healthy, but pain is not! It is important to ensure that they are informed in case there is something that goes wrong.
Are Acrylic Nails Safe? Myths vs Facts
If you have been wondering whether acrylic nails are safe or not then you are among many people who have had the same concern. Read on for some of the most frequently told myths about acrylic and the real health facts behind it.
Myth: Apply Nail Polish With Acrylics
Verdict? False! It is however important to understand that acrylics when done and removed in the right manner by a qualified technician will NOT harm your nails in any way. Do not file the surface of your natural nails while wearing extensions in order to avoid harm on them as they grow.
Myth: Another disadvantage of using Acrylic Powder is that it is toxic.
Although some of the lowly quality powders may contain more odor chemicals, medical grade acrylic is known to have very low toxicity. Nonetheless, if you are allergic, skin reactions may develop. Before the first acrylic set, you should always conduct a patch test.
Myth: That is why acrylics can permanently damage nails, which need to be strengthened and protected from external influences.
Nope! For a short time, natural nails may appear to be thinner or even weaker, especially if one has worn acrylics for an extended period. However, as for the removal process that preserves and nourishes the natural nail and care for the bare nails after acrylic nails, they return to their normal state by themselves.
Myth: Do-It-Yourself Removal Won’t Harm
False! Going without the pro removal process also means the real nail layers may rip off – yikes! The glue sticks to your nail as if it is a super glue so don’t even attempt to remove them. Let the specialists remove the glue without hurting the artwork and easily detach from acrylics.
Can Acrylic Nails Be removed in Water?
Do not get worried if your just done acrylic suddenly comes off while doing some chores at home! Contrary to what many people believe, acrylic nails DO NOT dissolve in water when exposed to it. Doing dishes, taking a shower, swimming etc does NOT remove them right away and make them slide off.
But, the strong bond can gradually loosen up if the material is exposed to water for long hours. Also, warm water helps in lifting the natural nail bed or acrylic just a little bit over time to let go of the extension.
Acrylic nail pops resulting from water frequently are sign of poor application, or growing out of natural nails. Do not worry though – with one lost nail, the whole set does not need to be removed! Simply schedule another appointment with your nail technician, and they will be able to easily reattach.
Tips on How to Make Acrylic Nails Long Lasting
Are you looking for your impeccable acrylics to last longer before you have to visit the salon again for a refill? Follow these pro nail care tips:
It is likewise important not to pick at the nails to minimize the appearance of cracks.
If cracks do form, then use a gentle file to make them less prominent.
Massage the cuticle oil on your nails and skin at least once daily.
Minimize free edges by keeping them as short as possible.