Having beautiful, long-lasting acrylic nails requires proper nail prep. Failing to properly prepare the natural nails can lead to lifting, poor adhesion, and other problems with your acrylic manicure. If you’re wondering how to get your nails ready for acrylics, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the prepping process.<\/p>\n
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: To prep nails for acrylics, start by trimming and filing into the desired shape. Then use a nail dehydrator and gently push back and trim the cuticles. Next, use a nail tip primer or bonder on the natural nails.<\/p>\n
Gently buff the nails to remove shine and oils. Wipe nails with isopropyl alcohol before acrylic application.<\/b><\/p>\n
When prepping nails for acrylic application, the first step is to trim and shape the natural nails. Start by trimming each nail to your desired length using nail clippers. Most experts recommend trimming nails to a shorter length before acrylic application, as this helps the artificial nails adhere better and last longer.<\/p>\n
A good rule of thumb is to trim nails just slightly longer than the fingertip. Keep the nail shape square or oval – avoid pointed or very rounded edges, as these can increase chances of breaking and lifting.<\/p>\n
Be sure to trim nails straight across to establish the foundation length. Avoid cutting nails too short, as this can lead to discomfort and potential damage of the nail bed. Take your time and trim carefully to get each nail to the optimal length for acrylics.<\/p>\n
Having nails that are all the same length will help later when applying the acrylic and shaping. Smooth any rough edges after clipping using a fine grit nail file. Gently file in one direction starting from the outside of the nail, moving towards the center.<\/p>\n
Filing will leave nails with clean, even edges ready for the next steps.<\/p>\n
After trimming nails to the desired length, the next step is to file them into a uniform shape. Use a 100\/180 grit file and gently shape each nail from sidewall to sidewall and center to tip. Apply light pressure and use smooth, consistent strokes as you file.<\/p>\n
Filing nails into a uniform shape is key for achieving an even and professional-looking acrylic application.<\/p>\n
Filing the nails will remove any surface shine and create texture for acrylic product adhesion. It also allows you to refine the shape and even out any uneven areas on the nails. Aim for a uniform square, rounded square or squoval shape on all nails.<\/p>\n
Avoid overfiling or filing too aggressively, as this can thin and weaken the natural nails. For best results, focus filing efforts on the sidewalls and free edge to perfect the shape. The goal is to achieve a smooth, balanced shape on each nail before applying acrylic.<\/p>\n
Taking the time to properly file and shape the natural nails is an essential prep step. Not only does it allow for an even acrylic application, but starting with nails in uniform length and shape makes it easier to maintain a consistent look as the acrylics grow out.<\/p>\n
This helps prolong the sculpture and design. Proper filing and shaping creates the perfect foundation to build beautiful, durable acrylic nails.<\/p>\n
Pushing back and trimming the cuticles is an essential preparatory step before applying acrylic nails. The cuticles are the thin skin around the base of the nail, and keeping them tidy allows the acrylic to adhere properly for a seamless and visually appealing enhancement.<\/p>\n
You’ll need a few basic tools:<\/p>\n
It’s also a good idea to have an orange wood stick, towel, nail brush, and bowl of soapy water on hand.<\/p>\n
First, cuticles should be thoroughly softened. Apply cuticle remover, gently massaging into each nail bed and allow to sit for 1-2 minutes. Then:<\/p>\n
Voila, nails are ready for acrylic application! Pushing the skin back and trimming off dead tissue is crucial for strong enhancement adhesion and a flawless finished look. Always take care not to cut live tissue.<\/p>\n
Some experts advise gently scrubbing the nail plate with a file or buffer for extra bonding power. Then apply cuticle oil or moisturizer and continue with acrylic application. Well-groomed cuticles that won’t grow back too quickly lead to a better result.<\/p>\n
Applying nail dehydrator is an essential step in prepping nails for acrylic application. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly apply nail dehydrator:<\/p>\n
Before applying nail dehydrator, make sure to thoroughly clean the natural nails first. Use a nail cleanser or acetone remover to remove any oil, dirt, or old nail polish from the nails. Getting rid of debris allows the dehydrator to work optimally.<\/p>\n
After cleaning, gently push back and shape the cuticles. Do not cut or remove them completely. Trimming and shaping them creates a clean surface for acrylic application. Avoid leaving any cuticle residue on the nails.<\/p>\n
Use a fine-grit nail file or buffer to lightly buff the surface of the nails. This removes any remaining shine and debris while creating microscopic ridges for the acrylic to adhere to. Be careful not to over-file as that can damage the nails.<\/p>\n
Before dehydrator, wipe the nails with a nail cleanser containing isopropyl alcohol. This further cleans and removes any oil on the nails for maximum dehydrator effectiveness.<\/p>\n
Saturate a lint-free wipe or cotton pad with nail dehydrator liquid. Thoroughly wipe over the entire nail plate from base to tip, making sure to coat the undersides and sides as well. Let the dehydrator dry completely until the nails look matte, about 30-60 seconds.<\/p>\n
The dehydrator removes moisture, allowing acrylic to properly bond.<\/p>\n
After application, be careful not to touch the nails as this can transfer oil and moisture back onto the nails. Contaminating the nails with moisture or oil after dehydrator can impede proper acrylic bonding and application.<\/p>\n
Properly prepping nails with dehydrator is crucial for successful, long-lasting acrylic nails. Following these steps allows acrylic to adhere properly for a durable, flawless look. With the right prep, your acrylic manicure can last for weeks of wear and beauty.<\/p>\n
Prepping the natural nails properly before acrylic application is crucial for getting the acrylics to adhere correctly and last. An important step in prepping the nails is using either a primer or bonder on the natural nails first.<\/p>\n
Nail primer is a fast-drying solution that is brushed onto the natural nails before acrylic application. Primers are designed to penetrate deep into the nail plate and act as a bonding agent so the acrylic powder adheres properly.<\/p>\n
Primers help the acrylic bond to the nail by:<\/p>\n
Some of the key benefits of using an acrylic primer include:<\/p>\n
Popular primer brands used by nail techs include Young Nails Protein Bond, Cuccio Natural\u00e9 Milk Prime, and NSI’s Nail Primer. Follow the primer directions for best results.<\/p>\n
Acrylic bonder (or bonder) is a longer-lasting alternative to primer. Using an acrylic bonder helps acrylics and other enhancements adhere strongly.<\/p>\n
Bonders are designed to:<\/p>\n
Many nail techs prefer using bonders rather than primers because they offer more durable adhesion. However, bonders take longer to dry than primers – usually 60 seconds or more.<\/p>\n
Popular bonder choices include Young Nails Superbond, OPI BondEx, and NSI Ultra Bond. Use a clean bonder brush and thin even coats for best results.<\/p>\n
While primers and bonders serve a similar purpose, there are some key differences between the two:<\/p>\n
| Primer<\/th>\n | Bonder<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n |
|---|---|
| Thin, fast-drying consistency<\/td>\n | Thicker, slower-drying formulation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Penetrates into nail<\/td>\n | Coats surface of nail<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Requires 1 coat<\/td>\n | May require 2 coats<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Dries in about 30 seconds<\/td>\n | Takes 60+ seconds to dry<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Provides short-term adhesion<\/td>\n | Creates more durable, long-lasting bond<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n Whether you choose primer or bonder depends on your preferences as a nail tech. Many pros recommend bonder for problem nails that are oily or weak. Using both a primer and bonder can also help lengthen wear.<\/p>\n Always remember to prep nails properly with either option before acrylic application for best results.<\/p>\n Gently Buff Nails<\/h2>\n |