Having beautiful nails can make you feel polished and put together, but some of us are cursed with short, weak nails that make it hard to grow them out. If you want long, strong nails but nature didn’t give you much to work with, acrylic overlays may be the solution you’re looking for.<\/p>\n
Here’s the quick answer: Acrylic overlays involve applying a liquid and powder acrylic mixture over your natural nail and shaping it into the length and shape you want<\/b>. They are durable, natural looking, and can last 2-3 weeks on short nails with proper application and care.<\/p>\n
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about getting acrylic overlays on short natural nails. We’ll cover tips for preparing your nails, step-by-step application instructions, how to care for acrylics, plus pros and cons so you can decide if it’s the right option for you.<\/p>\n
One of the best benefits of acrylic overlays on short natural nails is that they allow you to add length easily. Having short nails can feel limiting when it comes to nail art and creativity. With overlays, your nail technician applies a liquid and powder mixture over your natural nail to extend its length.<\/p>\n
This not only gives you more room to work with for designs, but also adds structure and strength to fragile, brittle nails. Having a protective acrylic overlay is great for people who struggle with thin, peeling nails. The overlay adds reinforcement to prevent splits and breaks.<\/p>\n
A major advantage of acrylic overlays is how much protection they provide for your natural nails underneath. The acrylic material creates a hard, protective shield that prevents your real nails from chipping and becoming damaged.<\/p>\n
This helps your actual nails grow out healthy, avoiding pesky snags and breaks. The acrylic also protects from impacts and trauma, like if you accidentally whack your hand into something. With the acrylic overlay absorbing the shock, your natural nail avoids cracking or bruising.<\/p>\n
This protection allows your real nails to grow out long and strong. No more worrying about destroying your nails with day-to-day activities and chores!<\/p>\n
One of the best things about acrylic overlays is that they are fully customizable. You can choose exactly how long you want your nails to be, from a subtle length boost to dramatic stiletto tips. Your nail tech can shape the acrylic into whatever style you desire – oval, square, round, or coffin nails.<\/p>\n
You also get to decide how thick you want the overlay to be, from a light layer for a natural look to an extreme long nail. This versatility allows you to experiment with different nail shapes and sizes at your whim. With just one salon visit, you can go from short nubs to lengthy claws!<\/p>\n
Unlike fake press-on nails, acrylics are molded specifically to fit your nails for a flawless application. This customization means you can change up your manicure and enjoy stylish nails.<\/p>\n
Acrylic overlays can definitely damage your natural nails if not applied correctly. The application process requires bonding the artificial material to your real nail using glues and primers. This can weaken the nail over time if the products are too harsh or if the overlay is removed improperly.<\/p>\n
Filing and buffing too aggressively when prepping the nails can also thin out the natural nail plate, causing peeling and breakage. However, a skilled technician should know how to prep and apply overlays without causing damage.<\/p>\n
They’ll use gentle handing techniques and quality products meant for natural nails. As long as you go to a reputable salon and care for the overlays properly, your natural nails should remain healthy underneath.<\/p>\n
One of the biggest drawbacks of acrylic overlays is that they require relatively frequent maintenance. As your natural nails grow out, the acrylic will lift at the cuticle area and may start to separate from the free edge.<\/p>\n
This leaves unsightly gaps that allow dirt, debris and water to get underneath. To maintain a flawless, seamless look, most people need fill-ins every 2-3 weeks. This involves filing off the lifted edges and reapplying acrylic to fill in the new growth area.<\/p>\n
While some may enjoy biweekly or triweekly salon visits, others find it time-consuming and expensive to keep up with the filling schedule. This downside can be remedied by choosing a slightly longer overlay length, which allows more time between appointments.<\/p>\n
The ongoing maintenance required by acrylic overlays contributes to the overall cost. A full set may run $50-$85, while fill-ins are $30-$50 every few weeks. Some additional factors that influence the price include:<\/p>\n
While a basic overlay set may seem affordable at first glance, the long-term investment for upkeep is certainly higher than a traditional manicure or other natural nail services. Individuals on a tight budget may want to weigh the pros and cons versus other options.<\/p>\n
However, many still find the longevity and appearance of acrylics well worth the price when compared to nail polish.<\/p>\n
When applying acrylic overlays on short natural nails, proper preparation is key to achieving a long-lasting and natural look. Here are the steps you should take before applying the acrylic overlay:<\/p>\n
Start by trimming and filing each nail to your desired length and shape using a nail clipper and file. Make sure to file in one direction and buff the surface of the nails lightly to remove any shine or oils. This helps the acrylic overlay adhere properly.<\/p>\n
Use an acetone-based nail polish remover to remove any lingering traces of old nail polish or gel polish from the nails. Removing any polish will allow the primer and acrylic to bond directly to your natural nail.<\/p>\n
Gently push back the cuticles around each nail using a cuticle pusher or orange wood stick. Do not cut or damage the cuticles. Then use a cuticle remover solution to dissolve and wipe away any excess cuticle tissue.<\/p>\n
This helps neaten the nail and allows the acrylic overlay to sit flush against the natural nail.<\/p>\n
Apply a nail dehydrator or primer designed for use with acrylics. These products prep the nails by removing traces of moisture and oils from the nail plate. This improves adhesion so the acrylic overlay will stick. Let the primer dry completely before applying acrylic.<\/p>\n
By properly trimming, shaping, removing shine, and priming the natural nails first, you create the ideal surface for the acrylic overlay to adhere to. Taking these simple preparatory steps helps ensure your DIY acrylic manicure lasts for weeks without lifting or damage to the natural nail underneath.<\/p>\n
With the right prep work and technique, you can have long-lasting, natural-looking nails in no time!<\/p>\n
Applying nail tips is the first step when doing acrylic overlays on short natural nails. Here’s how to do it:<\/p>\n
Properly applied nail tips create the perfect foundation for building out the acrylic overlay extension. Take your time applying them straight for the best results.<\/p>\n
Once the nail tips are secured, the next step is to prep the nails for acrylic application by cleaning and priming:<\/p>\n
Priming is a crucial step that ensures proper adhesion of the acrylic overlay. Don’t skip this step!<\/p>\n
Now it’s time for the fun part – building the acrylic overlay on the nails:<\/p>\n
Take your time applying the acrylic overlay to get it just right. Remember that you can always go back and add more if needed. The key is gradual, thorough application while the product is still wet.<\/p>\n
Once the acrylic overlays are fully applied, it’s time to perfect the shape:<\/p>\n
Take your time filing and shaping to get a seamless, professional look. Filing at the right angles will also help prevent lifting or cracking of the acrylic overlay down the road.<\/p>\n
The final step is buffing and shining the nails to perfection:<\/p>\n
Buffing and shining is the icing on the cake that makes acrylic overlays look freshly done and gorgeous! This seals in the color and creates a flawless finish.<\/p>\n
Keeping your natural nails and cuticles moisturized underneath the acrylic overlay is crucial to prevent cracking or lifting. Massage cuticle oil or creamy moisturizers into the nail beds and cuticles daily to condition the nails and promote healthy growth (source<\/a>).<\/p>\n Products with jojoba oil, vitamin E, and shea butter are great options. This helps the natural nails stay flexible and avoids gaps between the overlay and nail, which can lead to fungus or infection.<\/p>\n It can be tempting to pick at or peel lifting edges of the acrylic overlay, but this can damage the natural nail underneath. Use a wooden cuticle pusher to gently nudge the lifting edge down and apply more glue if needed.<\/p>\n For minimal damage, it’s best to go to your nail salon and have a professional reapply the overlay if lifting occurs.<\/p>\n Applying cuticle oil around the nail beds every day keeps the skin around the nails conditioned, which helps prevent cracking and infection risk (source<\/a>). Use a dropper or brush to gently massage it into the cuticles and sides of nails once or twice per day.<\/p>\n Cuticle oil containing vitamin E or aloe vera works well. This promotes healthy growth of the natural nail and keeps the overlay secured tightly to the nail.<\/p>\nAvoid Picking or Peeling<\/h3>\n
Use Cuticle Oil Daily<\/h3>\n
Fill in Gaps Every 2-3 Weeks<\/h3>\n