April 2024
How Long Do Acrylic Nails Last in April 2024
What are acrylic nails?
Sculptured acrylic nails are an increasingly popular option for a beauty treatment because they can be designed to look natural or more glamorous, and they can be very long-lasting. They are applied with a liquid solution that coats the nails and hardens over time.
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Acrylic nails have been around since the 1960s when liquid monomer was combined with acrylic powder and cured in ultraviolet light to create an artificial nail.
Over the years, acrylic has advanced significantly. It is particularly popular since it can allow you to mimic the colour and shape of real fingernails without being too noticeable.
When applied correctly, they will stay shiny and smooth for weeks. But how long do acrylic tips and nails last? This depends not only on how well you take care of them but also on the application and type of nails you choose to wear.
The average length that acrylic nails last is about two weeks, but they can stay on your fingertips for as long as six to eight weeks if you care for them properly.
How long do acrylics last?
The life span of acrylic nails varies depending on several factors, for example, their thickness and the skill level of the nail tech who applied them. Typically, they can last up to three weeks before they start lifting from the nail bed, but skilled technicians can stretch their use up to eight weeks.
Many people choose to have their nails removed after two weeks because that is how long it takes for your natural nails to begin growing out again. You can keep your acrylics longer if you want to, but this puts more wear and tear on your natural nails than usual, which causes them to break down faster.
Some people will go weeks with barely any lifting of the nail. However, others with naturally very oily nails, or nail biters, might find that their acrylic extensions lift off a lot sooner.
Can acrylic nails last for two months?
If you take good care of your nails, they may be able to last for two months however you will probably want to make regular trips to the nail technician to get ‘fill ins’.
What are acrylic infills? This is when the nail artist attempts to fill in the gaps in the acrylics where your natural nail has grown.
An acrylic fill in typically costs around £10-£20 in the UK.
Taking care of your nails means you should never use them to pry things open or scrape anything. You should not pick at the acrylics, which damages the real nail underneath and makes them more likely to lift. Taking care will save you money on future fill ins.
How to make acrylic nails last longer?
For those who would prefer to have their nails on as long as possible, there are a few steps they can take to make their acrylic nails last longer.
For example, nail technicians recommend brushing a layer of clear topcoat over your nails every few days to prevent them from chipping and dulling. This also makes the artificial nails look shiny and new for a longer amount of time.
Another way to make your acrylic nails last longer is to get a gel overlay. This requires the technician to apply one thin layer of gel instead of two thicker layers of acrylic. The result is a long-lasting but safe manicure that will protect your nails from breaking and keep them looking just as shiny and polished!
Because one coat of gel overlay doesn’t have the same level of adhesion as two coats, it’s important to allow a few hours for it to cure before you start doing any household chores or heavy exercise.
Tips for making your acrylics last longer
There are also some other things you can do to help make your acrylics last longer.
For example, you should make sure to purchase top-quality nail products for yourself at home, avoid tight gloves when washing dishes, refrain from extreme temperature changes (such as diving into ice-cold water after spending time in a sauna), avoid humidity when possible, and apply sunscreen before going out in the sun.
Keep your hands clean by washing them in warm soapy water, and make sure they completely dry after washing. You can use a soft brush to get rid of any dirt accumulating on the nail.
If possible, it’s also best to avoid doing anything that requires extra strength or endurance when wearing acrylic nails because they are less flexible than natural ones and can snap off more easily.
Women who go rock climbing or work in manual labour should consider having their artificial nails removed before doing so to prevent any accidents.
How often should you get a new set of acrylic nails?
How long should acrylic nails last? It is up to you how often to get a new set of nails but as a general rule of thumb, you should expect to need a new set of acrylic nails every two to three weeks. Alternatively, just watch out for when they start to look dull or chipped.
If you want your fake nails to last longer, it helps to take better care of them by filing them down instead of clipping them with nail clippers. Filing makes the artificial nails less sharp and more manageable which puts less stress on your natural ones.
"Acrylic nails have been around since the 1960s when liquid monomer was combined with acrylic powder and cured in ultraviolet light to create an artificial nail."
Should you give your nails a break from acrylic treatment?
You might consider not wearing acrylic nails at all for a few weeks in order to give your keep your nails healthy and promote natural nail growth .
After you take your acrylic nails off, it’s important to start looking after your natural fingernails by nourishing them with oil and softening them up before applying any nail polish. Not only will this help strengthen your fingernails in the long term, but it can also temporarily improve their appearance while waiting for them to grow out.
If your natural nails are very damaged or weak from getting acrylic treatments in the past, you might need to allow them at least three months to recover before wearing fake ones again. People with naturally stronger nails will need to leave less time in between trips to the nail salons.
How do I prep my nails for acrylics?
If this is your first time getting acrylic nails, it’s important to follow the steps below to prepare your natural fingernails for their new look.
- Cut and file your nails into a simple square shape that isn’t too short or too long. Acrylics adhere better with a bit of natural nail growth.
- Trim any hangnails at the top of your nails above where you want them to end up after applying fake ones so that they don’t get caught underneath them when putting on the artificial nails.
- Remove all old nail polish by soaking cotton swabs in nail polish remover and pressing them down around each nail before wiping off any residue with another soaked swab making sure not to miss any spots.
- Push back your cuticles using an orange stick, but be gentle about it.
- Wipe your nails with rubbing alcohol to get rid of any bacteria that might be lingering on them and cause an infection.
- You can even apply a thin coat of nail primer to prepare the nail for the treatment.
Following these steps a tiny bit prior to your nail treatment will ensure that you can expect salon level durability and achieve the best acrylic nails.
Will expensive acrylic nails last longer than cheap ones?
One of the main factors that can affect the longevity of your acrylic nails is the quality of the products that are used. If you are looking for a long-lasting manicure, it is often worth investing in a higher-quality set of acrylic nails and adhesive gel polish. It is best to avoid going to amateur nail artists or using DIY kits.
What will happen if you allow the acrylic to stay too long?
If you keep your acrylic nails on for too long, they will most likely start lifting away from the cuticle which can cause breakage and damage to your natural fingernails underneath where the fake ones are peeling off.
At this point, it’s necessary to remove them ASAP by soaking both of your hands in acetone for five minutes before prying the acrylic nails off gently with an orange stick or metal nail file.
Therefore, it is important to know how long acrylic nails are mant to last for to avoid the acrylics from drying out your natural oils and causing damage.
Do acrylics damage your natural nails?
People with weak or brittle nails may want to avoid acrylics altogether because applying acrylics over breakable fingernails puts extra strain on them that can cause further damage.
If you have healthy fingernails, acrylic nails are unlikely to cause any damage other than the occasional snag or accident.
What sort of nail care regime should you follow if you get acrylics?
If you do decide to get acrylic nails, it is important that you follow a proper nail care routine to ensure you are getting the most out of them.
- Don’t pick at your nails because this will weaken them or result in them snapping off completely.
- Moisturise your cuticles daily using cuticle oil so they don’t start growing over your fake nails.
- Always use hand sanitiser after washing dishes or cleaning around the home so germs don’t find their way underneath your fake nails and cause an infection.
- Wear gloves when gardening or doing other manual tasks to prevent any damage to your acrylic nails, your cuticles or your real nails.
- Also use gloves when dealing with cleaning products to minimise contact with strong chemicals and hot water.
- Use your fingers rather than your nails when attempting fiddly tasks, especially if you have opted for longer acrylic nails.
Can you remove acrylic nails safely at home or should you go to a professional?
Removing acrylic nails at home without any help is possible, but it can take quite a bit of time.
- Soak your fingers in acetone for five minutes or longer if needed.
- Use an orange stick or metal nail file to pry the acrylics off.
- Buff down your natural nails so they are level with the tips of your fake nails and wipe them down with rubbing alcohol before applying fresh layers of moisturiser and cuticle oil.
- If you’d rather not do it yourself because you don’t want to risk damaging your natural nail beds, then consider visiting a nail salon where they will be able to remove your acrylic nails in no time.
How long do acrylic nails last on bitten nails?
If you are someone who bites their nails, acrylic nails may not be the best option for you because this can damage the natural nail underneath. Biting your nails can cause the acrylic to come off or even worse, it can cause your natural nails to break.
If you have bitten your nails in the past, it is likely that the acrylic nails will not last as long as they would on un-bitten nails. This is because bitten nails are more susceptible to breaking and splitting, and so the acrylic nails will not hold as securely.
It is still possible to have acrylic nails applied if you have bitten your nails in the past, but you may need to go for a refill more often.
Are acrylic nails supposed to fall off?
If your nail techs apply your acrylic nails correctly, they should not fall off on their own because the adhesive gel that is used to stick them down will stop this from happening.
However, if you have been doing a lot of activity with your hands or participating in sports that required you to make a fist, then it’s possible for the acrylic nails to detach from your fingernails.
Ask a nail artist at your local nail salon for advice on how to make acrylics last longer.
Are acrylic nails the best option for me?
There are also other types of nail treatments that you could try such as gel nails. Gel nails are a type of artificial nail that is made from a solid polymer gel. They are similar to acrylic nails, but they are not as thick and bulky.
A gel manicure is particularly good for people who want to grow their nails out because gel offers more flexible and lightweight results than acrylic.
On average, gel lasts twice as long as regular nail polish because it has more adhesiveness since it’s created using a bonding agent like formaldehyde or ethyl methacrylate.
However, it can chip and wear like regular polish if not applied correctly or if you don’t use a top coat to seal the gel onto your fingernails. This is why many people choose acrylics instead because they last longer and require less maintenance than gel does.
Other alternatives to acrylic nails
There are also options such as fibreglass nails which are much thinner and weaker than acrylic nails. Fibreglass nails are made of a thin layer of fibreglass that is placed over your real nails. They are then sealed with a UV light and will last for about two weeks.
They last about two to three weeks, roughly the same time as acrylic nails, but are only recommended for people with healthy nails because it puts more stress on them than gel or acrylic.
Press on nails are fake nails that can be applied in a matter of minutes with no need for filing or cuticles. They come in various shapes and sizes, and can be either temporary or permanent.
If you want to try this type of nail, it’s advisable to visit a salon that specialises in press-on nails for the best quality salon level durability.
Article author
James Lloyd
I am the primary writer and author for Help and Advice, having originally helped start the site because I recognised that there was a need for easy to read, free and comprehensive information on the web. I have been able to use my background in finance to produce a number of articles for the site, as well as develop the financial fitness assessment tool. This is a tool that provides you with practical advice on improving your personal financial health.
Outside of work I am a keen rugby player and used to play up to a semi-professional level before the years of injury finally took their toll. Now you are more likely to see me in the clubhouse enjoying the game.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are acrylic nails the best option for me?
There are also other types of nail treatments that you could try such as gel nails. Gel nails are a type of artificial nail that is made from a solid polymer gel. They are similar to acrylic nails, but they are not as thick and bulky.
How long do acrylic nails last on bitten nails?
If you are someone who bites their nails, acrylic nails may not be the best option for you because this can damage the natural nail underneath.
Do acrylics damage your natural nails?
People with weak or brittle nails may want to avoid acrylics altogether because applying acrylics over breakable fingernails puts extra strain on them that can cause further damage.
How to make acrylic nails last longer?
For those who would prefer to have their nails on as long as possible, there are a few steps they can take to make their acrylic nails last longer.
