You may not have been blessed with the nail strength or length you wanted, so you’ve decided to turn to extensions for help. In addition, you want your whole outfit to have a coordinated look and feel, and having damaged or worn-looking nails can detract people from seeing the image you’re trying to convey.
Going to the salon to get your nails done is one of the best experiences one can have but it is easy to get overwhelmed by the various options presented.
To make an informed choice, it’s important to understand the ingredients used in the extensions, how they attach to your natural nails, and their potential impact on your nail health. In this article, we will focus on acrylic nail extensions, exploring what they are and their pros and cons to help you make the best decision for your nail goals.
What are Acrylic Nails?
Acrylic extensions are created by mixing a liquid with a powder polymer and moulded over a nail extension.
Acrylic nails are for you if you want to attend any special occasion looking stylish and well-groomed.
Acrylics are durable and able to withstand daily tasks easily without showing stress. They can also give your natural nails some protection from cracking or breaking.
Acrylics are ideal if you have poorly structured nails because they can be made to look natural. However, they may look a bit less natural than their counterparts.
Before you get your acrylics fixed, you should be made aware of all the pros and cons.
Pros of Acrylic Nails
1. Several Design Options
Acrylic nails offer a wide ocean of designs to choose from. You can use it to fill the full nail or use it as an extension from the natural nail.
There are different shapes, sizes, lengths, nail art and patterns, and designs to choose from. The nail world is your oyster and you’re the pearl.
2. Look Very Natural
Depending on the technician’s experience and technique, acrylics can be made to look like natural nails.
It is important to get your nails done by someone with some positive reviews if you’re not sure you can do it properly by yourself.
Acrylic nails have been around for quite some time, so you don’t have to worry about finding someone with some experience.
3. Long Lasting
One of the biggest positive points of acrylic nails is that they are long-lasting and easy to maintain. They are more resistant and harder than natural or gel nails.
They can last two to four weeks if taken care of and maintained properly.
4. Prevent Biting Nails
Acrylics are good for people that have a bad habit of biting their natural nails. What better way to curb this habit than covering the area with something hard?
Acrylics are hard to chew and cannot be broken down easily. They practically cover your natural nails, putting them out of reach of your teeth.
Besides, who would want to ruin their beautiful manicure by biting and scratching?
5. Affordable
Because acrylics have been in the market for longer than some other nail extensions, they are easily available and cheaper.
If you’re doing your nails on a budget, this is a good option. The lighter the pocket, the freer the heart, and the more happiness.
Cons of Acrylic Nails
1. Can Damage Your Natural Nails
Acrylics can damage your natural nails because it will be hard to grow out your nails from underneath.
Frequent use without breaks in between can damage your nails so much that growth stops. Your nails can also end up getting brittle and chipped.
2. Difficult to Remove
When the liquid and polymer powder combine, it becomes so hard upon drying making the removal of these extensions painfully complex.
Improper removal can damage the nail bed and thin your natural nails over time. In addition, if you do not remove the nails properly, it may cause an imbalance of weight, causing the nail to lift from the nail bed.
Soaking in acetone can be harmful to your skin and nails. Due to the difficulty in removing acrylics, it may be better for you to visit a professional.
3. Inflexible
Unlike gel nails, once acrylic sets, it becomes very hard and immovable, unable to adjust later.
The danger with them being this stiff is that if you were to hit your nails on a hard surface or even a moderately soft one, it will affect your natural nail badly.
A friend once had her full nail pulled off the nail bed because she hit it against the frame of the door leading to her bedroom.
4. Might Look Fake
Acrylics are artificial nail enhancements, so if your manicure is not done properly by a talented technician, you might be left with nails looking so fake.
It takes time and technique to mould the acrylic into the desired shape and look, so always go with someone who has some experience.
5. Can Cause Infections
I’ve been harping on you going to a professional to get your acrylics done for many good reasons.
Another reason is that if your acrylics are not set properly, bacteria and fungal infections affecting your nails may start to grow in the space between the acrylic and your natural nail.
6. Chemicals
Getting acrylic nails done involves the use of lots of chemicals. The smell of these chemicals may be too strong for a person to bear and the fumes coming from them can be harmful to the health.
Some women may also be allergic to some of the substances used to create the acrylic, so it is a big no for them.
The place where the nails are done should have proper ventilation.
Before Getting Acrylic Nails
Before you decide on using acrylic extensions, you must first weigh all the pros and cons. Think it through and be sure you want to dive into the world of false nails.
Look for a good salon to go to or ask people you know for good nail technician recommendations.
Go for more expensive, more quality products. Also, make sure you’re not allergic to anything before you start.
FAQs on What Are Acrylic Nails? Pros and Cons
What are the disadvantages of acrylic nails?
They damage the nail beds, have to be removed using harmful acetone, and sometimes look less natural than gel nails.
Are there any benefits to acrylic nails?
People usually choose acrylic nails to conceal their damaged and short nails that have an undesirable appearance.
Acrylics also help to prevent breaking, splitting, or nail biting which is of a huge benefit.
How long do acrylics last?
With proper care and maintenance, acrylics can last for two weeks and more, after which the natural nails will start to grow. After the nails start to grow, there will be a need to fill in the bare, empty space.
Without the proper application and care, your acrylics will start to lift, peel, or chip sooner than expected.