If you’re a fan of Acrylic nails, you know how beautiful and glamorous they can make your hands look. However, as much as we love our Acrylics, they can become a problem when they start to grow out. That’s why in this article, I’ll be sharing everything you need to know about grown-out Acrylics, from what causes them to grow out to what you can do about it and how to disguise them in the meantime.
What Causes Acrylic Nails to Grow Out?
When it comes to Acrylic nails, it is vital to understand the causes of grown-out nails, as this can help prevent it from happening and keep your nails looking their best. There are three main reasons why Acrylic nails can grow out:
Natural Nail Growth
One of the main causes of grown-out Acrylic nails is natural nail growth. As your nails grow, the Acrylics can start to look unkempt and can even cause discomfort. This is why it is essential to regularly schedule maintenance appointments with your nail technician to keep your nails looking their best.
The growth rate of acrylic nails varies from person to person and can depend on several factors, including genetics, diet, and lifestyle.
On average, acrylic nails grow out at a rate of about 0.1 to 0.2 inches per month. This means that after about two to three weeks, you may start to notice a small gap between the acrylic nail and your natural nail. After about four to six weeks, you may need to get your acrylic nails filled in to maintain their appearance and prevent lifting.
Poor Maintenance
Another reason why Acrylic nails can grow out is poor maintenance. If you do not adequately care for your nails, the Acrylics can lift and separate from your natural nails, leading to a less-than-desirable appearance. As a result, it is helpful to avoid harsh chemicals and moisturize your nails regularly to keep them healthy.
Incorrect Application
Finally, incorrect application by an inexperienced nail technician can also cause Acrylic nails to grow out. If the Acrylics are not applied correctly, they may begin to peel and split, giving an unattractive appearance.
What to Do When Acrylic Nails Grow Out?
When it comes to addressing the problem of grown-out Acrylic nails, there are three main options to consider:
Trimming
The first option is to trim the Acrylics back to a shorter length. This can make them look more manageable and less unsightly. You can do this at home with a nail clipper or a professional nail technician.
Filling
The second option is to fill the Acrylics to extend their life. Filling involves adding more Acrylic to the nails to smooth out any gaps or separations. This can be done by a professional nail technician and typically needs to be done every two to three weeks to keep the Acrylics looking their best.
Removal
If the Acrylics have become too unsightly or uncomfortable, the third option is to remove them altogether. It is important to note that removing Acrylics can be damaging to your natural nails, so it is important to seek professional help if you are unsure about how to proceed.
How to Disguise Grown-Out Acrylic Nails
If you are looking for a way to disguise grown-out Acrylic nails temporarily, there are several options to consider:
1. Wear Gloves
Wearing gloves is a simple and practical solution for hiding the problem. You can wear gloves for everyday tasks or more fashionable options for special events.
2. Use Fake Nails
Another temporary solution for disguising grown-out Acrylics is to use fake nails like press-ons. You can choose various styles and colors to match your style and taste.
3. Paint the Nails a Dark Color
Painting your nails a dark color, such as black or navy blue, can help to camouflage the grown-out Acrylics. Dark colors are especially effective in hiding the problem as they draw less attention to the nails.
4. Use Nail Art
Distracting from the problem with nail art is another option for disguising grown-out Acrylics. Choose bold, eye-catching designs to draw attention away from the grown-out Acrylics and onto your unique and stylish nail art.
Long-Term Solution for Grown-Out Acrylic Nails
If you are looking for a long-term solution for grown out Acrylic nails, there are several options to consider:
Alternative Nail Enhancement
One option is to consider switching to a different type of nail enhancement, such as Gel nails. Gel nails are a more flexible and durable alternative to Acrylics and can help to prevent the problem of grown-out nails from recurring.
Proper Nail Care
Taking care of your natural nails is also important for preventing the problem of grown-out Acrylics. Keep your natural nails moisturized and avoid harsh chemicals that can weaken or damage them. This will help to keep your nails healthy and strong, making them less likely to break or separate from the Acrylics.
Experienced Nail Technician
Finally, finding a skilled and experienced nail technician is crucial to ensure the proper application and maintenance of your Acrylic nails. A knowledgeable nail technician can help to prevent the problem of grown-out nails from recurring by using proper techniques and high-quality products.
Is it a Good Idea to Grow Out Acrylics without Removing them?
I get this question a lot from clients and the answer is NO!
It is not recommended to grow out acrylic nails without removing them. Over time, your acrylic nails will naturally start to grow out from the cuticle, and the gap between the acrylic nail and the natural nail will become more noticeable. This can create a less-than-desirable appearance, and in some cases, the acrylic nail may become loose and start to lift off the natural nail.
Additionally, when you leave acrylic nails on for too long, it can cause damage to the natural nail underneath. This is because acrylic nails are adhered to the natural nail using a strong adhesive, and as the natural nail grows, the acrylic nail can start to pull and tug at the nail bed, leading to thinning, weakness, and even infection. I’ve seen many cases of infection and discoloration after false nails due to leaving them on too long.
It’s important to remove acrylic nails and give your natural nails a chance to breathe and recover before applying a new set. This can help to prevent long-term damage to the natural nail and ensure the health and appearance of your nails. You can soak off Acrylics at home but if you’re not sure how to remove acrylic nails, it’s recommended to seek the help of a professional nail technician.
Myths About Grown-Out Acrylic Nails
Despite being a common issue for those who wear Acrylic nails, there are several myths and misconceptions surrounding grown-out Acrylics. Let’s dispel some of these myths:
You can’t wear gloves with Acrylics.
False. Wearing gloves can be an easy way to hide grown-out Acrylics and protect them from further damage. Just make sure to choose gloves that fit correctly so as not to damage the Acrylics.
You can’t do anything about grown-out Acrylics.
Not true. There are several options for addressing the problem of grown out Acrylics, including trimming them back to a shorter length, filling them in, or removing them completely.
Acrylics always grow out.
This is also a myth. While it is true that natural nail growth can cause Acrylics to grow out, proper maintenance and care can help to prevent this problem.
Final Thoughts
Grown out Acrylic nails can be a frustrating problem, but there are steps you can take to address the issue and disguise it until you can address it properly. By trimming, filling, or removing the Acrylics, using gloves, fake nails, or dark nail polish, or opting for a different nail enhancement, you can keep your nails looking their best. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you are unsure about how to proceed.