Almost everyone wants acrylic nails at the moment because they’re so fashionable and they make the wearers feel more elegant and feminine. However, newbies may be tempted to get their nails longer than they can actually handle.
Imagine going to the nail salon to get your nails fixed, and they are pretty long. They might look stunning, but you won’t realise how long and uncomfortable they are until you get home. Then, you realise that you can’t actually do some basic things with your long acrylic nails, so it may be time to shorten your acrylic nails. But how do you shorten your beautiful nails without ruining them? We’ll share everything you need to know.
Fun fact: We’ve put together an article on How to Wipe with Long Nails and How to Type with Long Nails because some of our readers could barely function with their long nails!
What You Need To Know Before Shortening Your Nails
Shortening or modifying acrylic nails at home can be difficult because improper removal or maintenance can quickly damage your acrylic enhancements and natural nail plates. Look underneath your acrylic nails before you trim or file them. Know where your natural nails end; this is essential for trimming since you need to know if it is just the acrylic or your normal nails that are being shortened.
Be extra careful when using your non-dominant hand to shorten your nails; this can be challenging and requires patience.
Tools Required To Shorten Acrylic Nails At Home
Not every home will have the tools necessary to cut acrylic nails short, and going to a salon will take more time, money, and worry. This is why a lot of individuals wonder whether they should make an appointment and return to the salon, or if they can simply trim their acrylic nails at home instead. Of course, if you adhere strictly to these instructions, you can shorten your acrylic nails at home.
To shorten your acrylic nails at home, you would need these basic items:
- Nail clippers or manicure scissors
- Nail file
- Nail polish, top coat, or nail gel
- Curing device/hair dryer
1. Nail Clipper
For a beginner, you will need a nail clipper to trim your acrylic nails instead of a regular pair of scissors.
The curved edge on fingernail clippers is intended to make trimming your nails simpler. They function well, but if they become dull, they can hurt your nails by crushing them as you cut.
How To Use Nail Clippers
Use the length of your shortest nail as a guide for how much nail to leave when trimming the rest of your nails so that they are all the same, even length. Or simply use a ruler.
Trim the nail’s corner on one side, then on the other side, trim the center. The nail may shatter if you trim it all at once because of the pressure on the nail.
To get the desired result, the nail must be filed; you should have a file available. You need a file to smooth the edge of the nail because clippers will surely leave it with a slightly rough edge.
Nail scissors, also known as manicure scissors, are another option if you don’t have a nail clipper. When using these scissors, you cut into your nail from the side. Compared to clippers, they don’t harm your nails as much.
They are also simpler to handle, allowing you to produce a cleaner, more accurate cut.
2. Nail File
Your acrylic nails will look rather harsh after being cut to your ideal length; therefore, you will need to file the edge to smooth it off.
After filing your nails, wash your hands to get rid of any leftover dust on your fingers and nails.
An alternative to using a cutter is to use a nail file.
Consider how much you want to lose before you begin to cut. You can merely file it down rather than using a nail clipper if you don’t want to drastically shorten the length.
Start by making a little cut. Later, you can always file or shorten your nails.
If you’d prefer to use a file alone, begin by filing the nail’s sides inward.
Various Types Of Nail Shapes
Your acrylic nails’ tips can be filed into different shapes, this depends on you and the shape of your cuticles.
These are the most popular nail shapes, they include; square, flare, oval, squoval, almond, coffine, stiletto, ballerina and lipstick. You may try any type of shape you like; most people love coffin or even sharp tip nails.
Examine the contour of your cuticles to decide whether they are rounded or curved and which nail shape will suit you the most. The shape of a square would undoubtedly look beautiful if it were more angular.
3. Polish
The final step is to polish your nails. You can use a regular nail hardener, such as transparent nail polish, acrylic transparent gel, or a top coat, to give your nails a more attractive, smooth, and shiny appearance.
Apply clear nail polish, acrylic gel, or a top coat to the entire nail from tip to end, making sure to cover the edge where the nails were cut. This will aid in sealing the nails.
4. Let Your Nails Dry
Keep in mind that you’ll want your nails to dry after applying nail polish or nail gel, so you’ll need to give your acrylic nails some time to completely dry.
Use regular transparent nail polish instead of acrylic nail gel if you don’t have a curing machine, because acrylic nail gel actually requires a curing machine to dry more quickly.
Give your nails up to 40 minutes to thoroughly dry in order to protect your freshly painted manicure. Try dipping your painted nails in ice water or using a hair dryer on the cool setting to dry them more quickly.