Beauty Encyclopedia

Acrylic for nails

03.04.20240

Acrylic for nails

Acrylic for nails: material for nail extensions.

Composition, main characteristics, advantages and disadvantages

Acrylic (acrylate) is a combination of liquid monomer and synthetic powder, so-called acrylic powder. Under the influence of UV or LED lamps, the composition hardens, a chemical reaction occurs, polymerization.

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What is acrylic powder

Acrylic powder — This is a synthetic powder made from artificial polymers (plastics), used in cosmetology to strengthen and extend nails.

For a long time, the material has been widely used in dentistry to strengthen damaged enamel, as well as to build teeth and fill holes.

Acrylic powder exists in the form of a powder of various shades and properties: some are suitable only for building, others for modeling, artistic sculpting .

The price of the powder is not very high, and the powder is also quite economical to use (one jar is enough for up to 30 uses).

True, in addition to powder, you also need to get a primer (a base for acrylic manicure, degreases and dehydrates the nail plate), a bonder (a binder between the nail and acrylic that prevents the development of fungal diseases while wearing artificial nails), liquid (liquid for diluting acrylic), and a brush. Also, for some types of acrylic powder, a UV lamp will be required, and all this is in addition to the standard products used for manicure.

There are many varieties of acrylic powder, which are usually distinguished by color. So, powder can be transparent, colored, neon, camouflage and with sparkles.

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Pros and cons of acrylic for nails

  • Hypoallergenic. Only 5-7% of people had any allergic reactions while using acrylic powder. Thus, this cosmetic product is suitable for almost everyone. Also, acrylic sawdust is much larger and heavier than gel sawdust, due to which acrylic dust scatters less and is not so dangerous for asthmatics and allergy sufferers;
  • Variety of structures and colors;
  • Persistence. For this property, powder is especially valued by professional manicurists. The effect after application lasts up to two weeks, the paint layer does not chip or break, and the nail plate is not deformed. Acrylic nails can be worn for up to 3-4 months, provided that regular corrections are carried out;
  • Strength. Thanks to this property of the product, you can create various artistic compositions on your nails. This material is suitable for those who work a lot with their hands. Acrylic can also be used to “repair” natural nails. It is important, however, to remember that acrylic finally hardens only 48 hours after application;
  • Naturality. Acrylic looks as natural as possible on nails if you choose natural shades of powder for extensions;
  • Quick to apply. If you fill your hand or have your nails extended with acrylic in a professional salon, then thanks to the quick-drying effect of the powder (30 seconds), the procedure will not take much time (1.5 – 2 hours);
  • Easy to remove. Acrylic nails are easy to remove. This requires only a special solution.

Of the disadvantages of this nail extension product, it is worth noting three main ones:

  • Unpleasant smell. The smell occurs when liquid, monomer, is added to the powder. Therefore, it is necessary to do acrylic nail extensions only in well-ventilated areas, preferably wearing a special respirator mask. True, recently the composition of the monomers has been changed (MMA, methyl methacrylate has been replaced by EMA, ethyl methacrylate), since a substance hazardous to health was discovered in the past, and the smell seems to have ceased to be so pungent;
  • Dull appearance. Acrylic nails require polishing or a topcoat to look brighter, as acrylic initially has a matte finish. Low-quality acrylic can generally give the nails a sickly yellowish tint, so in this case you can’t do without varnish;
  • Quick-drying composition. And this can really become a problem if you lack experience working with acrylic. So if you plan to use it at home, you should first practice to get used to it.

The procedure for acrylic nail extension

The process of creating acrylic nails occurs in several stages:

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  1. First, the nail plate is degreased using special means;
  2. Next, a thin layer is applied over the entire nail plate;
  3. Then the form or tips (plastic overlays on the nails that lengthen them) are fixed;
  4. Next, the powder is diluted in monomer and the resulting solution is applied with a special brush to the surface of the nail;
  5. A nail of the required length is formed;
  6. The nail is placed under a UV lamp;
  7. The nail is formed to the required length;
  8. The nail is placed under a UV lamp;
  9. The nail is formed to the required length;
  10. The nail is placed under a UV lamp;
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  12. After the composition has hardened (usually it takes a few minutes), the form is removed;
  13. The extended nail is filed with a file and polished with a buff (volume file for polishing nails);
  14. If necessary, a top layer of gel polish is applied, various design elements are added.

How to remove acrylic nails

The following is a small instruction on how to remove acrylic nails at home:

  1. It is necessary to cut off the elongated shapes;
  2. Place cotton pads soaked in a special liquid (solvent for acrylic nails) over the nails;
  3. Each nail is wrapped in foil for 15-20 minutes;
  4. Remove the foil one by one, removing the orange coating with sticks;
  5. Polish your nails with a buff;
  6. Apply strengthening enamel;
  7. Moisturize your hands and nails with oil or cream.

Contrary to the assurances of acrylic manufacturers, it does not treat natural nails.

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So speaking about the real benefits of this product, we can say that in reality acrylic only protects the nail from mechanical damage and the harmful effects of chemicals that we encounter every day.

< p>You must remember that wearing artificial nails all the time is harmful. Even though the material is completely safe, natural nails need to breathe and rest. And it is better to strengthen and treat them with vitamins, a healthy diet and lifestyle in general.