Acrylics are the “OG” of nail enhancements. For decades, they have been the classic, go-to solution for anyone wanting instant length and seemingly indestructible strength. You get long, perfectly-shaped nails that last for weeks.
But they also come with a heavy reputation. We’ve all heard the stories: the high maintenance, the intimidating salon tools, and, most notably, the potential for serious damage to your natural nails.
So, are they worth it? This is your complete, no-hype guide to the pros, the cons, and the entire application process, so you can decide if they’re the right choice for you.
What Exactly Are Acrylic Nails?
First, let’s clear up a common misconception: acrylic nails are not pre-made plastic nails glued on top of your own (those are “press-ons”).
Acrylics are custom-sculpted on your nail. The process is a form of chemistry that happens right at the nail tech’s table. It involves mixing two ingredients:
- A liquid (monomer)
- A powder (polymer)
When the brush, dipped in the liquid, touches the powder, it forms a malleable “bead.” The technician then skillfully presses and “pats” this bead onto your nail (or a tip/form for length) to sculpt the nail. It then hardens on its own by air-drying, creating a rock-solid, durable surface.
They are different from “gel extensions” because they are formed through this chemical reaction, not cured and hardened under a UV or LED light (though a gel top coat is often applied at the end for shine).
The Pros: Why People Love Acrylics
There’s a reason acrylics have remained popular for so long.
Pro 1: Unmatched Durability & Strength
This is their number-one benefit. Acrylics are tough. They are significantly stronger than gel nails and infinitely stronger than natural nails. If you are “hard on your hands”—you type all day, work in retail, or just tend to break nails easily—acrylics provide a level of protection and durability that is unmatched.
Pro 2: Instant Length & Creative Freedom
They are the ultimate blank canvas. You can go from short, bitten nails to long, dramatic “stiletto” or “coffin” shapes in one appointment. This strong, stable base is also perfect for intricate 3D nail art, encapsulated glitter, and other creative designs that simpler manicures can’t support.
Pro 3: Long-Lasting & Cost-Effective (with Fills)
A well-applied full set can last for 2-3 weeks. As your natural nail grows, it leaves a gap at the cuticle, which is then “filled” at your next appointment. A “fill-in” is cheaper and faster than applying a completely new set, making the upkeep more cost-effective over time.
The Cons: The Risks & Realities to Consider
Now for the honest part. There are significant downsides to consider.
Con 1: The Potential for Natural Nail Damage
This is the biggest con. The process is harsh. To make the acrylic adhere, the technician must file the surface of your natural nail plate, “roughing it up” to create grip. Over-filing can thin the nail. Worse, the removal process involves soaking your fingertips in 100% pure acetone for 15-20 minutes, which is incredibly dehydrating.
Your natural nails will almost certainly be weak, thin, and brittle underneath. They will require a significant recovery period after removal. If your nails are already weak or damaged, we highly recommend focusing on recovery and strength first by mastering your ‘At-Home Nail Care for Flawless Nails: A 5-Step Professional Guide’ before even considering acrylics.
Con 2: The Maintenance & Commitment
This is not a “one-and-done” service. You must be committed to going back for fills every 2-3 weeks. If you wait too long, the acrylic can begin to “lift” away from the natural nail. This lifting creates a small gap that traps moisture, creating a perfect breeding ground for fungus and bacteria.
Con 3: The Chemical Smell & Application Time
There’s no polite way to say it: the monomer liquid has a very strong, distinct chemical odor that many people find unpleasant. Salons must have good ventilation. The application process is also an art form that takes time; be prepared to sit for at least an hour, or up to two hours for a complex, sculpted set.
The Acrylic Nail Application Process: A Step-by-Step Look
So, what actually happens at the salon? Here is a typical step-by-step process.
Step 1: The Prep
Your natural nail is cleaned, and your cuticles are pushed back and tidied. The technician then gently files or buffs the entire surface of your nail plate to remove the natural shine. This is a crucial step for adhesion. A dehydrating liquid and/or primer is then applied.
Step 2: Tip or Form Application
To add length, the tech will either:
- Glue on a plastic tip to the end of your nail and cut/file it to your desired shape.
- Place a paper “sculpting form” under the free edge of your nail, which acts as a guide for building out the nail.
Step 3: The “Bead” Application
This is the artistry. The tech dips the brush into the monomer liquid, then into the polymer powder to create that “bead.” This bead is placed on the nail (at the “stress point”) and skillfully “patted,” “walked,” and sculpted into the desired shape and thickness.
Step 4: File & Shape
Once the acrylic hardens (which happens in minutes), the shaping begins. The technician will use a hand file and/or an electric file (e-file) to refine the shape, smooth the surface, and ensure the acrylic is flush and thin near the cuticle for a natural-looking grow-out.
Step 5: Finish & Hydrate
The nail is buffed smooth to remove all scratches. A shiny gel top coat (cured under a UV/LED light) or regular polish is applied. The final, non-negotiable step is always a generous application of cuticle oil to re-hydrate the skin.
The Verdict: Are Acrylic Nails Right for You?
Acrylics are a great choice if:
- You want dramatic, guaranteed length and strength.
- You are “hard on your hands” and constantly break natural nails.
- You are fully committed to the 2-3 week maintenance and cost.
You should probably avoid them if:
- Your natural nails are already very thin, weak, or damaged.
- You hate the idea of a high-maintenance beauty routine.
- You are sensitive to strong chemical smells.
