Looking for how to get DIY acrylic nails without stepping foot into a salon?
Say goodbye to costly salon appointments and put on long-lasting nails with this step-by-step guide on how to do professional acrylic nails.
Creating salon-quality and professional acrylic nails is not a big deal. In fact, with the right tools, techniques, and a little practice, you’ll be amazed at the flawless results you can achieve at home.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through each stage of the process, from preparing your nails and selecting the perfect acrylic products to applying and shaping the nails with precision.
I will also share insider tips and tricks to help your acrylic nail extensions stay intact for longer, chip-free, and stunningly beautiful.
Before going into the details, let me tell you that the blog is backed by my years of experience as a nail technician.
Moreover, the techniques, tips, strategies, and recommendations you’ll find here are endorsed by my hands-on experience and passion for helping you achieve the best results when it comes to quality manicures.
What Do You Need To Do Acrylic Nails? Complete List
To put on acrylic nails perfectly, you may need various products, tools, and equipment. But the most important thing is your familiarity with these materials.
Instead of buying these supplies separately, you can buy an acrylic nail kit which may consist of all these things.
Here is a list of materials you need to do professional acrylic nails:
- Acrylic nail tips
These are pre-formed plastic extensions that are glued to your natural nails to get a specific length.
- Acrylic nail liquid (monomer)
This is a liquid solution that you will use to activate the acrylic powder and produce a paste-like substance. There are also some acrylic liquid substitutes, if you wanna try them.
- Acrylic powder (polymer)
It is a powdered substance. It is combined with the acrylic liquid to form a thick paste that solidifies when exposed to air.
- Nail primer
Acrylic nail primer is used on the natural nails before applying the acrylic to ensure better and strong adhesion.
- Nail dehydrator
This product helps to remove moisture and oils from the nail surface, which in return promotes potent adhesion of the acrylic.
- Nail forms
These can be used as an alternative to nail tips to provide a template for producing extensions by applying acrylic directly onto the natural nails.
- Acrylic brush
A specialized brush with synthetic bristles that are designed to work well with acrylic liquid and powder. Acrylic nail brush size and shape matter a lot in getting good results.
- Dappen dish
This is a small glass or plastic container that is used to hold the acrylic liquid during the application process.
- Nail file and buffer
These tools are used to shape and smoothen the acrylic nails by removing any rough edges and creating a polished finish.
- Cuticle pusher
This tool is employed to push back the cuticles before you decide to wear the acrylic.
- Nail glue
If using nail tips, you will need nail glue to bond them to the natural nails.
- Nail clipper/cutter
These are used to trim the nail tips to the desired length.
- Nail forms or tips adhesive
If using nail forms, you will require this adhesive to secure them onto the natural nails.
- Nail polish or gel polish (optional)
You may choose to give your nails a spark of color or design with nail polish or gel polish.
- UV or LED lamp (optional)
If you’re fond of using gel polish, you’ll need a lamp to cure the polish and dry it quickly.
- Nail cleanser or rubbing alcohol
This can be utilised to get rid of any residue or sticky layer from the nails after curing gel polish.
- Cotton pads
These are used to clean and put off excess products during the nail application process.
How To Do DIY Acrylic Nails Professionally? Step By Step
Why don’t you save some bucks by ignoring visiting a salon and doing your nails in the comfort of your home?
Below is a detailed procedure on how to do perfect acrylic nails:
Step 1: Get off Existing Nail Polish
The first step is to get rid of any nail polish you have already put on.
For this, you may soak your fingers in acetone-based nail polish remover.
You may also a piece of cotton, saturate it with the remover, and tap it over all your nails having nail polish.
Step 2: Cut Your Natural Nails
Next, using a clipper, cut your nails. I would suggest you keep smaller lengths as they are manageable and prevent the lifting of acrylic nails.
Now, take a fine grit filer and smooth out the nail’s edges. Properly trained and smooth natural nails will benefit you in attaching nail tips.
Step 3: Rough Out Nails By Buffing
Well, this step is optional, but I never skip it due to its crucial role in strong adherence between natural and artificial nails.
A fine grit filer should be used for this objective. It will provide you with a porous type surface and reduce the shiny and non-sticky nature of your nails.
However, be cautious while doing so as aggressive filing can thin out the surface and damage your nail bed.
Step 4: Push Your Cuticles Backward
The cuticles are the thin layer of skin that grows at the base of the nail plate and protect the nail bed.
Pushing back the cuticles helps to provide you with a clean and even surface for the acrylic application.
Soak your nails up to the cuticles in warm water for a few minutes so that they are softened. You can also add some soap or a few drops of cuticle oil to the water for moisturization.
This step makes it easier to push back the cuticles without causing any discomfort or damage.
Another easy way is using a cuticle remover solution. Put a small of this solution onto the cuticles.
This solution helps to dissolve and loosen the dead skin cells, making it easier to push them back.
Step 5: Remove Contaminants With Nail Primer
Nail primer is vital for getting rid of all kinds of dust particles and oily compounds from your nails. The nail bed may appear clean, but it contains contaminants that can disrupt the acrylic application.
If you’re using a brush-on primer, you better apply a small layer. It is used to begin from the base of the nail and move toward the free edge.
If you’re using a pen-style primer, swipe the pen applicator over the nail surface gently and cover the entire nail.
I will recommend you pick acid-free primers as they are less prone to hurt your skin around the nails.
Step 6: Put On The Nail Tips
If you have a full set of acrylic nail tips, simply pick the right size that can easily fit your nails.
However, if you are unable to get a correct fit, no worries; file these extensions to your desired shape and length so that they are accommodated on your natural nails.
Apply nail glue on the back of the tips and attach them to the front side of your natural nails. Hold them in place for some seconds so that the glue dries.
In case you attach the tips wrongly, don’t panic, just remove them by putting your fingers in warm water for a few moments.
Once you’re done with wearing all the tips, you may trim or cut them according to the length you want. If you have confidence in your expertise, you can do acrylic nails without tips.
Step 7: Pour Acrylic Powder And Liquid In Separate Containers
Now pour the acrylic materials, which include liquid monomer and powder into independent containers.
Well, I usually use a small cup for liquid and a dapper dish for powder. Put them side by side so that you easily load your brush.
Step 8: Load Your Brush Accurately
Here comes another very crucial step as you have to load the brush very precisely and carefully, maintaining the right consistency of the mixture.
The ratio of acrylic liquid to powder should be 2:1. However, you may vary the ratio depending on the composition or quality of the products. But the rule of thumb is to prepare a paste that is not runny.
Take your acrylic nail brush and submerge it into the acrylic liquid. It is important to immerse the brush’s bristles into the liquid and allow it to absorb it.
Wipe out any excess liquid on the side of the container.
With the brush still slightly damp from the acrylic liquid, dip it into the acrylic powder. Swirl the brush around in the powder to pick up an appropriate amount.
The powder will begin to stick to the liquid on the brush and produce a ball of acrylic mixture at the tip of the brush.
Tap the brush against the edge of the powder-containing dish or gently tap it on a clean surface to eject any excess powder.
Take a look at the acrylic mixture on your brush. It should have a creamy, dough-like consistency.
If the mixture is too wet or runny, you may have picked up too much liquid or not enough powder.
If it’s too dry or crumbly, you may need to dip the brush back into the liquid and powder to pick up more product.
Step 9: Apply Acrylic Mixture On Your Nails
Position the loaded brush at the base of the nail near the cuticle area. Press the brush down and release a small bead of the acrylic mixture onto the nail.
If you want longer nails, go for a wider bead while for short lengths, a smaller bead is suitable.
However, I suggest you use thin beads by employing a size 8 brush if you’re a beginner.
Once the bead is on the nail, use the belly of the brush (the wider, flat part) in order to pat and spread the mixture across the nail surface.
Turn on from the cuticle region and work your way toward the free edge. Use the brush to shape and blend the product.
You can gently stroke the brush in one direction to develop the desired nail shape, whether it’s square, oval, or any other shape.
Blend the mixture for a transition from the nail bed to the free edge.
Recount the process for all your nails.
Also, don’t forget to clean your brush after doing all your fingers if you want your brush to stay healthy for your coming DIY manicure.
Let the acrylic material on your nails dry well before proceeding.
Step 10: Final Touches And Nail Polishing
Finally, give your nails a final touch for a refined look.
- Use a filer, and if possible, I would suggest you use an electric fiber for fast and smooth applications.
- Shape the nail according to your choice with the help of the filer and correct the imperfect edges.
- You may also use a buffer for shaping and nail sizing.
- To give your nails top done shine, a very fine grip electric filer works well.
- Clean the surface dust by using a clean cloth or a mop brush.
- You may also go for applying nail polish, followed by a top coat for an attractive look.
- You may also opt for doing different acrylic nail designs.
Once the nail polish is dried, you are ready to show off your acrylic nail extensions at the event.
FAQs About How To Do Professional Acrylic Nails
How acrylic nails are done at a salon?
Acrylic nails are done at a salon by professional technicians using modern tools and equipment. The procedure includes carefully readying nails, mixing acrylic material, and putting it over the nails. Finally, the technician will finish off the application with nail polish and a custom design.
Can I teach myself to do acrylic nails?
Yes, you can teach yourself to do acrylic nails. Practicing and experimenting with various strategies and using proper supplies will assist you in getting those stunning synthetic nail extensions.
What liquid is used for acrylic nails?
The liquid used for acrylic nails is called acrylic liquid monomer. It is composed of a mixture of chemicals such as ethyl methacrylate (EMA) or methyl methacrylate (MMA), which are the main monomers, as well as other ingredients like stabilizers and inhibitors.
What do you mix acrylic powder with?
Well, the acrylic powder is mixed with the liquid, also known as an acrylic liquid. The liquid helps in the activation and polymerization of powder and enhances the adhesive capabilities of the material.
How do I make my acrylic nails smooth and shiny?
For a smooth and shiny effect on your acrylic nails, you may opt for using an electric filer. A very fine grit-sized filer is the best choice for this purpose. Moreover, you can utilize a clear top for a shiny surface.
Conclusion On How To Do Professional Acrylic Nails
Acrylic nails require practice, precision, and creativity. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and techniques necessary to get spectacular acrylic nails.
From getting the natural nails ready to applying acrylic overlays and perfecting the finishing touches, this comprehensive tutorial covered every aspect of the process.
You can mail our team if you’re willing to get acrylic nails step by step in PDF form.
Happy Manicure!
