How To Make Natural Looking Acrylic Nails? 8 Secrets To Realistic Fake Nails

If you’re tired of the artificial appearance that some acrylic nails can have, you’re not alone. 

Many nail enthusiasts are seeking a way to create stunning nails that resemble the look of real, healthy nails. 

In this blog, I’ll provide you with tips on how to make natural looking acrylic nails that will leave your friends wondering if they’re your own. 

The natural look of acrylic nails lies in their application, like shaping, buffing, and filing, to give a non-glossy, thin, and natural texture. In addition, shorter length, skin-toned nail polish, and regular maintenance also contribute to a realistic impression.  

All these things are explained in detail in the post below. 

8 Tips To Make Acrylic Nails Natural Looking

If you want classy realistic looking nail extensions, you can follow the ways and techniques described below. 

  1. Keep Compatible Nail Shape

Nail shape plays a significant role in providing your fake nails with a more natural look.

By selecting a nail shape that closely resembles the shape of your natural nails, you can create a seamless transition between your real nails and the acrylic extensions.

For instance, if you have shorter fingers, a nail shape with rounded edges or an oval shape can help elongate the appearance of your fingers. 

On the other hand, if you have longer fingers, square or squoval shapes can balance the proportions. 

  1. Keep Nail Length Short

Another important tip to make your fake nails look real is to consider their length. 

If the acrylic nails are too long, they can appear unnatural and unbalanced, drawing attention away from your overall look.

So I advise you to maintain a proportionate length that suits the shape of your fingers and hands. 

Moreover, short nails are more manageable and easy to carry. They also don’t interfere with your daily activities like washing, cleaning, cooking, and other such household tasks. 

In addition to equipping you with a genuine manicure look, short nails are also less prone to breakage, enhancing their lifespan. 

  1. Use Skin Toned Nail Polish  

One of the interesting factors that influence the natural appearance of your acrylic nails is the color and tone of the nail polish.

Try to apply nail polish with skin tone and light colors like pink, ombre, and French style, as they give a more practical look and equip you with the right type of manicure. 

Your skin tone plays a crucial role in determining the most flattering nail polish color. 

Pick the shades that complement your complexion, whether you have fair, medium, or dark skin. 

Generally, neutral or nude shades tend to work well for a natural look. Light pinks, beiges, or taupes can be great choices for lighter skin tones.

Warmer or deeper neutrals like mauves, brown, or caramel shades can suit medium to dark skin tones.

  1. Apply Acrylic Nails Thinier  

Thicker layers of acrylic can create a bulky and artificial appearance. They tend to look less like natural nails and can give a “fake” or “overdone” look. 

Thin layers, on the other hand, provide a more delicate and refined appearance.

Moreover, acrylic in thin layers gives you better control over the shaping and structure of the nails. 

It allows you to build up the acrylic gradually, ensuring a more precise and natural-looking result. 

In addition, thin layers of acrylic blend more seamlessly with your natural nails. 

They create a smoother shift from the acrylic to your nail bed, reducing the visible line between the two. This blending effect enriches the natural appearance of the nails.

  1. Pay Attention To Cuticle Area During the Application 

Keeping the cuticle area clean is crucial to maintain the overall hygiene and appearance of your nails. 

Any dirt, oil, or residue in this area can affect the adhesion of the acrylic and make the nails look less natural. 

Use a soft brush or a cuticle pusher to gently clean the area around the cuticles before doing acrylic nails.

Regularly manicuring your cuticles helps in creating a neat and polished look. Trim any overgrown or ragged cuticles using a cuticle trimmer or cuticle nipper. 

Be careful not to cut too close or damage the living tissue, as this can lead to infections or discomfort.

  1. Choose Less Gloss Finish

High gloss finishes have a highly reflective and shiny surface. While some people prefer this look for its glamour and polish, it can appear less natural. 

Natural nails generally have a more subdued shine, and a high gloss finish on acrylic nails may make them stand out as more artificial or plastic-looking.

When it comes to the finish of acrylic nails, there are different options available, including matte, satin, and high gloss. 

Choosing a matte or satin finish over a high gloss finish can help develop a more natural-looking result.

  1. Buff and File Into Natural Texture 

Proper filing and buffing the acrylic nails are the main things to give your fake nails a genuine look. If you’re doing your nails at a salon, ask for a skillful technician. 

However, for DIY nails, you must have good expertise.  Select a soft, fine-grit buffer specifically designed for acrylic nails. 

Avoid using a coarse file, as it can cause damage to the acrylic and create an unnatural appearance.

  1. Maintain The Nails Regularly 

Maintenance is an essential aspect of keeping your acrylic nails looking natural and pristine. As your natural nails grow, a gap will form between the cuticle and the acrylic extension. 

This regrowth needs to be filled in regularly to maintain the overall appearance of the nails.

Additionally, chips or breaks can occur due to daily activities or accidents. It’s important to address these issues promptly to maintain the natural impression of synthetic nails.

FAQs

Which fake nails look most natural?

The fake nails that look most natural are usually those made from materials like gel or polygel, as they mimic the appearance and feel of natural nails effectively. The “short square” or “oval” shape with a sheer or nude color also tends to make fake nails look more natural.

What are the natural-looking acrylic nails called?

Natural-looking acrylic nails are often referred to as “nude” or “natural” acrylic nails, as they are designed to resemble the color and texture of natural nails while using acrylic material.

Does acrylic nails look fake?

Acrylic nails can sometimes look fake if they are not applied or designed properly. However, when done skillfully, they can appear quite natural and meld seamlessly with your own nails.

How to get natural looking gel nails?

To achieve natural looking gel nails, start by selecting a shade close to your natural nail color. Keep the length moderate and opt for a natural shape like round or squoval. Proper application and maintenance contribute to a more realistic appearance.

Conclusion

By knowing ways how to make natural-looking acrylic nails and applying them practically and accurately, you’ll be really surprised by the outcomes. 

In summary, let me mention again that quality products, preparations, and professional nail applications, along with proper matching of nail polishing, finish, and texture of the fake nails, is the key to the natural appearance of fake nails. 

I tried to educate you about all the possible things related to this topic, and I hope you’ve absorbed the information well. 

Thank You!

Marissa Arnold

Leave a Comment