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Acrylic nails are the definition of glamour in the beauty world, and pretty much anyone with eyes can see that. But are fake nails safe? Do acrylic nails hurt? How much do acrylic nails cost? And what are acrylic nails even made of, anyway? If you’re curious about acrylics and have never tried them before, it’s totally understandable if you have some reservations about the beauty treatment. Find out if acrylic nails are right for you after reading our answers to all your questions about the unique manicure below, and then get inspired by some of the prettiest acrylic nails on the internet today.

Acrylic nails are nail enhancements made by combining a liquid acrylic product with a powdered acrylic product, according to Nails magazine. The two products (known as a monomer and a polymer, respectively) together form a soft ball that can be fashioned into a nail shape. Once a nail technician applies this acrylic to a client’s nails, the material hardens and becomes much stronger. And then it can be buffed and filed to the customer’s liking.

But wait: Who invented acrylic nails? You might be surprised to learn that acrylics as we know them today were first developed in 1934 by a dentist named Maxwell Lappe. He created these artificial nails in order to help nail-biters curb their habit. Who would’ve guessed that they’d become such a huge fashion statement in the decades following? Considering the fact that chemists have developed much better techniques to make acrylic nails look more natural, it’s no surprise that this beauty treatment still has such an enormous staying power to this day.

How are acrylic nails applied?

After you choose your preferred nail shape, length, and color, your technician should begin your acrylics appointment by cleaning, soaking, and filing your natural nails. If you requested length to be added to your nails, they’ll add artificial tips after that. (If you requested very short acrylic nails, they will skip this step.) Next, nail techs will apply an adhesive before attaching the acrylic nails to all your nail beds. Then, they sand down and shape the acrylics. Finally, they add any additional polish, accessories, or nail art that you asked for at the beginning of the appointment.

If you’re wondering how to apply acrylic nails at home, this can vary depending on what type you’re using. Luckily most kits, such as Kiss Products Salon Acrylic French Nail Kit ($6.49, Amazon), include instructions about how to do acrylic nails safely and effectively on your own.

Gel Nails vs. Acrylic Nails: Should I get acrylic nails?

If you’re considering getting acrylic nails, you’ve probably heard some folks suggest that you try gel nails instead. Considering that gel nails are often grouped in the same type of beauty treatment as acrylic nails, it’s easy to confuse the two, or even mistake them as terms that could be used interchangeably. In reality, they’re quite a bit different — and they both have pros and cons.

While acrylics are nail enhancements made by combining a liquid acrylic product with a powdered acrylic product, gel nails are part of a more homogenous gel product that needs to be “cured” or “sealed” onto the nail with the use of a UV light between each layer.
While acrylic nails are more strong and durable than gel nails, gel can actually be used to strengthen the natural nail and helps protect it as it grows. That said, acrylic nails are a bit easier for you to maintain at home, because you can both fix them soak them off without the help of a nail technician, unlike most gel nails. However, gel nails may be a more practical choice for people who use their hands quite a bit; they are far more flexible than acrylics. Gel is generally pretty odorless, and the same cannot be said for acrylics. 

Wondering, “Should I get acrylic nails or gels?” When it comes to the debate about gel nails vs acrylic nails, there’s not really a way to say which one is the actual “winner.” At the end of the day, it’s totally up to you whether you want to opt for acrylic nails or gel nails — it’s all personal preference about which method works best for you and your lifestyle. Goodness knows that both beauty treatments boast a wide variety of fans, and either group would be more than happy to have you join them for the fun.

How much do acrylic nails cost?

The price of acrylic nails varies widely between nail technicians. According to Cost Helper Health, the typical cost for a mid-range acrylic manicure at a spa or salon ranges from $35 to $45 for a standard set. For colors like pink or white, that price can increase to $50 or $60. But how much are acrylic nails that feature an elaborate design? Don’t be shocked when you see that especially creative acrylic nails can cost up to $100 or even $120. For example, if you’re getting fancy coffin acrylic nails or holiday-themed acrylic nails, you can expect to pay a premium price. Remember: It might be tempting to pay a low price for acrylics, especially since there are “deals” of prices as low as $10 floating around out there. But when it comes to your nails — and everywhere else on your body — your health comes first. And there’s a much higher risk of your nails suffering in the long run from a low-quality acrylic set. Not worth it!

How long do acrylic nails last?

The lifespan of acrylic nails varies widely from person to person. For example, if someone uses his or her hands for work quite a bit — especially for manual labor — that person might learn pretty quickly that acrylic nails won’t last too long compared to someone who uses their hands for little more than typing. But how long do acrylic nails last in a general sense? Experts say you need to return to the salon every two to three weeks to fill in the gaps that appear as your natural nails grow.