The Pros and Cons of Acrylic Nails: Everything You Need to Know (2024)

Nails are often one of the first things people notice about us, so it’s important to have them looking their best. Acrylic nails are a popular choice for many women because they can make our nails look longer and stronger. If you’re thinking about getting acrylic nails, you need to read this first. In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of acrylic nails so that you can make an informed decision before getting them done. We’ll also talk about how to take care of your acrylic nails so that they look their best for as long as possible.

The Pros and Cons of Acrylic Nails: Everything You Need to Know (1)

What is Acrylic Nail Polish?

Acrylic nail polish is a type of synthetic polymer that is used to coat nails. It is made from a mixture of monomers and polymers, and it can be applied either as a liquid or as a powder. It is also sometimes used to fill in gaps in natural nails or to protect the nails from damage. The mixture is then applied to the nail and allowed to harden. Acrylic nails are often used as an alternative to natural nails, and they can give your hands a more polished look.

Types of Acrylic Nails

There are two main types of acrylic nails: those that are made with gel and those that are made with powder. Gel acrylics are made with UV light, while powder acrylics are cured with air or heat. Powder acrylics tend to be thicker than gel acrylics, so they may not last as long. However, they are less likely to chip and break than gel acrylic nails. You will need to decide which type of acrylic nail is right for you based on your needs and preferences, or you can ask your manicurist for advice.

Acrylic Nail Pros

Pro: Acrylic Nails Can Last for Weeks

Let’s start with the pros of acrylic nails. One of the biggest advantages of acrylic nails is that they are very durable and can last for weeks without chipping or breaking. They are also much less likely to damage your natural nails than gel or shellac nails, which is important if you want to maintain healthy nails. So if you’re looking for a way to have beautiful, long-lasting nails, acrylic nails may be the solution for you.

Pro: Acrylic Nails Can Give You the Appearance of Having Long, Beautiful Nails

Another big advantage of acrylic nails is that they can give you the appearance of having long, beautiful nails. This is because the acrylic nail is made from a harder material. If you have short or damaged nails, acrylics can help to disguise imperfections and give you the confidence to show off your hands without feeling self-conscious.

Pro: Acrylic Nails Are Relatively Easy to Care For

Acrylic nails are also relatively easy to care for. Once they have been applied, all you need to do is keep them clean and free of debris. You will also need to reapply a fresh coat of polish every few weeks to keep them looking their best.

Pro: Acrylic Nails Come in a Wide Variety of Colors and Styles

Another advantage of acrylic nails is that they come in a wide variety of colors and styles. You can get them in any color you want, from natural-looking clear nails to brightly colored nails. You can also get them in a variety of shapes, such as square, round, or almond-shaped.And if you want to change the color or style of your nails, you can simply paint them with a new color or design.

Pro: Acrylic Can Add a Touch of Glamour to Any Outfit

Acrylic nails can take any outfit from ordinary to glam in an instant! Whether you’re going on a date or attending a wedding, acrylics can help you achieve the look you want. You can choose from a variety of colors, shapes, and lengths. And if you get tired of one style, you can always change it up, depending on your mood or the occasion.

Acrylic Nail Cons

Сon: Acrylic Nails Can Be Damaging to Your Natural Nails

Despite the fact that acrylic nails are less likely to damage your natural nails than gel or shellac nails, they can still cause some damage. This is because the acrylic nail is glued to your natural nail, which can cause the natural nail to become weaker and thinner over time. However, if they are applied and cared for properly, the damage should be minimal.

Сon: Removing Acrylic Nails Can Be Difficult at Home

One of the main disadvantages of acrylic nails is that they can be difficult to remove. If you decide you no longer want them, you will need to visit a salon and have them professionally removed. This can be costly and time-consuming, but it is the only way to safely remove them without damaging your natural nails. Removal kits are available, but they can be quite harsh on your nails and skin.

Con: Acrylic Nails Require Regular Maintenance

Another disadvantage of acrylic nails is that they require regular maintenance. You will need to fill them every four to six weeks, and they can be prone to chipping and breaking. Additionally, the glue used to attach acrylic nails can damage your natural nails if it is not removed properly. To avoid it, make sure to visit a professional nail technician who can safely remove your acrylic nails.

Con: Acrylic Nails Could Be Expensive

While they may not be as expensive as gel nails or some of the other options out there, acrylic nails can still be quite costly. Depending on where you go, and how often you need to have them done, they can quickly add up. A professional nail artist can charge over $50 for a set. It usually depends on the design, length, and other factors.

Should You Get Acrylic Nails?

If you are looking for a long-lasting, durable nail option with plenty of design possibilities, then acrylic nails may be the right choice for you. However, it is important to keep in mind that they require some regular maintenance and care. As you can see, there are both good and bad aspects to this popular nail choice. Weighing the pros and cons is up to you to decide whether or not acrylic nails are right for you. And be sure to check out our other blog posts for more information on all things beauty-related! Thanks for reading!

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The Pros and Cons of Acrylic Nails: Everything You Need to Know (2024)

FAQs

The Pros and Cons of Acrylic Nails: Everything You Need to Know? ›

One of the biggest disadvantages of acrylic nails is that they can damage your natural nails. Acrylic nails are applied with a strong adhesive, which can cause your natural nails to become weak and brittle. Additionally, the acrylic itself can be harsh on your nails, causing them to become dry and damaged.

What are the cons of acrylic nails? ›

One of the biggest disadvantages of acrylic nails is that they can damage your natural nails. Acrylic nails are applied with a strong adhesive, which can cause your natural nails to become weak and brittle. Additionally, the acrylic itself can be harsh on your nails, causing them to become dry and damaged.

What lasts longer, acrylic or gel? ›

It's important to remember that the longevity of acrylic nails depends on how they're applied and taken care of. If you give them the right care and maintenance, acrylic nails can last longer than gel nails.

Do acrylic nails damage your nails? ›

Acrylic products can cause damage to the nails themselves. They may cause a condition called “worn-down nail syndrome,” which involves the thinning of the nail after exposure to acrylics and nail filing. One 2020 case study examined a woman with nail damage after acrylic use.

Are acrylic nails high maintenance? ›

Acrylic Nails Maintenance

The hard truth: Acrylics require a lot of upkeep. Zuniga noted that most clients with acrylics generally come in every two to three weeks to get them filled. However, as long as any lifting of the acrylic is filled in, a set can be worn for six to eight weeks before it needs to be removed.

What should you avoid when you get acrylic nails? ›

Don't open anything sharp with your nails

Opening cans, playing ball games, etc. Are some things that you should avoid doing with fake nails. This can cause breakage and even chip off.

What is the healthiest nail option? ›

Choose soak-off gel nails instead of acrylic nails.

While gel nails can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, they're more flexible than acrylic nails. This means your own nails are less likely to crack. You'll want to ask for gel nails that soak off rather than ones that must be filed off.

What's better, dip or acrylic? ›

Dip powder nails are actually more durable than acrylic! That's incredible, we know; they last for 3 weeks or longer without chipping or peeling. You'll need fewer manicures each year, and that's great news – it's just another reason why dip powder is healthier than acrylics!

Which is more damaging acrylic or gel nails? ›

In general, acrylic is better for intricate or textured designs and is stronger than gel, but takes longer to apply and can be more damaging to the natural nails. On the other hand, gel is shinier and cures quicker than acrylic, but is more flexible so it doesn't always provide the same amount of protection.

Why do my nails look so bad after acrylics? ›

Chipping, flaking, and indentations or grooves are also results of improper nail technique. Another source of nail damage may come from the salon's products. Idehen said there is one substance that is banned in the U.S. because of the damage it causes, but some salons still use it.

Can you get mold under acrylic nails? ›

Fungal nail infection. This can occur when moisture collects under acrylic nails. It is more common with nails that are left on for 3 months or longer.

Do nails grow under acrylics? ›

Your nails will look beautiful when you leave the salon, but obviously your natural nails will continue to grow, leaving a gap at the bottom of the acrylic. This means that every few weeks you will need an infill appointment to get these gaps filled.

Is it bad to have acrylic nails on for years? ›

Acrylic nails can also damage the nails in the longer term, as the surface of your natural nails is filed down for application, meaning the natural nail becomes weaker.

Can you wear acrylic nails permanently? ›

Having read through all of the below comments I just wanted to add that Nail Enhancements of any type should not be worn continuously without a break a least every three months. Constant wear WILL damage your natural nails and cause them to be weak and brittle.

When should I stop getting acrylic nails? ›

As acrylic nails require you to roughen up the surface of the nail to apply them, the nail surface can wear away over time. So, it is often recommended that after 3 months of continuous wear, clients should take a break from acrylics.

Is getting acrylic nails worth it? ›

"The pros are that you get instant length, structure and strength to your nails," she explains to Refinery29 Australia. "The cons to acrylics are that there is regular maintenance to upkeep your nails and they are artificial." Pham says that generally, acrylics can be worn by most people.

Do acrylic nails break easily? ›

The lifespan of acrylic nails depends on how well you care for them. Without proper maintenance, these fake nails can last as little as one week before they start peeling off. They can survive up to six weeks without chipping or breaking with stringent upkeep measures.

How long do acrylic nails last? ›

According to Cosmopolitan, a full set of acrylic fake nails can last anywhere from six to eight weeks. However, you need to visit your favorite nail technician every 2 to 3 weeks to fill in the space created by the growth of your natural nails.

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