A Beginner's Guide to Acrylic Nails

If you've always wanted to try an acrylic manicure, summer is the perfect season to experiment with this classic look. Acrylic manicures can transform your ordinary nails into an accessory that pairs with your style and personality. To learn more about giving yourself a professional and chic acrylic manicure, continue reading our beginner's guide to acrylic nails.

What you'll need

  • Nail file
  • Nail drill 
  • Nail primer
  • EMA liquid monomer 
  • Cuticle oil 
  • Acrylic dip powder
  • Nail tip
  • Top coat seal 

Starting Your Manicure

Before you apply your acrylic manicure, first prep your nails by pushing back cuticles and adding a cuticle oil. Next, you'll buff away any natural shine from your nail bed. Once you've prepped your nails, you'll pick a nail tip for your manicure.

To apply a nail tip to your natural nail, apply nail glue to the base of the nail tip and lightly press it on the bottom of your natural nail bed. Hold the nail tip steady until the nail feels secure on your finger. 

Next, you'll cut and file the nail tip into the desired length and shape. A nail file and nail drill can be used for this process. After you've finished prepping the shape and size of your nails, you'll apply nail primer and continue with your manicure.

Adding Acrylic to Nails 

First, add your acrylic liquid (EMA liquid monomer solution) to an empty bowl or dish. Next, you'll take your acrylic brush and submerge it in your bowl of acrylic liquid. Always press the brush against the bottom of the bowl thoroughly to release any excess air bubbles.

Next, you'll dip your acrylic brush into your acrylic dip powder and stroke the powder until a small ball of acrylic forms in front of your brush. This step may take several tries if your brush is too wet. Once you have a solid, small acrylic ball, you'll sweep it with your brush and place it on top of your nail bed.

Make sure to apply the acrylic near your cuticle and hold pressure against the acrylic and your nail while the polish spreads over your nail tip. Dipping your brush in the acrylic liquid and applying this liquid to the nail will also help to spread the polish fully.

After you're evenly applied your acrylic, wait for the solution to dry. It should take an average of two minutes for nails to dry completely. You can test if your acrylic is fully dry by tapping your nails with the end of your brush. If your nail makes a hollow knocking noise, then your nails are officially dry!

If you'd like to shape and file your nails to fix the length or shape after applying your acrylic, you can use a pinching tool to complete this process. Once you're satisfied with your nails' color, style, and shape, add a top coat to seal in your manicure!

Acrylic manicures may look intimidating to try, but these manicures are easy to recreate with the right tools and process. If you're ready to try an acrylic manicure to decorate your hands for summer, follow our beginner's guide to acrylic nails to get started!

Not sure where to get your acrylic supplies? At Kiara Sky Professional Nails, we provide every essential tool for your nail care needs. Whether you need new acrylic dip powder or application brushes, our online website has an endless selection to browse!