How to Do Acrylic Nails: Complete Step-by-Step Tutorial

Acrylic nails have been a salon favorite for decades. Now you can create stunning, long-lasting nails at home with this comprehensive guide covering supplies, application techniques, and video tutorials.

Video Tutorial: Acrylic Nails for Beginners

Watch this excellent tutorial by Kiara Sky demonstrating proper acrylic application technique, including perfect bead consistency and placement.

What You’ll Need: Complete Supply List

Acrylic System: Liquid monomer ($15-30), acrylic powder ($10-25), acrylic brush #8 or #10 ($10-20), dappen dish ($3-5)

Prep Tools: Nail dehydrator, acid-free primer, nail forms or tips, nail glue, files (100/180 grit), buffer, cuticle pusher, clippers

Finishing: Top coat, cuticle oil, nail polish (optional)

Estimated Cost: $50-150 for complete beginner kit. Refills cost just a few dollars each.

Preparing Your Natural Nails

1. Push back cuticles: Gently push cuticles back. Never cut living tissue.
2. File natural nails: File to desired base shape and remove shine from surface.
3. Buff surface: Lightly buff for better adhesion. Don’t over-buff!
4. Clean: Wipe with alcohol or dehydrator to remove oils.
5. Apply primer: Use acid-free primer sparingly. Let dry completely (turns chalky white).

Applying Nail Forms or Tips

Nail Forms: Select correct size, place under free edge, ensure perfect alignment, press adhesive tabs.

Nail Tips: Size each tip to match nail width, apply small drop of glue, place at 45-degree angle, press and hold 10 seconds, clip to length and file seam.

Tips are easier for beginners. Forms allow more length control.

Acrylic Application: Step-by-Step

1. Pour monomer: Fill dappen dish halfway
2. Create bead: Dip brush in monomer, then powder. Pick up small, moist bead (not dripping)
3. Apply to cuticle: Place bead near cuticle, gently press and pat toward cuticle line
4. Build apex: Place larger bead in center for strength and C-curve
5. Cover tip: Apply smaller bead to free edge and smooth all sections
6. Work quickly: 45-60 seconds working time before hardening

Bead Consistency: Wet (too much monomer) = runny and weak. Perfect = moist, holds shape. Dry (too much powder) = chunky and hard to smooth.

Shaping and Filing

1. After cure (2-3 min), remove forms or file tips
2. File to desired shape with 180-grit file
3. File sidewalls at 90-degree angle
4. Check C-curve from side view
5. Smooth surface, remove any bumps

Buffing and Finishing

Buff surface with 180-220 grit, remove all dust, apply cuticle oil, finish with top coat (gel requires UV/LED lamp).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Too much monomer: Creates weak nails
• Working too slowly: Acrylic hardens before smoothing
• Skipping primer: Leads to lifting
• Not sealing edges: Allows water seepage

FAQ

How long do acrylic nails last?

2-3 weeks before fills. Can last 6-8 weeks total with proper care and regular fills.

Are acrylic nails safe?

Yes, when applied and removed correctly. Damage usually occurs from improper removal.

Home cost vs salon?

Initial kit: $50-150. Refills: few dollars. Salon: $30-60 per application.

Can beginners do acrylics at home?

Yes! Start with tips, practice on one hand first. First sets take 2-3 hours.