A large number of types of manicure and innovative materials for nail strengthening, extension or design are currently available. But, why not all clients and even specialists figured out why to apply acrylic powder.
Acrylic powder is a powdered synthetic powder with strengthening properties. Initially, acrylic was used in dentistry, only later it became popular in the nail industry.
Acrylic powder: properties and varieties
Acrylic strengthens nails by increasing the thickness and density of the coating, so the manicure lasts many times longer. If applied correctly, then there will be no detachment and leakage on the cuticle or lateral ridges of the nail, which affects not only aesthetics, but also the durability of the coating.
Benefits of acrylic powder:
- universal hypoallergenic material that suits almost everyone;
- acrylic stands out for its excellent wear resistance. Reduces the risk of breakage and deformation;
- ease of use, time saving;
- a large selection for modeling and performing volumetric designs.
For the correct selection of material, you need a correct understanding of the final desired result.
| Type of acrylic powder | Properties | Result |
| Transparent | Extra fine grinding. Does not stand out on natural nails. | Used for base coat, free nail edge formation, aquarium design. |
| Matt | Perfectly hides flaws and visually aligns. | Used as a base coat for building and strengthening. |
| Camouflage | A material with a denser texture, not transparent, flexible, lends itself well to modeling. The color resembles the natural shades of the nail plate. It has, as a rule, flesh tones with a pink undertone. | Hides irregularities and yellowness, evens out defects in the nail plates, strengthens the nails. |
| Finish | It is well modeled with any tool, after drying it has a glossy sheen. | Suitable for modeling top, glossy coats. |
| Colored | Wide range of shades. Can be used without fixer, does not weigh nails. | Execution of any design, creation of the "sugar nails" effect. |
| Neon | Bright saturated colors, dense texture.
| Used for sculpting. Often used for youth manicure. |
| Glitter powder | Transparent or colored powder with added glitter. There are different grinds and textures. | It is used for the finishing layer or bright designs and volumetric sculpting, it helps to show imagination as much as possible. |
The action of acrylic to strengthen nails
Many masters prefer to apply acrylic powder to strengthen nails. Acrylic, penetrating together with the gel into microcracks, under the influence of ultraviolet rays, cements any damage like cement. The nails are strengthened and some serious "breakages" can be corrected.
It will also be an excellent solution for those whose shellac does not last longer than 1-2 weeks; with acrylic powder, this time can be extended by 1.5 - 2 times.
The addition of acrylic makes the nails hard, but at the same time they remain sufficiently elastic, due to which they break less. There is no healing effect here, strengthening occurs due to an additional protective layer. Manicure does not end with the application of acrylic powder. After that, you need to go through the remaining stages.
But, such strengthening of nails has undeniable advantages:
- lasts longer than usual manicure or shellac;
- looks natural, without the increase in volume that occurs with building;
- microcracks and damage are eliminated;
- prevents the formation of bubbles that occur after helium coating;
- protects nails from any external factors, including ultraviolet light and household chemicals;
- makes it possible to grow the desired length of nails;
- easy to correct;
- simplicity of the procedure.
Contraindications
You can often hear about the dangers of acrylic on the human body. But, only vapors are harmful, so the powder is toxic until it dries. The only contraindication is individual intolerance. The material has been tested in dental offices for years, so it does not cause significant harm.
Allergic manifestations were found in less than 5% of clients. However, acrylic has a strong and unpleasant odor, so it is recommended to use it only in well-ventilated rooms.
Instruments and materials for the procedure
In the presence of a complete set for coating with shellac, it remains only to additionally purchase a suitable powder.
Applying acrylic powder to strengthen nails for the first time without proper experience will be more difficult and you will need to prepare a whole list of materials. It is recommended to purchase materials from official representatives in order to be sure of the quality of the goods and to get a predictable result.
So, the list of materials:
- standard manicure set;
- cuticle preparations;
- abrasive files and buffs;
- dehydrator;
- antiseptic (pharmacy is suitable);
- primer;
- bonder;
- acrylic Powder;
- dust brush;
- modeling gel or colored shellac;
- base and top coverage;
- LED or UF lamp;
- lint-free napkins and orange sticks.
It is important to always remember about safety, therefore the instruments must be regularly cleaned and disinfected. Also, before starting the procedure, it is better to treat your hands with an antiseptic.
Instructions for strengthening nails with acrylic powder step by step at home
It will not be easy for beginners to carry out such a procedure at home. You need a special lamp for the gel. For those who independently perform gel manicure, the procedure does not require additional skills and is easily performed at home. But, it is important to follow the instructions carefully to prevent the appearance of chips and detachments.
It is required to consider in detail all the stages of strengthening nails with acrylic powder, including initial preparation and work with gels. The procedure is carried out in several steps.
Training
Before starting any action, it is recommended to treat your nails, hands and all tools with an antiseptic. This step should not be neglected.
Artificial turf is worn for a long time, so the slightest infection that gets under the coating can lead to the development of microorganisms. In addition, many "troubles" can be transmitted through a poorly sanitized instrument.
Then the nails are prepared, the desired shape is given, a hygienic manicure is performed. It is necessary to remove the cuticle, move it well and clean the plate from pterygium (the area in front of the cuticle). The most common cause of peeling of any coatings is inadequate nail polish.
Next, sanding is performed with a soft file or buff, cleaned with a brush from the resulting dust. At this stage, the gloss is completely removed so that the coating adheres well, but does not bring it to the cuts.This will lead to discomfort and increase the risk of infection in the nail bed.
Primer application
After sanding and brushing, the nails must be degreased by wiping them with a cotton pad moistened with a suitable liquid (dehydrator or degreaser).
Now the primer is applied to the entire nail plate. It will prepare the foundation for further steps, equalize the pH balance and remove excess moisture from the surface of the nails. The primer also improves adhesion to artificial turf. Has a liquid texture and dries almost instantly in the open air. For home use, it is best to choose an acid-free primer.
To achieve the best effect, you can apply additional bonder and let it dry well.
Bonder prevents plastics from flaking. It has a denser texture and resembles glue, which is why it is called "double-sided tape".
The gel-like structure is evenly distributed, but it is important to ensure that it does not flow, it is also recommended to "seal" the edges of the nail with it.
If you use both means, then the primer will be a preparatory step and is applied before the bonder.
Some bonders only dry under the lamp, so follow the manufacturer's instructions on a case-by-case basis.
At first glance, both drugs provide good adhesion, but they work in different ways:
- the primer forms a film through which chemicals from the subsequent layers of manicure do not penetrate into the body, and also cleans, degreases, disinfects and regulates the ph-balance;
- the bonder is quite elastic, it holds the layers together as much as possible, prevents detachments and cracks.
Therefore, you should not choose between these completely different means, they do not replace each other. You can not use them, limiting yourself to the correct execution of a wash down and a degreaser, but for a durable and aesthetic manicure, it is better to use both tools.
Base coat application
To strengthen nails, it is recommended to give preference to thick silicone consistencies or rubber bases.
Cover with a base coat as soon as the primer or bonder (if used) dries. In order for the base to be evenly distributed, it is advisable to apply the first layer on 4 fingers (from the little finger to the index finger) and dry in a lamp. Then do the same with the second hand.
After that, the base is separately applied to the thumbs, making it easier to dry the nails and the gel does not run down the edges. It is necessary to ensure that the coating does not get on the cuticle or on the skin on the sides during application, in these places there will be detachments. If the gel is dripping, it can be gently removed from the skin with an orange stick before curing.
Application of acrylic powder
Apply acrylic powder to strengthen nails directly on the base or shellac before the last coat dries. Having covered the nails, you immediately need to sprinkle them with a thick layer of powder, leaving no voids.
You can sprinkle the nail completely only in stress zones (central area and side edges). You can simply dip your fingernail into the powder and tap the edge with your finger to crumble the excess. The coating dries under ultraviolet light for a couple of minutes.
Now you need to remove the excess with a brush. If the surface is uneven, it should be sanded.
Fixation with base coat or gel polish
On top of the hardened acrylic, gel polish is applied in 1 or 2 layers, each drying in a UV lamp.
If only strengthening was planned, without applying a colored coating and decor, then the acrylic must be fixed with a base coat before using the finish.
In both cases, a top-end finish is applied, which is also dried in a lamp. The top protects nails from UV radiation and creates a glossy shine, it can be applied in 1 or 2 layers.
If the topcoat leaves a sticky layer, then after the lamp, it is removed with a cotton pad dipped in a degreaser.Alternatively, you can use an acetone-free nail polish remover.
The cost of the procedure in the salons
If the procedure seemed difficult or there is no complete set, which is necessary for its implementation at home, then it is easier to do it in the salon. After all, the master will be able to perform professional manicure, strengthen nails, and give a pleasant hand massage. Also in the salon you can find out about new products in the nail industry, and choose a design from a large assortment.
The cost of strengthening nails using acrylic powder ranges from 500 to 2000 rubles. It all depends on the region, the quality of materials and the level of craftsmanship. In addition, many salons offer a low cost of the procedure, and in addition you will need to pay for manicure, base coating, shellac and design.
For example, a nail strengthening service will cost 800 rubles, and together with manicure and shellac coating it will cost 1800 rubles.
How long does acrylic powder last?
Thanks to the special cementing properties of acrylic, any manicure with its use will last 2 times longer.
That is, the correction of gel polish, for example, will be required in 3-4 weeks. With the correct procedure, there will be no chips or delamination.
It is not recommended to reshape nails longer, especially long ones, because the regrown free edge becomes heavier, and the nail plate at the base of the nail remains unprotected and vulnerable.
As a result, the "center of gravity" shifts and the risk of injury increases significantly.
How to remove acrylic coating?
You will need a special liquid to remove acrylic. Finding it will not be difficult, but not everyone knows how to apply it correctly. To begin with, it is better to cut the free edge of the nail to the desired length. Then remove the topcoat with a high-abrasive file (at least 180 grit).
Now wrap each nail with a cotton pad with acrylic or gel remover, fix it with foil on top. Check periodically that it does not come off or put on special holders. Remove not earlier than after 10 minutes.
The acrylic will subsequently soften and can be easily removed with a softer file and an orange stick.
The second method of removal is cutting off each nail without softening the acrylic. This method is also used quite often, but it will take more time and patience. Only the upper layers are removed with a highly abrasive file; closer to the natural nail, you will need to switch to softer files or buffs so as not to injure the nail plate.
Removing artificial coatings injures the nails, so after the procedure it is better to protect them with special care products.
Simple enough procedures need to be implemented in order to strengthen the nails with acrylic powder. The quality of performance of all stages affects the final result. That is why it is recommended to do everything carefully and follow the instructions given.
Application will not cause difficulties for those who are already doing shellac on their own. The technique is simple, but gives an amazing result in the form of beautiful and durable nails, increasing the time until the next correction.
Author: Tatiana Zhukova
Article design: Mila Friedan
Video about strengthening nails with acrylic powder
3 ways to strengthen your nails with acrylic powder: