In order to achieve the perfect and well-groomed appearance of their nails, women resort to various methods of extension. The materials that are used in this case include gel, silk, fiberglass, glue-powder, and acrylic. Nail extensions performed with the latter substance are the first in modern manicure history.
This method arose quite by accident. One American dentist was having a hard time with his broken nail and decided to strengthen and build it up with a filling material, acrylic. Now this technique is widely used all over the world. Consider how to do acrylic extensions at home, how to subsequently correct the coating, and also how to remove it.
Benefits
First you need to clarify what qualities are inherent in this material. What are the reasons to bet on acrylic? The extension made with the help of this substance will please the eye for a long time, because it is very stable. acrylic coatingDurable enough so you don't have to worry about damaging your nails when doing housework or gardening.
Another advantage of this build-up is simplicity, because this material hardens on its own, without the help of ultraviolet radiation. The advantages of acrylic also include the least, in comparison with the gel, harmful effects on the nails, in particular, when removing this coating. In addition, this material is elastic, which means that the result will be more natural.
Precautions
It should be remembered that acrylic extensions can cause significant harm to allergy sufferers, people with fungal diseases, as well as people suffering from bronchial asthma. Not only is this substance a strong allergen, but it also has a rather pungent odor, so some masters work with it in masks.
If you still decide to build acrylic nails, then take care of access to fresh air in the room.
Required tools
Before you get down to business, you need to make sure that you have all the necessary materials in the arsenal. Here's what you need for acrylic extensions:
- liquid (liquid that helps acrylic harden);
- acid primer (bonds nail and artificial turf)
- acrylic powder;
- special solvent (used when washing brushes, as well as when removing the coating);
- nail degreaser;
- brushes (necessarily natural);
- tips or forms (which formcover);
- tip cutter (helps adjust length);
- glue.
You can purchase these materials separately, or you can buy a complete set for acrylic extensions.
Options for ways
Currently, this procedure can be done using tips (plastic nails) or molds (flexible plates). In order to apply the first method, you need your nails to be in perfect condition, namely, strong, solid. If your nails are wavy or too damaged, for example bitten, thinned, then it is better to choose the second method.
Using tips
If you opted for this method, then first you should choose the tips that suit you. Ideally, they should completely repeat the shape of your nails. Now you should prepare the nails for building. You need to cut off the glossy layer, cut off the excess length and completely get rid of the cuticle. Notice also the pterygium (the thin layer of cuticle located on the nail). It should also be removed. Then prepare molds for liquid and solvent. Add enough of these substances to them so that you do not have to be distracted later.
Now let's start gluing the tips. To do this, we use a special glue. It is applied both on the tips itself and on the nail. It must be glued in such a way that air does not remain between the two surfaces. Now you should give the necessary shape and length to the tips,using special scissors, as well as a nail file. Then you need to align the artificial nail with the natural one at the place of gluing. The plate must be coated with a primer (it dries for about 3 minutes).
Now acrylic is used. Building is impossible without proper preparation of this material. So, first you need to lightly dip the brush in liquid, and then lower it into acrylic powder. A small ball should form at the tip. Now acrylic should be applied to the nail and evenly distributed over the entire surface with patting movements.
Remember - more material should fall on the junction of your nail with an artificial one. Before proceeding to the last stage, sawing, it is necessary to wait for the acrylic to dry completely. Now that you've got rid of the excess material, you can start painting the nail.
Using Forms
If you opted for forms, then you can safely focus on the descriptions of the process of building up using tips. The only difference is that there is no need to glue an artificial nail. So, you will also need to get rid of the glossy layer of nails, eliminate the cuticle and pterygium, and degrease your hands. Now you need to put the form on your finger so that it seems to continue the length of the nail.
Next, treat the surface with a special primer, prepare acrylic, apply it evenly. Then you need to wait for the complete drying of the substance. Only then can you delete the form and proceed tosawing off excess material. It is believed that this method is more time-consuming, so acrylic extensions for beginners are best done using tips.
Nail Care
To maintain a beautiful appearance of nails, you need to slightly adjust them. The necessary measures for the care of acrylic nails include processing the cuticle, as well as cutting off excess length. It is recommended to do these procedures once every 2 weeks.
Removal of material
If you decide to get rid of acrylic on your nails, then first you need to remove the varnish and cut off the length. Now we proceed to the removal of the auxiliary substance. To do this, hold the nails in a special solution for 15-20 minutes. As a result of this exposure, the acrylic will become soft, and it can be easily removed with improvised means. Most often, orange tree sticks are used for this.
Care
If acrylic is used, the extension does not damage the nails. Harm is brought to them by processing before this process. Therefore, after removing the substance from the nails, it is necessary to take care of their he alth and good condition. Be sure to apply a special hardener or other care product to protect the nail from external influences, because in order to build up, the top layer was removed from it.
Do not injure your nails with acetone-containing products and varnishes. Glycerin, lemon oil, aloe, vitamin E, as well asburdock. You can make soothing baths with the addition of chamomile. There is no need to abuse such procedures, because as a result, natural nails can become very thin from constant filing. Give your nails time to take a break from their frequent exposure.
