Acrylic Nail Sets – A Complete Beginner’s Guide by Kara

Do You Love Acrylic Nails? Here’s How To Master Them Quickly!

In this post, I’ll give you all you need to know about acrylic nail sets and acrylic toenails from start to finish. The most important thing to remember is that practice makes perfect: Nobody will expect you to master it from the get go, and being a little messy is okay!

Once you get comfortable in acrylic nails, you’ll fall in love with them even more. You can then start sharing your new skill with your clients or friends. The best part is that acrylic nails allow you to create any nail shapes and designs that you want.

So let’s get started.

What do I need to buy?

You might have guessed it but you’ll require a lot of accessories for acrylic nails. Once you’ve got all the essentials, you’ll only need to top up on them every now and then. You will need in acrylics for beginners: A Manicure Set (scissors, file, buffer, cuticle pick, cuticle oil, nail polish remover, cotton pads)

Top Products For the Best Acrylic Nails

1. Professional Manicure Pedicure Set By SOFYE

I recommend this professional manicure and pedicure set to get you started.

SOFYE Nail Files Set Professional Manicure Pedicure Set Nail Buffers Nail Files Double Sided Emery Board Grooming Kit Salon manicure kit Washable Effectively 13 in 1

SOFYE Nail Files Set Professional Manicure Pedicure Set Nail Buffers Nail Files Double Sided Emery Board Grooming Kit Salon manicure...

Free shipping
Last update was on: June 13, 2020 1:36 pm
in stock
$21.99 $24.98

 

2. Nail Dehydrator/Prep By Cheri

I love this natural nail dehydrator and bonding primer by Cheri.

CHERI - Natural Nail Prep Dehydrator & Bonding Primer 0.5 oz

Last update was on: April 6, 2020 12:08 am
out of stock

 

3. Nail Primer (Acetone Free) By Young Nails

If you don’t some already, I highly recommend this protein rich superior bonding primer.

Young Nails Nail Protein Bond, Superior Bonding Primer for Acrylic and Gel, 0.25 oz.

Free shipping
Last update was on: April 5, 2020 6:05 pm
in stock

 

4. Dappen dish From Omwon

My go to are this cheap and functional dappen dish set for acrylic nails.

Onwon 2 Nail Art Acrylic Liquid Powder Dappen Dish Glass Crystal Cup Glassware Tools

Free shipping
Last update was on: April 5, 2020 7:06 pm
in stock

 

5. Beautifultracy 7 Piece Acrylic Nail Art Brush Set

This amazing, 7 piece acrylic brush set by Beautifultracy will set you up for success:

Beautifultracy 7 Pieces Nail Art Liner Brushes Dual-ended Painting Nail Design Brush Pen UV Gel Painting Acrylic Nail Design Nylon Brush Pen Set Nail Art Point Drawing Brush Pen

Beautifultracy 7 Pieces Nail Art Liner Brushes Dual-ended Painting Nail Design Brush Pen UV Gel Painting Acrylic Nail Design Nylon...

Free shipping
Last update was on: June 13, 2020 1:36 pm
in stock
$9.99 $11.99

 

6. Lint-free Wipes By Onwon

The best  lint-free wipes that come in 325 pieces:

GBSTORE 325 Pcs Lint Free Nail Art Gel Polish Remover Cotton Pad Nail Wipe

Free shipping
Last update was on: April 6, 2020 12:08 am
in stock

 

7. Acrylic Powder & Liquid Monomer By MiaSecret

I often go for a great 2-in-1 deal, like with this professional grade clear acrylic nail powder and liquid monomer set by MiaSecret:

 

MIA SECRET PROFESSIONAL LIQUID MONOMER 4 oz + CLEAR ACRYLIC POWDER 4 oz NAIL SYSTEM

Last update was on: April 6, 2020 2:08 am
out of stock

 

8. Acrylic Top Coat By Pretty Diva

Who could forget the top coat? My favorite is this fantastic mirror shine acrylic top coat by PrettyDiva:

PrettyDiva No Wipe Top Coat - 0.5 Ounce UV Led Cured Required High Gloss Soak Off Gel Nail Polish Top...

Free shipping
Last update was on: April 6, 2020 6:10 am
in stock

Optional:

  • A pinching tool
  • Nail art (glitter, rhinestones)
  • Nail glue

 

A Quick Guide To The Process

The basis of beautiful, shiny acrylic nails is a good manicure. This step is easily rushed over but it makes all the difference. Also, taking the time to pamper yourself always feels luxurious!

  • Trim, file and shape your nails; remove any old nail polish (important!); push down your cuticles; and nourish your nails.
  • When your nails are clean and dry, start by applying the nail prep/dehydrating treatment.
  • Follow up with a layer of the nail primer.
  • Pour your acrylic liquid into the dish. Dip your acrylic brush in the liquid. Try to avoid bubbles, but if they do form, simply press your brush to the bottom of the dish and start again. Use the edges of the dish to drop any excess liquid.
  • Move your brush to the acrylic powder, dip it in and do a few strokes until a ‘ball’ shape of acrylic starts to form on your brush. At this stage you’ll more than likely have excess liquid, so wipe this off using the lint free wipes.
  • Place your brush on the top of your nail (close to the cuticle), then add pressure so the acrylic covers the whole nail. Dip your brush in the acrylic liquid in between, to make spreading it evenly easier. You can repeat the steps if necessary!
  • The acrylic is dry when you tap it and you hear it make a “ping” sound. Once this happens, you can use your pinching tool and nail file to shape your nails to the desired length.
  • Finally add your top coat to seal your acrylic.

Note: There is no need to use a nail lamp on acrylic nails, but you may do so if you want. This can help the acrylic set quicker. To find the best nail lamps for sale, click here.

While the process of doing your own acrylics may sound intimidating, after doing it yourself a few times, it’ll become second nature. You can also style your new acrylic nails any way you like, including applying nail decorations and stickers or by using your own nail polish. Most importantly, have fun!


You may also be interested in:

Load More (35)

We Heart Nails