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...
- Professional Manicurist - SOFYE Manicure Pedicure Set Kit contains 13 tools, including nail files, nail buffer, cuticle clipper, nail clipper, nail file, cuticle pusher and so on
- Premium Quality Materials - SOFYE Nail Files are made with top quality EVC+ Emery board materials. Designed with Semicircle Shape & Double Sides, these nice, sturdy & durable nail files will provide you a comfortable nail doing experience
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
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.
- NAIL PROTEIN BOND: Proprietary polymer bonds to the keratin structure for a stickier surface.
- NON ACIDIC ADHESION: Protects your nail from damage for better application.
- NATURAL NAIL BOND: A salon grade gel anchor, acrylic anchor, and polish anchor.
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
- 100% Brand new and high quality.
- Material:Glass;Size:1.25" x 1.2"
- Ideal for fine nail art work Suitable for professional use or home use A perfect tool for women who love make-up Can be used on natural nails, false nails, acrylic nails
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...
- Package includes: coming with 7pcs nail art liner brushes pen in total, each brush pen with 2 different ends, you can choose according to your different needs, sufficient quantity and patterns for you to dress up your nail and share with your friends
The best lint-free wipes that come in 325 pieces:
GBSTORE 325 Pcs Lint Free Nail Art Gel Polish Remover Cotton Pad Nail Wipe
- 100% Brand new and high quality.
- 325pcs Lint Free Nail Wipes in one paper box New & Improved Quality - Softer , Stronger and More Absorbent, clean, sanitary
- Nail Wipes Size: 2 x 2 inch/ 5 x 5 cm (Approx.)
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
- LIQUID MONOMER 4oz + CLEAR ACRYLIC POWDER 4oz
- Made in USA ! High end quality acrylic nail kit.
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...
- Package Included - 1 x 0.5 fl. oz.High glossy No Wipe Top Coat in a Well Packaged Box.
- Compatible - Suitable with ALL BRANDS Soak-off UV LED Gel Nail Polish. Can Be Used on All Holographic Unicorn Mermaid Aurora Chameleon Chrome nail dip powder.
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!
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