Results 1 to 19 of 19

Thread: what should I know about acrylics?

  1. #1
    God/dess Elvia's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2007
    Posts
    2,636
    Thanks
    495
    Thanked 744 Times in 433 Posts

    Default what should I know about acrylics?

    Hi there.

    I'm a complete noob when it comes to dealing with my nails. I never do anything with them. I just cut them short. They're so brittle and fragile, growing them out at all seems pointless since they inevitable start to break immediately. Lately I've been thinking it would be nice to have pretty nails.

    So, I know nothing about acrylics at all. I would definitely want to go with something pretty natural looking.

    How much do they cost? What's the upkeep like? What's the risk of fungal infections? Do they stay on pretty well, or do you have to be super careful with your hands?

    Thanks so much for any info.
    Quote Originally Posted by Vamp View Post
    As Katherine Hepburn put it so eloquently " Nature is what we were put here to rise above"

  2. #2
    God/dess Kylea2's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Denver & San Fran
    Posts
    6,907
    Thanks
    181
    Thanked 2,002 Times in 1,285 Posts

    Default Re: what should I know about acrylics?

    Cost will depend on the area you are in. Acrylics are the most harmful though for your nails. Basically silk are the best, followed by gels, then acrylics.
    Don't you ever sleep?
    Not at night...that's when the stars have rather better things to do. They're coming out, shining, that sort of thing.
    - Blog -
    My PM box fills up quick. If you have a question please with your username.
    Congrats to Pryce on doing some much needed tending in his garden!
    - -


  3. #3
    God/dess Elvia's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2007
    Posts
    2,636
    Thanks
    495
    Thanked 744 Times in 433 Posts

    Default Re: what should I know about acrylics?

    ^^^ how are they harmful?
    Quote Originally Posted by Vamp View Post
    As Katherine Hepburn put it so eloquently " Nature is what we were put here to rise above"

  4. #4
    Featured Member Christany's Avatar
    Joined
    Dec 2005
    Location
    oblivion
    Posts
    1,356
    Thanks
    307
    Thanked 337 Times in 241 Posts

    Default Re: what should I know about acrylics?

    Quote Originally Posted by Elvia View Post
    ^^^ how are they harmful?
    Pretty much when you go in for touch-ups, every now and then they have to give you a fresh new acrylic. When they do that, they rip the old ones off your nail, taking the top layer of nail (can't think of the proper name atm) with it. So when you finally do decide to stop getting them, they will look so bad and torn up for a long time.
    Quote Originally Posted by markx View Post
    I'd have to have a "4 simease twin strippers gave me head and then lite themselves on fire" story to blow anybody's mind here.

  5. #5
    Veteran Member Sia's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2009
    Posts
    481
    Thanks
    681
    Thanked 360 Times in 157 Posts

    Default Re: what should I know about acrylics?

    I love my acrylics. I had gels for a while, but I was constantly breaking them and going in for fixes way more than I should have had to.

    The cost probably varies depending on your location, but I pay approximately $40 a month.

  6. #6
    Veteran Member luckischalk's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2004
    Location
    Chicago, IL
    Posts
    603
    Thanks
    20
    Thanked 20 Times in 19 Posts

    Default Re: what should I know about acrylics?

    Like Sia says the price varies, I've generally paid $25-$65. The low end is at a low-end salon the upper end is at a high end spa.

  7. #7
    Featured Member *Jade*Love's Avatar
    Joined
    Dec 2008
    Posts
    839
    Thanks
    360
    Thanked 814 Times in 303 Posts

    Default Re: what should I know about acrylics?

    If you go to one of those cheap nail salons there really isn't much of a difference between gel and acrylic. My manicurist charges upwards of $50 for a full set and $30 for a fill but it is worth every penny.

    She never uses an automatic drill, unless she needs to shape the acrylic but it doesn't touch my natural nails. She uses acrylic and sculpts the tips herself (over time your nail will grow to the desired length and you'll no longer need a tip, this also helps with lifting) and most importantly, her nails never lift! Every time I go for a fill she soaks off any acrylic that might potentially lift and fills it back in. Then buffs and shines the nails so that they don't need a top coat.

    Do your research and go to a skilled nail tech that uses high quality products! My nails are minimally damaged because of how gentle my nail tech is, and I would never go to a random salon to get a full set of acrylics put on.

  8. #8
    Veteran Member chris91's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2008
    Posts
    705
    Thanks
    28
    Thanked 411 Times in 203 Posts

    Default Re: what should I know about acrylics?

    Broadway makes some pretty awesome glue on nails that you can get at the drugstore. I use them, and they stay on for a week or two. I think they look more natural than acrylics, and you can remove them really easily with acetone. Put some acetone and marbles in a glass bowl, swish your fingers around in the marbles, and they melt right off in a few minutes.
    - SW members get 10% off with code SWEB

  9. #9
    Moderator Jessie_tinydancer's Avatar
    Joined
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    4,149
    Thanks
    1,307
    Thanked 2,530 Times in 1,295 Posts
    My Mood
    Sick

    Default Re: what should I know about acrylics?

    I love my acrylic nails. I also go for a natural look. I keep them very short. My real nails are crappy so I much prefer strong acrylic ones. The key is using a quality salon and keeping them up. Mine will only start to lift if I leave them 4 weeks. My lady does use an automatic drill, but when she does an infill she grinds the acrylic so far down there is nearly none left. Then she fills. I've had them for 3 or 4 years and I've only ever broke a nail twice. She replaces them completely at least every 6 months, sooner if they start looking like they need it. How I know she is the bomb is a) she doesn't load more and more acrylic on top making them too think b) it never ever hurts when she does them (not even when she removes them completely). The first place I went to it hurt every time they did an infill! As for wrecking your real nails. I am convinced I could almost grow mine out completely. If I wanted to stop I would just get her to grind, buff and polish over for 2 months and my real nail would grown in. I haven't tried it but a few times I was being lazy and they nearly grew half out with little problem. I pay $50 for a full set, $40 for a french infill, $30 for plain infill and nail polish.

  10. #10
    Veteran Member Qi's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Wichita, KS
    Posts
    208
    Thanks
    64
    Thanked 67 Times in 24 Posts

    Default Re: what should I know about acrylics?

    Get solar nails. They are --> THE <-- best.

  11. The Following User Says Thank You to Qi For This Useful Post:


  12. #11
    God/dess Elvia's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2007
    Posts
    2,636
    Thanks
    495
    Thanked 744 Times in 433 Posts

    Default Re: what should I know about acrylics?

    Well, I went ahead and got solar nails. My mom picked me up today after getting her nails done, and when I took a look at them they were exactly what I wanted. She told me she's been getting them for years and never had a problem, then had her nail guy squeeze me in today. They look so natural. Hope all goes well, I'm a little afraid of fungal infections.
    Quote Originally Posted by Vamp View Post
    As Katherine Hepburn put it so eloquently " Nature is what we were put here to rise above"

  13. The Following User Says Thank You to Elvia For This Useful Post:

    Qi

  14. #12
    God/dess DesuvsDeath's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2008
    Posts
    4,016
    Thanks
    2,110
    Thanked 4,475 Times in 2,023 Posts
    My Mood
    Brooding

    Default Re: what should I know about acrylics?

    Quote Originally Posted by Elvia View Post
    Hope all goes well, I'm a little afraid of fungal infections.
    In close to a decade... I've only ever had one.
    I broke a nail and had to get it fixed on my way to work at a random salon.

    It was clear there was a problem withing 24 hours. I just had all my nails removed until the problem was taken care of. My nails are just fine now.
    Quote Originally Posted by camille27 View Post
    i am losing my fucking mind and i really just want this chloroform dream because i think that would just get me right with jesus.

  15. #13
    Featured Member GlitterBexie's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2009
    Location
    South Wales, UK
    Posts
    876
    Thanks
    180
    Thanked 453 Times in 206 Posts

    Default Re: what should I know about acrylics?

    Ive had acrylics for over a year and have never had a problem with my nails. Its all down to the nail technician and what kind of products they use, how they take care of your hands as a whole and not just the nails. Ive never had any kind of infection or problem with my nails and if i have the acrylics soaked off my nails are in great shape underneath!
    ''I love fake boobs''
    ''They're not fake! I grew them myself!''

  16. #14
    God/dess Elvia's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2007
    Posts
    2,636
    Thanks
    495
    Thanked 744 Times in 433 Posts

    Default Re: what should I know about acrylics?

    Well, I think I'm going to be addicted to having beautiful nails now, you guys. I suffered through crappy nails for a lifetime because I was afraid of fungal infections, and thought all fake nails had to be super fake looking. and now I can't stop looking my hands! I had the nails filed "super short," but it's funny that's what they called them because they're still longer than I've ever had them, and had the solar tips with "no white." They look like naturally perfect, long healthy nails.

    Desuvs, when you had to get your removed, how long did you have to go without them? That's still the thing that worries me the most. I remember years ago my mom tried to go back to natural nails and her nails looked soooo bad when she took them off. all torn up and bumpy and rough. She eventually gave up and went back to fakes. That was a long time ago though, don't know what kind of nails they were either.

    Thanks again to everyone for all the advice! You guys are the best.
    Quote Originally Posted by Vamp View Post
    As Katherine Hepburn put it so eloquently " Nature is what we were put here to rise above"

  17. #15
    God/dess DesuvsDeath's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2008
    Posts
    4,016
    Thanks
    2,110
    Thanked 4,475 Times in 2,023 Posts
    My Mood
    Brooding

    Default Re: what should I know about acrylics?

    Quote Originally Posted by Elvia View Post
    Desuvs, when you had to get your removed, how long did you have to go without them?
    The spot was near about the middle of my nail... it cleared up in 2-3 days... I could've gotten my nails redone after that. But opted not to.

    I sort of flop back and forth between real/fake. If you have a manicure done after getting your nails removed... your real nails should still look super nice.
    Quote Originally Posted by camille27 View Post
    i am losing my fucking mind and i really just want this chloroform dream because i think that would just get me right with jesus.

  18. #16
    Featured Member Laurisa's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Doesn't Matter
    Posts
    1,969
    Thanks
    649
    Thanked 1,823 Times in 587 Posts
    My Mood
    Confused

    Default Re: what should I know about acrylics?

    Fake nails of any kind will reek havoc on your real nails. You'll start to notice the damage after just a few months of using them regularly. If you want your nails to be stronger then I would recommend using a clear nail polish that promotes strength and growth. Sally Hansen is my preferred brand when it comes to this.

    http://www.sallyhansen.com/product.cfm?product=100
    If you are willing to do for one year what other's won't, you can spend a lifetime doing what other's cant.


  19. #17
    Featured Member
    Joined
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    1,688
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 26 Times in 19 Posts

    Default Re: what should I know about acrylics?

    my nails are a mess since i had min removed. they r thin and for some reason hurt...almost the feeling of having them smashed or something when i touch em..... and they r taking FOREVER to grow out now that i took my nails off....but they grew like weeds when i had the nails on. hmmm weird...... im never doin acrylics again though. never.

  20. #18
    Member
    Joined
    Jun 2009
    Posts
    40
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 12 Times in 8 Posts

    Default Re: what should I know about acrylics?

    I'm on a hiatus from dancing and working a 45-hour a week day job where I can't have fake nails anymore, and honestly, growing my natural nails back after acrylics feels soooo good. It took a good two months of careful moisturizing and "nail strengthener" stuff from the drugstore, but they are really healthy and strong now. Acrylics and solars are fun, but the upkeep is killer and they really do fuck up your natural nails.

  21. #19
    Moderator Jessie_tinydancer's Avatar
    Joined
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    4,149
    Thanks
    1,307
    Thanked 2,530 Times in 1,295 Posts
    My Mood
    Sick

    Default Re: what should I know about acrylics?

    Quote Originally Posted by Laurisa View Post
    Fake nails of any kind will reek havoc on your real nails. You'll start to notice the damage after just a few months of using them regularly. If you want your nails to be stronger then I would recommend using a clear nail polish that promotes strength and growth. Sally Hansen is my preferred brand when it comes to this.

    http://www.sallyhansen.com/product.cfm?product=100
    Quote Originally Posted by Xiomara View Post
    my nails are a mess since i had min removed. they r thin and for some reason hurt...almost the feeling of having them smashed or something when i touch em..... and they r taking FOREVER to grow out now that i took my nails off....but they grew like weeds when i had the nails on. hmmm weird...... im never doin acrylics again though. never.
    Quote Originally Posted by Miss L View Post
    I'm on a hiatus from dancing and working a 45-hour a week day job where I can't have fake nails anymore, and honestly, growing my natural nails back after acrylics feels soooo good. It took a good two months of careful moisturizing and "nail strengthener" stuff from the drugstore, but they are really healthy and strong now. Acrylics and solars are fun, but the upkeep is killer and they really do fuck up your natural nails.
    Whateva Girls! Fake nails foreva! Long live my fake nails! Although I am a lover of all things fake. Except designer knockoffs hehehe.

Similar Threads

  1. DIY Acrylics?
    By Callyish in forum Body Business
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 09-23-2012, 10:36 PM
  2. Tanning & Acrylics
    By NekkoStarz in forum Body Business
    Replies: 18
    Last Post: 05-07-2008, 10:13 AM
  3. I took my acrylics off...
    By veronicavale in forum Body Business
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 04-06-2008, 12:16 AM
  4. Acrylics glow-in-the-dark?
    By Dieguteteufelin in forum Body Business
    Replies: 17
    Last Post: 06-15-2007, 02:43 PM
  5. dirty acrylics?
    By minemind in forum Body Business
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 04-07-2007, 08:45 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •