How Do I Extend My Nails With Acrylics?

Have you purchased an acrylic nail kit of a good quality?

Did you get your nails clean from any old nail polish?

Have you trimmed your nails to a short/manageable length?

Did you buff the surface of your nails using a nail file?

After filing your nails, did you push back the cuticles of your nails?

Did you us a nail primer to clean the nails thoroughly?

After using the primer, did you apply the tips of the appropriate size to your nails?

After putting the acrylic glue and the powder on a brush, did you apply it evenly on all the nail tips?

After letting the acrylic dry, did you shape the tip using a filer?

If this is your first time doing your own acrylic nails, you may want to start with a kit. Kits contain everything you need to get started and come with detailed instructions to help you achieve the look you want. Make sure you read the ingredients so the monomer does NOT contain MMA. MMA is a dental acrylic and is too hard for the natural nail.

Trim your nails. To provide a good base for the acrylic, use a nail scissors or nail clippers to trim your natural nails to a short, even, manageable length. A few millimeters is good to have so you can glue the tips at the end where your natural smile line is. Use a nail file to even them out.

Use a soft nail file to make the surface of your nails slightly rougher and less shiny. This provides a better surface for the acrylic to stick to.

You want the acrylic to be adhered to your natural nails, not your skin. Push back your cuticles or trim them to keep them out of the way while you give yourself a manicure.

Use the nail primer. This removes the remaining moisture and oils from your nails to get them ready for the acrylic. This step is one of the most important for best adhesion. If oil remains on your nails, the acrylic won't stick.

Find the right size tips for your nail. If the tip doesn't fit your nail perfectly, file it down to size. A little too small can often looks better than a little too big. Place a dab of glue on the tip from side to side and apply it to your natural nail so that the bottom edge of the acrylic tip is centered halfway down the surface of your nail. Hold it in place for five seconds to allow the glue to dry.

Flatten the acrylic ball over the line and brush it down to the tip. Spread it quickly and smoothly so that the transition between your natural nail and the acrylic tip is smooth. Take a second ball of acrylic and place it near your cuticle, but not too close. With small circular movements, try to get the acrylic closer to the cuticle, without touching it, and then brush the acrylic down to make a smooth transition.

Now that the acrylic has set, use a coarse nail file to shape the tips and file them to the length you want. Use a buffer to buff the surface of the nails, and finish with an 1000 grit nail file for an extra shine.

After following these steps, you may apply any style of design you want on your nails using nail polish or something else. Be sure to maintain your nails after every two weeks of either re-applying the acrylic or removing it.