How to Apply Acrylic Nails

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By eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (50 Ratings)

The application of acrylic nails is something best left to those with professional training, and you cannot actually sell your services in this manner unless you are licensed. If you want to understand the process either as part of your training or for your own general interest, read on to learn about the application of acrylic nails.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Files
Nail prep
Brushes
Monomer
Buffers
Primer
Powder
Varnish

Step 1

Wash your hands and have the client do the same. Give them hand sanitizer.
Step 2

Trim and file the nails.
Step 3

Use a soft file to remove the natural nail shine (the top layer of the nail) in the direction of nail growth.
Step 4

Gently push back the cuticle. You may want to have the client soak her nails first to make them more malleable.
Step 5

Prep the nail plate by applying nail prep to remove moisture and oils from the nail.
Step 6

Choose tips if you are doing a French manicure, and apply them with adhesive. Hold the tip in place for about 5 seconds.
Step 7

Clip the tip to the desired length and file it down into the correct form.
Step 8

Apply primer to the natural nail, and allow it to dry to a chalky white.
Step 9

Dip your brush in the monomer and swish. Flatten the brush on a paper towel to shape it and remove excess liquid. Draw a line through the powder with your brush to collect a bead.
Step 10

Starting in the center of the nail at the smile line, flatten the bead and brush to the tip. Flatten each side and brush to the tip.
Step 11

Repeat on all the nails, then dry. File down excess acrylic before painting.

Comments

babypinklipglos said

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on 10/22/2009 They are missing loads out.
Mainly point 10. You have to apply your acrylic mixture up to your cuticle also, in fact, you put the bead in the middle of the nail, work towards the cuticle leaving a hairline gap so you can get your file in, then work to the tip. That is how I was taught anyway.
Point 12 should be to file all around the where the acrlic sits on the natural nail "sealing it" in a way.
I just practised loads on my own nails and can do mine pretty well now too, beats paying someone else!