How to Apply Acrylic Nails

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

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

2. Trim and file the nails.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

Tips & Warnings

• Do not perform this service unless you are in training or licensed to do so.

Who Can Help:

• Are you tired of cakey makeup? Try RawMinerals Free.

[monique36]

on 6/8/2009 im doing everything im supposed to but my acrylic nails only last a few days what am i doing wrong?