How to Shape Acrylic Nails

Shaping acrylic nails isn't that much different from shaping your own nails. A few extra steps are required since you're dealing with acrylic instead of natural nails, but the same basic principles apply. With a little practice you will be able to sharpen acrylic nails with ease and quickly too, whether you're applying the acrylic to your own nails or a client's.

Instructions

1. Make sure the acrylic on the nails is completely dry, then wash your hands thoroughly to remove any excess acrylic or oils before you shape and sharpen the nails.

2. Push in the cuticles and the sides of the fingers to better expose the acrylic. You don't want to file your fingers or your client's fingers as you sharpen and file down the acrylic nails.

3. Take a finger and file at an angle to prevent you from rubbing against your client's skin. Keep any contact to a light brushing.

4. File the sides close to the cuticles using a medium sized nail file. You want to make sure the edges of the nails aren't too sharp so you or your client don't scratch yourself or others.

5. Shape the nails to the desired shape you'd like or sharpen as requested by your client. For a square shape use the file straight across the tip of the nail. For a more round shape file the nail in a curving motion.

6. Wash your hands or have your client wash her hands to rinse off any acrylic dust that may have come off during the filing process.