Acrylic nails are a fun and stylish way to express yourself. However, you must keep up with them to ensure the best experience. You should get a fill-in every two or three weeks and a new set at around the three to the six-month mark, depending on your upkeep.
Acrylic fill-in appointments are used to fill in the growth of your natural nail under the acrylic one. After two weeks, you will begin to see the growth of your nail at the cuticle bed. After about six to twelve fill-ins, you should go in for a soak-off and get a new full-set on. A full-set involves the entire process of applying acrylic nails.
Keep reading to learn more about why your acrylics need frequent upkeep, signs that you need a new set, types of appointments, and ways to keep your acrylics looking great and longer-lasting in between fill-ins and full-sets.
A Closer Look: Acrylic Nail Care
You should get a new set of acrylic news every three to six months to ensure nail quality and cleanliness. Keeping the same set on for too long, especially without fill-ins, can cause nail damage. It can cause breakage of the acrylic and possibly your natural nail underneath.
Signs You Need A New Full-Set
How long your sets will last depends on how well you take care of them. Here are a few signs that you may need to replace your current acrylic set:
- Your natural nail underneath is getting long.
- Your acrylics are starting to lift.
- Your polish is starting to chip and your shape is starting to wear off.
Types Of Appointments
A full set acrylic nail appointment is the process of applying a fake nail enhancement to your nail. The nail is a combination of a liquid, known as a monomer, and a powder, known as a polymer. The mixture produces a hard, inflexible nail.
In between full sets, you are going to need a fill-in. A fill-in appointment involves filling in the space of your natural nail that will appear during its growth after about two weeks. Before the fill, your nail technician should check for any sign of infection. During the fill, your nail technician will file off the remaining polish, remove the acrylic lifting, and cover your exposed nail bed.
If you are getting a full-set when you already have one on, you will first need to remove the original acrylic nails. During a soak-off appointment, your nail technician will soak your nail in acetone and gently drill them off. They should not be yanking or pulling your nail off.
We recommend that you get your nails professionally removed instead of trying to remove them yourself. If you would like to remove your nails yourself, soak them in pure acetone. Do not rip off the nails.
Tips To Maintain Your Acrylic Nail Set
Although you will need frequent fill-ins and occasional replacement full-sets to ensure healthy acrylic nails, there are a few things you can do to make them last longer and keep them looking gorgeous between appointments.
- Prep your natural nails before you get a full-set. Trim your nails to ensure the durability of the acrylics. Make sure that your nails are clean and free of infection.
- Choose a shape and length that is appropriate for your lifestyle. Certain nail styles may not be maintainable for different people. If you frequently use your hands opt for a shorter length and duller shape to avoid nail breakage.
- Do your research on nail technicians. Quality nail techs will ensure that your nails are clean and as long-lasting as possible. Getting a lower-quality set for a lower price will cost you in the long run. Make sure that their space is clean and that you like their work.
- Get regular fills. How often a fill is necessary varies from person to person, but the general rule of thumb is two to three weeks. If you wait too long to get your nails filled, it can damage both your acrylic and natural nails.
- Keep your nails clean, but be gentle on them. Acrylic nails can collect more bacteria than your natural nails, so it is important to clean them regularly and thoroughly to prevent infection. But still, remember to be careful with your nails so that you avoid breakage.
How Often Should You Get A New Set Of Acrylic Nails?
How often you will need fill-ins and full sets depends on how well you maintain them. You should replace your full sets about every three to six months. You should also frequently get fill-ins about every two to three weeks.
Proper care and appointments will keep your nails healthy and looking gorgeous. By following these tips, you’ll preserve your glam and allow your nails to remain flawless.
