Acrylic powder for nails: how to use acrylic powder, extensions

Nails with a long-lasting coating look sexy and attractive. This format allows you not to think about nail polish and daily procedures to get this part of the body in order. Any interested girl can master acrylic nail extensions. This does not require expensive tools or a UV lamp for drying. The main thing is to know how to use acrylic nail powder. It is noteworthy that this substance can surprise creative girls, since with its help you can create an unusual design in the form of three-dimensional patterns.

Acrylic powder allows you to build stunning nails at home

Nail care

Before applying any long-term coating, you should take care of your nails. Wellness care at home includes:

Hygiene procedures to keep skin and nail plates clean.
The use of creams that have a positive effect on the dermis and nail layer.
Using cuticle oil. It moisturizes the cuticle and skin framing the nail, prolonging the life of the manicure.
Weekly baths with sea salt, lemon juice, herbal decoctions.

The beauty salon also has a lot of procedures to take care of an important part of the body. Among the popular ones:

paraffin therapy;
Brazilian manicure;
wrap;
massage that increases blood circulation;
professional masks, etc.

Manufacturers

The most popular manufacturers of acrylic powders for nails in Russia are the companies RUNAIL, CND and ENTITY. ENTITY specializes in selling powder in sets, the purchase of which is ultimately cheaper than purchasing RUNAIL products individually. The cost fluctuates around 300-500 rubles per jar. CND sells its products not only at retail, but also wholesale. In the catalogs of this company you can find jars with a capacity of both 100 and 900 ml.

Despite the fact that ordinary water can be used as a fixing liquid, special monomers for acrylics are sold that provide better adhesion of the solution to the nail. The main producers of monomers are CND and RUNAIL. 50 ml of such a solution can cost from 300 to 1000 rubles. Such liquids belong to the category of professional products, so if you are going to do a manicure at home, do not rush to buy expensive consumables - first try performing the procedure using plain water.

About acrylic powder

Acrylic nail powder is a powder made of tiny crystals. Acrylic is not a natural product. It is made from polymer compounds, that is, plastic. Previously, this substance was used for dental purposes. Then it became widespread in the manicure industry.

Strengthening nails with acrylic powder

Acrylic nail powder how to use? Using acrylic is quite simple. The main thing is to have on hand the powder itself and a special liquid monomer (another name is liquid). Acrylic is a polymer; to make it work, that is, turn it into a plastic material, you need a monomer. When these substances are combined, a viscous, delicate mass is obtained, which is convenient for nail extensions. The resulting composition dries quickly when exposed to air, so you need to work with it quickly.

Note! Acrylic is characterized by increased wear resistance. It is stronger than gel coating. You can walk with it without correction for up to 4-5 weeks. Materials for this type of extension are cheaper than for working with gel polish.

There are quite a few varieties of acrylic powder.

For a novice craftswoman, ordinary transparent polymer will be enough. There are also the following types of acrylic:

Camouflage natural powder. It resembles the normal color of the nail plate. That's why it looks like a natural coating. Its camouflaging properties lie in the fact that, due to its dense composition, it hides nail imperfections (for example, a yellow tint, inclusions, etc.)
Pink and white types. These colors are basic. They are ideal for creating a French jacket.
Multi-colored and with sparkles. This option is often used by nail art specialists who create unusual designs and voluminous compositions on the nails.
Neon. These powders are new. A manicure using such a polymer looks “screaming”, since all the colors are very saturated, pungent, and bright. Neon acrylic is also used for design ideas.

Acrylic powder is a synthetic powder

Reviews

“You don’t like acrylic? You just don’t know how to work with him!” – this is exactly the review left by a girl under the nickname swollow about acrylic powder from the TNL brand. With the help of acrylic, she managed to create both classic ornaments and designs using the “velvet sand” technique on her nails, a design made for knitting and “Chanel”.

Other girls advise not to spend money on expensive powders, overpaying “for the brand.” A 30-gram jar of Buyincoins powder in the popular online store Aliexpress costs only a dollar, but the final effect is not much different from more expensive analogues.

Acrylic nail extensions

In order to carry out proper extensions at home, you will need tools and preparations:

acrylic Powder;
monomer;
degreaser - an alcohol-based product for removing excess dirt from the nail plate;
acid primer is a necessary product to ensure the best adhesion of the artificial turf to the natural plate;
extension brushes;
glasses for powder and liquid;
lint-free wipes to clean the brush during the process;
several files (abrasiveness 90-150 grit);
paper forms or tips (depending on the extension method);
adhesive composition (if the extension method with tips is chosen);
manicure set.

Step-by-step instructions

Ballerina nail shape

Regardless of which extension method is chosen: with tips or shapes, the first priority is to perform a regular manicure. Only on treated nails will the artificial coating look impressive.

Important! It is better to refuse a wet manicure and choose a dry one. This way your nails will respond better to acrylic.

Method with tips

To do this, you need to select tips for all nails in size.
Nails are treated with a degreaser, followed by a primer.
The tips are cut to the required length and glued to the nail plates with an adhesive solution. After a minute, you can start working with the resulting blanks.

First, tips are glued to the nails. They can be either transparent or multi-colored, white

5-10 ml of monomer liquid is poured into one glass.
In the other, pour 1 g of acrylic nail powder.
The brush is lowered into the monomer, then into the powdery product. The powder immediately turns into a viscous mass, which is located at the tip of the brush.
It is impossible to dilute the powder by filling it with monomer. This composition dries out too quickly. It is best to mix the powder with liquid at the tip of the brush to immediately apply to the nail.
The mass is placed on the nail with the tip. The composition must be applied as evenly as possible. The largest amount of product is laid out in the zone of transition of the tip to the natural nail.
The smoother the liquid mass is applied, the less it will have to be cut off.

Tips and nails are coated with a mixture of acrylic and monomer

After all the nails with tips are covered with acrylic, it is necessary to perform alignment. It is done using a hard file.
A file is used to file away everything unnecessary to give the nail the most natural appearance. The ideal thickness of the extended nail is equal to the thickness of a credit card.
Next, clear or colored varnish is applied to the finished artificial nails. In salons, the final coating is gel polish, which needs to be dried in a lamp. At home, it is quite possible to apply regular varnish. It will last much longer on extended nails than on regular nails.

After extension, the acrylic coating is leveled with a file with an abrasiveness of 90-150 grit

Instructions for working with forms

The process begins in exactly the same way as when working with tips. First, the nails are degreased, then a primer is applied.
Instead of tips, paper forms are attached to the nails. They are attached under the nail plate and wrapped around the finger. This way the shape lengthens the nail. An acrylic coating will be applied to it.
The acrylic mixture is prepared in exactly the same way as in the first case - with a brush.
The first viscous ball is placed at the junction of the nail and the form. Then it is thoroughly smeared. Then, using a mold, an artificial extension of the nail plate is formed. This way you can grow your nails to any length and shape.
The acrylic substance should be applied to the nail until the plate takes on its natural shape.
After all the nails are ready, they are filed, achieving a natural effect.

The form is placed under the nail plate and acts as an extension of the nail. Using the device, you can model nails of any length and shape.

Other options for working with powder

Strengthening with base and powder

One of the simplest options for working with acrylic powder is strengthening your nails. For this, a base for gel polish is used. You will also need a UV lamp for drying.

Strengthening is carried out after a dry manicure. A degreaser is applied to the nail plate, then a primer. Next you need to use the base. It is better to take rubber - it is the densest. The base covers all nails like regular polish. After this, each nail is placed in a jar of acrylic powder. Using a pusher, sprinkle acrylic on each nail. Particular attention is paid to the side areas, as they are most susceptible to chipping. Next, the marigolds are placed under the lamp for 30-60 seconds. The fortification is ready. Now you can apply gel polish or use regular polish.

Pink and translucent powder

Pink acrylic powder looks impressive on nails. This is due to the fact that pastel powdery shades are now in fashion. In addition, without gloss, the artificial pink acrylic coating will look like matte varnish. Matte nails are also in trend now.

Transparent acrylic is considered universal. It is used both for building and strengthening. It is transparent acrylic that can be used to cover nails as protection against fragility and adverse external factors.

Additional Information. The cost of pink acrylic is no different from colorless acrylic. The price depends on the manufacturer and starts from 200 rubles. Nail technicians recommend not saving money and buying polymer (30 grams) for 500-700 rubles.

Acrylic patterns

Using acrylic powder you can create real works of art on your nails. But first it is recommended to practice on tips. The most basic pattern is a flower. It is created from several drops of acrylic mass, which are placed next to each other around the circumference. Patterned elements are considered a popular design. The pattern in this case turns out to be convex-relief.

Volumetric acrylic flowers

The relief pattern looks unusual

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of acrylic powder are:

It can eliminate cracks in nails caused by impacts, softening of the nail, etc.
Acrylic powder is used to level the nail plate. This is especially useful for those whose nails are damaged from non-mechanical removal of gel polish.
Using powder you can give your nails a beautiful and voluminous pattern and design.
It increases the duration of manicure wear.
Nails extended with powder look like natural ones and are actually even stronger.
When applied, nails become stronger and healthier.
It doesn't take much time to apply.
The powder is quite economical and lasts a long time.
Nails do not deteriorate or break under powder coating.

Acrylic powder also has disadvantages:

It has a rather pungent odor.
If you buy low-quality powder, you can get an allergic reaction in the form of skin rashes.
If the nail has not been degreased with a special solution, when applying powder to the non-degreased nail, fungus can be introduced.
If you apply the powder incorrectly to the nail plate, you can damage the nail.

Important! Avoid getting acrylic powder on the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, mouth and under the nails, as it can cause irritation. If you get on these areas of the body, you should rinse them with warm water and it is advisable to consult a doctor. Also, low-quality material may have fumes that make you feel worse.

Repair powder

Acrylic nail extensions at home for beginners step by step

You can use acrylic powder to repair a broken or cracked nail. The important condition here is that the nail does not fall off completely. In this case, the broken area is degreased, a primer is applied to it, followed by a small lump of acrylic soaked in monomer. The mixture should be carefully applied to the scrap, completely covering the dangerous area. After a minute, you can file the improvised patch, leveling it.

If your nails are thin, then you can glue a small piece of a special lint-free pad under the acrylic. The gasket can be replaced with a tiny piece cut from a dry tea bag. The patch is glued on with glue for tips. Next, an acrylic coating is applied to it.

If the nail has completely broken off, then acrylic will come to the rescue again. In this case, the affected nail is simply extended using a form or tip.

Useful tips

Some readers are interested in: is it possible to damage your nails while wearing them? Answer: you can! And the master has absolutely nothing to do with it. Life in a metropolis involves an active lifestyle. In a hurry, you can forget about how fragile our nails really are. Do you have a crack at the tip of your nail plate? “It’s okay, you can wait until you get home!” - the naive girl will say. But by the evening the crack will spread, albeit imperceptibly, but damaging the main part of the nail. It is in this place that the nail will most likely peel off after removing the gel polish.
Acrylic powder, of course, strengthens the nail, but this is not due to nutrients, but due to fixation. The main “strengthening” effect of the powder is on the varnish. Don't forget that your nails are in dire need of protection. Use nutritious varnishes, increase the amount of calcium-containing foods in your diet (for example, cottage cheese). If the latter fails, use special vitamins.
Beautiful nails are an integral part of the image of both a business woman and a housewife. If you do laundry and cleaning 24/7, don’t rush to give a damn about your appearance! Nails don't have to be long to be beautiful. Using acrylic powder or a French manicure, you can create the effect of a long white part of the nail, while the nail plate itself is short. If you use gloves around the house, your manicure will retain its brightness and attractiveness for quite a long time, which is rare for housewives.
Don't get dehydrated! Remember the need for both drinking plenty of water (2 liters of water per day is extremely beneficial for the skin) and moisturizing hand creams. The beauty of your nails directly depends on the health of the skin around them.
To improve blood supply to the nail plate, regularly perform a gentle massage.
If you are not limited to nourishing varnish, but are doing a full manicure, try not to do parts. Once every 2 weeks is enough, and only if you take good care of your hands. Otherwise, your nails may become damaged, just like your hair if you paint it too often.
For healthy nails, you need to consume not only calcium, but a whole complex of vitamins and microelements:

iodine, as well as vitamins A and B, contribute to the strengthening and growth of the nail plate (found in cabbage, liver, brewer's yeast, butter, tomatoes, spinach, carrots, seaweed);
silicon and iron affect the structure and shape of nails, their hardness and elasticity (found in vegetables and red meat);
sulfur stops inflammatory processes and promotes nail regeneration (found in cabbage and onions).

All the secrets of acrylic powder was last modified: May 8, 2016 by Gulya

How to remove acrylic coating

One of the most important parts of nail care is removing artificial coatings. This is done with the help of special removers that dissolve acrylic.

Each nail is wrapped in a napkin or pressed cotton wool product, generously moistened with remover. For fixation, a foil cap is placed on the nail, wrapped in a napkin. It will fix the bandage and prevent the product from evaporating.

After 10-20 minutes of this compress, the bandages can be gradually removed. After interacting with the remover, acrylic becomes like jelly. Now it can be easily removed using a pusher.

Important! Do not remove bandages from all nails at the same time. When exposed to air, the acrylic will begin to harden again. It is better to work with each nail separately.

Removing acrylic nail extensions

How to apply mirror powder

Mirror powder gives a special reflective manicure style. It appeared relatively recently and is sold in the same jars as standard acrylic powder.

It is sold in a variety of colors from light gold to chameleon colors, which can shimmer depending on the viewing angle. In many salons, a mirror manicure will cost more than a standard manicure, since the procedure takes longer than applying regular gel polish.

Mirror powder is a pigmented powder with a reflective and iridescent effect. It consists of crushed aluminum and rubs perfectly into the adhesive surface.

It is better to apply it on base polish or gel polish. The procedure is similar to applying regular acrylic powder, but the last layer of gel polish is used only as a colored background. Afterwards, you need to apply the mirror powder using a special sponge or with a fingertip and cover with finishing varnish.

Mirror powder is used as a rub; excess powder can be carefully removed and shaken into a jar, and later reused.

The most important thing is to apply a finishing coat to the rub, otherwise it will fall off (even if it dries).

Tips from nail technicians

Before the process, you should thoroughly wash your hands with antibacterial gel or soap.
It will be easier for beginning craftswomen to work with tips rather than with forms.
Professionals recommend that girls who are planning to do their own nail extensions using acrylics should purchase only high-quality materials, preferably from the same company. Otherwise, even with the right technology, the results may be disappointing.
One of the disadvantages of the material is its pungent odor. Therefore, extensions should be done in a well-ventilated room. If possible, you can carry out the transformation in the open-air garden.
In addition to the pungent odor of the polymerized substance, another problem is dust from leveling the plate with a file. To protect yourself, you should use a medical mask.
Do not use the substance if there is a fungal disease on the nails or if there are injuries.

Acrylic nail powder is considered a useful invention that helps tidy up your nails at home. The advantage of the procedure is that the acrylic coating lasts for a long time. After working magic on your hands for 1-2 hours, you can free yourself from any actions with your nails for several weeks.

Contraindications and restrictions

Before moving directly to the extension technique, you need to know in which cases you should abandon it.

In case of any fungal disease or even suspicion of it. The greenhouse effect that occurs between the natural nail and the extended one will aggravate the disease. It won’t be long before you completely give up your dream of beautiful nails.
Those with diabetes and hormonal disorders should not take risks.
In case of intestinal diseases and acute stages of herpes, you should also refrain from the procedure.
In addition, it is better to avoid extensions while taking antibiotics, a course of chemotherapy, and postpone until PMS stops.

Further nail care

Nail plates do not require special care after manipulation due to the strength of the composition.

To preserve your manicure for a long time, follow these rules:

High humidity is the reason for artificial nails to peel off. Hand washing is accompanied by diligent drying with a towel, especially the nail plates.
When handling household chemicals, use gloves.
To give acrylic nails a natural gloss, they are coated with colorless varnish.
Use preparations to remove varnish without adding acetone.
Sometimes an allergy to a synthetic material – acrylic – manifests itself. In case of peeling, redness, itching of the epidermis of the hands, urgently visit a specialist and remove the acrylic coating.
To maintain the flexibility of the nail, resort to oil baths daily.

Oil baths - healthy nails

A balanced diet and quality sleep are important for healthy nails.

If you want to grow your nails, they prefer acrylic. The material is responsible for the strength, beauty and durability of the manicure. A beginner can handle the job. To get an impeccable manicure, the main thing is to follow the sequence of actions and accuracy.

How to make acrylic nails correctly

Artificial materials simulate the shape and size of natural nails. The choice of modeling (acrylic or gel) depends on the user’s experience, preferences and starting capabilities.

The creation of artificial nail plates from acrylic is performed on tips or forms, upper/lower.

Tips are plastic nails, forms are flexible plates. The first method requires the ideal condition of the nail plates: their strength and integrity. For bitten, thinned nails, it is better to stick to the second method.

Preparation

When planning acrylic nails, the extension technology requires a certain pattern.

Nails are prepared in advance for the procedure. Manipulations are carried out:

Remove cuticle.
The nail surface is polished with a file to adhere to acrylic and avoid peeling. Removes the shine of the nail, leaving a matte surface.
Brush off the dust with a brush.
Disinfect the plates.
Primer is applied.

Make the transition to acrylic extensions. Choose a modeling method: on tips or forms.

Nail extension with acrylic on tips

The simplicity of acrylic extensions on tips for one-time use. It requires the correct selection of the dimensions of the template shape, attachment to the nail and fixation with acrylic.

If you work with tips, a step-by-step guide will be useful:

Select the dimensions of the tips. When necessary, file the edges.
Placing the overlays in the sequence for gluing will allow you to work comfortably.
Trim the length of the nail to 0.5 mm and file the edge.
It is preferable to remove the cuticle with cutters.
A trim manicure is done several days before the planned extension.
Nails are treated before manipulation, according to the preparation plan.
Apply glue from the set with tips to the edge of your nail and the template at the fastening area.
The form is placed at a slight angle and secured for 15 seconds. There should be no bends, gaps, backlashes or bubbles in the fixed part.
Shorten the excess length with a tip cutter. Use a file to shape the edge of the nozzle and remove the thickness of the tips. This will give acrylic nails a neat look. They are freed from the thickness at the joint, the bulges on the side of the rollers.
The top of the cover is sanded.
Dip the brush into the liquid, squeeze out half of the monomer from one side, and pick up an acrylic ball with the other side.
Place 3 balls: the largest one is in the middle, on the stress area, the second small one is in the growth zone, the third small one is applied to the free edge of the nail. Smooth out from the center to the edges using rubbing movements.
When the brush grabs the material, it doesn’t hurt to wet it in a liquid liquid.
Upon completion of the manipulation, the result is examined from the side, resembling a crescent in shape, with the most convex part in the stress zone in the center of the nail.
The manipulations are repeated for the remaining nails.
Then the shape and thickness are filed.
They are freed from excess thickness of the side ridges, at the tips and along the length.
Polish the length.
Apply a base and colored varnish and decorate.

Acrylic extension technology on tips

Acrylic nail extensions on top forms

When performing acrylic extensions on the upper forms, follow the step-by-step instructions:

Hands and tools are treated with disinfectant.
Hands are prepared in the same way for the procedure as for tips.
The nail plates are degreased.
Forms are selected.
Place 2-3 acrylic balls inside the mold with a brush.
Press down onto the prepared nail and remove excess material.
Hold for 7 seconds. Use a brush to shape the nail from the inside.
Removal of the mold is carried out after polymerization of the acrylic.
The free edge is processed with a nail file.
The nail surface is polished with a buff until shiny.
Lubricate the cuticle with oil.

Acrylic nails on top forms

Acrylic nail extensions are a painstaking and time-consuming procedure. Following the instructions and using high-quality materials and tools creates the conditions for a long-lasting manicure. It is up to the woman to decide which option for acrylic nail extensions to choose.

Positive and negative sides of extensions

Positive sides

Many girls doubt and think about how to extend their nails, because they can be done with acrylic or gel. Let's look at the positive aspects of acrylic coating:

There is no need to paint your nails all the time.
Acrylic holds tightly even when applied in a thin layer, making it look more natural.
Removing the acrylic coating is quite easy and the nail remains intact and unharmed. A special liquid dissolves the composition.
All cracks and irregularities are quickly eliminated without the need to replace them.
You can apply any pattern or design to acrylic nails.
Acrylic extensions are also done on the legs. As a result, much less money is spent on manicures and pedicures, since there is no need to do them too often.
Such material gives scope for fantasy and imagination. To carry out acrylic extensions, you should look at photos of various drawings, and you can implement one of them.

Undesirable consequences of extension

If cheap materials are used for acrylic extensions, then the nails will have an unpleasant odor.
After some time, the acrylic still comes off. The gel in this case is more durable.
Some components cause allergies.
Too much housework can cause the nail plate to become dull, which will force you to use additional glitter polishes.

Contraindications:

Damage to the nail plate,
fungus,
intense sweating,
treatment with hormonal pills,
bronchial asthma.

Types of acrylic material for strengthening nails and manicure

There are several types of acrylic powder, each of which has its own application in manicure and nail care. The main types of this material:

Universal transparent powder. This powder has a wide range of uses, but is mainly used to strengthen the nail plate, as well as to build up (lengthen) natural nails. If we consider the function of transparent acrylic powder in decorative manicure, then it is excellent for performing the French technique. You can add a variety of pigments to the transparent mass, giving it the desired shade, varying the color saturation. Additives such as glitter, rhinestones and other decorative elements can also be used. The finish of transparent powder can be either glossy or matte.
Camouflage acrylic powder, usually in a flesh-colored, close to natural shade. It is used mainly to hide aesthetic defects, irregularities, and damage to the structure of the nail plates. This material is slightly denser than transparent powder. But it is distinguished by excellent plasticity, pliability, and flexibility. This allows you to effectively strengthen the weakest nail plates.
Colored product - used to strengthen nails and at the same time for design and decoration.
Neon powder - used for decorative holiday nail coating.
Preparation for finishing coating. This material is used to give a manicure a finished look, achieve the desired aesthetic effect, and give the coating shine and gloss. This powder models well, is easy and pleasant to work with, and can be easily processed with professional tools.