Acrylic Nails: Everything You Need To Know Before Booking
If you've ever admired a gorgeous set of long, perfectly shaped nails and wondered how they're created, there's a good chance you've been looking at acrylics.
Acrylic nails have been a salon favourite for decades, and for good reason. They're strong, versatile, completely customisable and ideal for anyone who wants a little extra length.
But if you've never had acrylic extensions before, you probably have a few questions.
What actually are acrylic nails? How are they applied? Do they damage your natural nails? And how often will you need to come back for maintenance?
I'm Layla, the nail technician behind The Nail Fairy in Paignton, and I'm here to explain everything you need to know about acrylic nails before booking your first appointment.
From the science behind the product to the fun part (choosing your dream nail art!), here's your complete beginner's guide.
What are acrylic nails?
Acrylic nails are artificial nail enhancements created by combining a liquid monomer with a fine polymer powder.
When these two products are mixed, they form a soft, workable material that can be shaped over your natural nail or used to create an extension.
As the mixture hardens through a chemical reaction, it forms a strong, durable enhancement.
Unlike gel products, the acrylic itself doesn't need a UV or LED lamp to harden.
Acrylic nails can be used to:
Add length to short natural nails.
Create a particular nail shape.
Add structure and strength to an enhancement.
Provide a smooth base for gel colour and nail art.
Maintain longer nails through regular infills.
And despite what you might have heard, acrylic nails don't have to be ridiculously long or chunky!
They can be short and natural-looking, long and dramatic, or anything in between.
At The Nail Fairy, I use professional Glitterbels acrylic liquid and powder to create customised acrylic enhancements for my clients.
How do acrylic nails work?
The secret behind acrylic nails is a little bit of chemistry.
Acrylic systems use two main components:
Liquid monomer: The liquid part of the system, which reacts with the powder.
Polymer powder: The powdered component that combines with the liquid to create a mouldable acrylic bead.
When I dip my acrylic brush into the liquid and then the powder, the products combine to create a soft bead of acrylic.
I can then place that bead onto your nail and carefully shape it before it hardens.
As the chemical reaction progresses, the acrylic becomes solid, creating a rigid nail enhancement.
This is one of the reasons acrylics are so popular for extensions. The product can be used to build length, create a balanced structure and support a wide variety of nail shapes.
And because the acrylic hardens chemically, there's no need to place your hands under a lamp for this stage of the treatment.
If we're finishing your acrylics with gel polish, however, that colour and top coat will usually need curing under a suitable nail lamp.
How are acrylic nail extensions created?
There are two main ways I create acrylic extensions at The Nail Fairy: nail tips and sculpting forms.
Both methods use acrylic liquid and powder to build the finished enhancement, but the way the length is created is slightly different.
Acrylic extensions using nail tips
Nail tips are pre-formed extensions that are attached to the natural nail before the acrylic is applied.
I choose a tip that fits your nail correctly, attach it, then trim and shape it to your desired length.
The acrylic is then applied over the nail and extension to create the finished structure.
Tips are a versatile option for creating additional length and a wide range of shapes.
Acrylic extensions using sculpting forms
Sculpting forms are temporary guides positioned beneath the natural nail.
Instead of attaching a plastic tip, I use the form to build the extension directly with acrylic.
Once the acrylic has hardened, the form is removed, leaving the sculpted enhancement behind.
I particularly like using forms for shorter, more natural-looking extensions.
They're also really useful when someone has broken a nail and needs an individual extension to restore the length and shape of their set.
Neither method is automatically better for everyone. I'll choose the most suitable approach based on your natural nails and the result you're hoping to achieve.
What happens at your first acrylic nail appointment?
Never had acrylics before? Don't worry, lovely. Here's what you can expect when you sit down at my nail desk.
Step 1: We discuss your dream nails
First, we'll chat about what you're looking for.
We'll talk about your preferred length, shape, colour and any nail art you fancy.
Whether you've got a Pinterest board full of inspiration or absolutely no idea what you want, we'll work it out together.
I'll also look at your natural nails to help decide which extension method and length will suit you.
Step 2: Preparing your natural nails
Next, I'll sanitise our hands and prepare your nails.
This involves removing any existing standard polish, gently pushing back the cuticles where appropriate, and shaping the natural nails.
I'll also carefully remove surface shine and prepare the nail plate so the enhancement can adhere properly.
Good preparation is important, but it shouldn't involve aggressively filing away your natural nails.
Step 3: Creating your extensions
If we're using tips, I'll select the correct sizes, attach them and shape them to your chosen length.
If we're using forms, I'll position them beneath your natural nails ready to build the extensions directly.
I'll also use the appropriate preparation and bonding products for the acrylic system.
Step 4: Applying the acrylic
Now for the transformation!
Using my Glitterbels liquid and powder, I'll create small beads of acrylic and carefully work them over your nails.
I'll build the shape and structure, including the apex — the slightly raised area that helps give an enhancement its strength and balance.
The acrylic then hardens through its chemical reaction.
Step 5: Filing and perfecting the shape
Once the acrylic has hardened, I'll refine each nail using files and, where appropriate, an electric nail file.
This is where we perfect the length, sidewalls, surface and overall shape.
Whether you've chosen almond, square, coffin or something else entirely, the aim is a neat, balanced finish.
Step 6: Colour, nail art and finishing touches
Finally, it's time for the fun part!
We'll finish your nails with your chosen colour and any nail art you've booked.
Gel colour and top coat are cured under the appropriate lamp.
I'll finish by applying cuticle oil to condition the skin around your nails.
And that's it - your new acrylics are ready to show off. ✨
Who are acrylic nails best suited to?
In my experience, acrylics are a particularly good choice for clients who want extra length.
They're a strong, rigid enhancement that can support a wide range of lengths and shapes.
You might love acrylics if:
You want longer nails without waiting for your natural nails to grow.
You love experimenting with different shapes.
You want a durable nail enhancement.
You enjoy detailed nail art.
You want extensions that can be maintained through infills.
You're looking for a customised set, from subtle to statement-making.
Acrylics can also be useful when you need to restore the appearance of a broken nail, provided the natural nail is healthy enough for an enhancement.
That doesn't mean acrylics are automatically the best choice for everyone, though.
Your natural nail condition, lifestyle and preferred length all matter, and I'm always happy to help you decide what will work best.
What do acrylic nails feel like?
If you're used to natural nails, acrylics will probably feel a little different at first.
They're generally firmer and more rigid, so they don't flex in the same way as your natural nails.
Depending on their length and thickness, you might notice some extra weight or a slightly different sensation at your fingertips.
And yes, there's that unmistakable little click when they tap against a hard surface!
If you're getting longer extensions for the first time, everyday activities such as typing, picking up coins or fastening jewellery might take a little getting used to.
My advice? Start with a manageable length.
You can always experiment with longer nails once you're comfortable wearing extensions.
One important thing to remember: properly applied acrylic nails shouldn't be painful.
If you experience persistent pressure, throbbing or discomfort, contact your nail technician rather than assuming it's something you simply have to put up with.
Can acrylic nails look natural?
Absolutely!
One of the biggest misconceptions about acrylics is that they have to be long, thick or dramatic.
They really don't.
Acrylics can be created in shorter lengths and refined into natural-looking shapes.
For example, a short almond or softly rounded shape with a neutral colour can give you a beautifully understated finish.
On the other hand, if you're dreaming of extra-long coffin nails with bold colours and intricate artwork, we can do that too.
Your acrylics should reflect your style, not somebody else's idea of what acrylic nails are supposed to look like.
How customisable are acrylic nails?
This is one of my favourite things about working with acrylics: the creative possibilities!
At The Nail Fairy, you have complete freedom to personalise your set.
Nail length
From short and practical to long and dramatic, we can choose a length that suits your style and lifestyle.
Nail shape
Popular options include:
Square
Almond
Coffin
Oval
Round
Stiletto
Some shapes work better at particular lengths, so I'll help you choose a combination that looks and feels right.
Colour and finish
Fancy a classic nude? A glossy black? Bright pink? Something sparkly?
The choice is yours.
Nail art
From subtle details to intricate, statement-making designs, nail art gives you even more ways to make your set your own.
Nail art costs an additional £5 at The Nail Fairy.
Just remember to select the nail art add-on separately when booking through Fresha, so I've got enough time allocated to create your design.
How long do acrylic nails last?
Acrylic nails are known for their durability, and a well-applied set can remain securely attached for several weeks.
However, there's an important difference between how long the acrylic stays attached and how long you should leave it before maintenance.
Your natural nails continue growing underneath the enhancement.
As they grow, the gap near the cuticle becomes more noticeable and the balance of the acrylic structure gradually changes.
That's why regular maintenance matters, even when your nails still look perfectly fine.
At The Nail Fairy, I recommend booking your acrylic infills every 3–4 weeks.
Some clients may need attention sooner depending on nail growth, lifestyle, lifting or damage.
The aim isn't simply to make your acrylics stay on for as long as possible. It's to keep them looking beautiful while maintaining a safe, balanced enhancement.
What are acrylic infills?
One of the benefits of acrylic nails is that you don't necessarily need an entirely new set every time your natural nails grow.
Instead, existing acrylic enhancements can often be maintained through an infill appointment.
An infill replaces product around the regrowth area and restores the shape and structure of your nails.
What happens during an acrylic infill?
At The Nail Fairy, the process typically involves:
Reducing existing product: I remove excess bulk and prepare the acrylic already on your nails.
Checking the enhancement: I assess the nails for lifting, cracks or other issues that need addressing.
Refining the shape: I prepare and rebalance the existing structure.
Filling the regrowth: I apply fresh acrylic around the cuticle area where your natural nails have grown.
Final shaping: I refine the entire enhancement so everything looks neat and balanced.
Applying colour: We finish with your chosen colour and any booked nail art.
Although an infill sounds simpler than a full set, there's plenty of preparation and refinement involved.
My Fresha booking durations are 1 hour 30 minutes for acrylic infills and 1 hour 45 minutes for a new full set.
What happens if an acrylic nail breaks or starts lifting?
First things first: please don't pick at it!
If an acrylic nail starts lifting or breaks, trying to pull the product away can damage the natural nail underneath.
Lifting can also create a space where moisture and debris become trapped, so it's best to have it checked rather than ignoring it.
At The Nail Fairy, I offer a free fix for acrylic lifting or breakage.
If you notice a problem between appointments, just get in touch and we'll arrange to have it assessed and repaired where appropriate.
If the nail or surrounding skin is painful, swollen, discoloured or showing signs of infection, it may need medical assessment rather than a straightforward repair.
How are acrylic nails removed?
When you're ready to remove your acrylics, professional removal is the safest approach.
At The Nail Fairy, I use a combination of filing and acetone.
First, I carefully file down the bulk of the acrylic.
Then I use acetone to soften and remove the remaining product, working carefully to avoid unnecessary damage to the natural nail.
The important thing is that the acrylic should never be forcibly pulled or prised away.
Please don't bite, pick or peel your extensions off at home, even if they're already lifting.
That can remove layers of your natural nail plate and leave your nails thin, sore or damaged.
Do acrylic nails damage your natural nails?
This is probably one of the questions I hear most often.
And it's worth addressing properly, because there's a lot of misinformation around acrylic nails.
Acrylic nails don't automatically ruin your natural nails.
However, acrylic enhancements can cause damage if they're applied incorrectly, poorly maintained or removed improperly.
Over-filing during preparation
The natural nail needs to be prepared for the enhancement, but aggressive filing can thin and weaken the nail plate.
Professional preparation should be controlled and gentle.
Picking or pulling off acrylics
This is a big one.
When you forcibly remove acrylic, you can pull away layers of your natural nail along with it.
That's why I always recommend professional removal.
Ignoring lifting or breakage
As your natural nails grow, the enhancement needs maintenance.
Leaving lifting or damaged acrylic untreated can increase the risk of further problems.
Irritation and allergies
Acrylic nail products contain chemicals that can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people.
Correct handling, appropriate product use and avoiding unnecessary skin contact are all important.
If you know you're allergic to ingredients in nail enhancement products, please tell me before booking.
Do your nails need a break from acrylics?
Not necessarily.
Natural nails don't need to breathe. They're made from keratin, and the living tissues beneath them receive nutrients and oxygen through the bloodstream.
Healthy nails don't automatically require a break simply because you've been wearing acrylics.
However, if your nails are damaged, irritated or showing signs of an adverse reaction, further enhancements should be postponed until the problem has been assessed and appropriately managed.
Are acrylic nails safe?
Acrylic nails can be worn safely when suitable products are applied correctly by a trained professional and maintained appropriately.
At The Nail Fairy, I use Glitterbels professional acrylic liquid and powder.
As with other nail enhancement systems, there are still precautions to consider.
I wouldn't apply acrylics over:
Nails showing visible signs of infection.
Significantly damaged or separated natural nails.
Broken, inflamed or irritated skin around the nails.
Nails where a known relevant product allergy makes treatment unsuitable.
If I have concerns about the condition of your nails or skin, I may recommend postponing treatment and seeking medical advice.
It's also worth knowing that switching from acrylic to gel or BIAB isn't necessarily a safe solution for someone with a nail-product allergy, because different enhancement systems can contain related sensitising ingredients.
Your nail health will always come before a pretty set.
How do you look after acrylic nails?
A little aftercare goes a long way towards keeping your acrylics looking lovely between appointments.
Here are my top tips.
Apply cuticle oil every day
Daily cuticle oil helps condition the skin around your nails and supports the flexibility and comfort of the natural nail.
It's a small habit that can make a big difference to how your hands and nails look and feel.
Don't use your nails as tools
Your acrylics might be strong, but they're not indestructible!
Avoid using them to open cans, scrape stickers, prise objects apart or do anything that puts unnecessary pressure on the extensions.
Wear gloves for household chores
Washing up, cleaning and gardening can expose your nails to prolonged moisture, chemicals and accidental knocks.
Wearing protective gloves is an easy way to reduce unnecessary wear.
Be mindful of longer extensions
If you've chosen long acrylics, try using the pads of your fingers when typing or handling objects rather than putting repeated pressure directly on the tips.
Keep up with your infills
Book maintenance every 3–4 weeks, or sooner if there's a problem.
Regular appointments help maintain the structure and appearance of your extensions.
Never pick or peel
If something starts lifting, contact me rather than trying to fix it yourself.
And remember, I offer a free fix for lifting or breakage.
For more general nail care advice, have a read of my guide to how to make your nails last longer.
How should you prepare for your first acrylic nail appointment?
You don't need to do anything complicated before coming in for acrylics, but there are two things I'd particularly recommend.
Avoid hand cream immediately beforehand
Try not to apply heavy hand creams or oils just before your appointment.
These can leave residue on the nails that needs to be removed during preparation.
Save the moisturising for afterwards!
Allow enough time for your appointment
Acrylic extensions involve several stages, from preparing your natural nails to building, filing, shaping and finishing the set.
Please check the appointment duration shown on Fresha and make sure you've allowed enough time.
If you're booking nail art, add it as a separate service so the booking system allocates the time needed for your design.
And if you're not sure what shape or length to choose, don't worry. We can talk through your options together.
How much do acrylic nails cost in Paignton?
If you're thinking about booking acrylic nails at The Nail Fairy, here's my current acrylic treatment pricing.
Treatment | Price | Appointment Time |
Full set of acrylic extensions | £38 | 1 hour 45 minutes |
Acrylic infills | £32.50 | 1 hour 30 minutes |
Mini acrylic manicure (under 12s) | £25 | 1 hour |
Acrylic pedicure | £35 | 1 hour |
Nail art add-on | +£5 | Additional time allocated when booking |
So, for example, a full set of acrylic extensions with nail art would cost £43.
Acrylic infills with nail art would cost £37.50.
Remember to select the nail art add-on separately on Fresha when making your booking.
Prices and appointment availability are subject to change, so check Fresha for the latest information.
Acrylic nails vs Gel X: What's the difference?
Acrylic and full-cover soft-gel extensions can both create beautiful, customised nails, but they're different systems.
Acrylics are built using liquid monomer and polymer powder, which harden through a chemical reaction.
Full-cover soft-gel extensions use pre-shaped gel tips attached with a compatible gel system that requires lamp curing.
Both have their advantages, and the best choice depends on your natural nails, preferred length, lifestyle and maintenance preferences.
I generally recommend acrylics when someone is looking for significant length and a strong, rigid enhancement.
But there's much more to the decision than that.
If you're trying to choose between the two, I've written a separate guide explaining Gel X vs acrylic nails: Which extensions are right for you?
Acrylic nails in Paignton and Torbay
Looking for acrylic nail extensions in Paignton?
You'll find me at The Nail Fairy, based inside Southern Strands Hair Co. in Paignton, Devon.
I welcome clients from across Torbay, including Torquay and Brixham, whether you're booking your first ever set of acrylics or you're already an extension regular.
I use Glitterbels acrylic products and offer both nail-tip and sculpted-form extensions, with plenty of options for length, shape, colour and nail art.
Whether you're after a subtle everyday manicure, a gorgeous holiday set or something completely extra, I'd love to help bring your nail ideas to life.
Book your acrylic extensions with me here and let's create some magic!
Acrylic nails: Frequently asked questions
What are acrylic nails made from?
Acrylic nails are made using a liquid monomer and polymer powder. When mixed, they form a workable material that hardens through a chemical reaction to create a strong nail enhancement.
How long do acrylic nails last?
Acrylic enhancements can remain attached for several weeks, but I recommend maintenance every 3–4 weeks to manage regrowth and maintain the structure of your nails.
Do acrylic nails hurt?
Properly applied acrylic nails shouldn't hurt. Longer extensions may feel unfamiliar at first, but persistent pain, pressure or throbbing isn't something to ignore.
Can you get short acrylic nails?
Absolutely! Acrylic nails don't have to be long. I can create shorter, natural-looking extensions, including sculpted enhancements using forms.
Can you get acrylic nails on very short nails?
Sometimes, yes. It depends on the condition of your natural nails and whether there's enough healthy nail to support a suitable enhancement. I'll assess your nails before deciding on the best approach.
Do acrylic nails need a UV lamp?
The acrylic itself doesn't require a UV or LED lamp to harden. However, gel colour and top coats applied over acrylics usually need curing under a suitable lamp.
Can acrylic nails be infilled?
Yes. Acrylic nails can often be maintained through infills rather than removing and replacing the entire set. I recommend booking every 3–4 weeks.
Can I change my nail colour during an infill?
Yes! During an infill, the existing enhancement is prepared and refined before your chosen colour is applied.
Do acrylic nails damage your real nails?
Not automatically. Damage is more commonly associated with aggressive filing, incorrect removal, picking, or neglected lifting and breakage. Proper application and maintenance help minimise the risks.
How are acrylic nails removed?
I remove acrylics professionally using filing and acetone. Never forcefully pull or peel them off, as this can damage your natural nails.
What happens if one of my acrylic nails breaks?
Get in touch with me rather than attempting to remove or repair it yourself. I offer a free fix for lifting or breakage, subject to checking the condition of the nail.
How much is a full set of acrylic nails at The Nail Fairy?
A full set of acrylic extensions costs £38. Nail art is an additional £5 and must be selected separately when booking through Fresha.
Are acrylic nails better than gel nails?
Neither system is universally better. Acrylics are particularly useful for creating strong, rigid extensions and additional length, while gel systems offer different application and maintenance options. The best treatment depends on your nails and what you're looking for.
Ready for your first set of acrylic nails?
Whether you've been dreaming about acrylic extensions for ages or you're just starting to explore your options, I'd love to help you find your perfect set.
From short, natural-looking nails to long, colourful designs with plenty of personality, there's so much we can create together.
Full sets start at £38, with acrylic infills available for £32.50.
And if you've got some gorgeous nail art in mind, don't forget to add the £5 nail art service separately when booking.
Ready for your next nail appointment?
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