Strengthening natural nails with acrylic powder: pros and cons, how to do it

A manicure that makes the nail plate stronger and can maintain a neat and new appearance for a long time is the dream of almost every woman. Modern technologies in this area have stepped forward, making it possible to quickly and affordably make a special strengthening coating using acrylic powder.

The material can be used for extensions, or applied to increase the strength of shellac on your natural nails. In the latter case, the manicure will look more natural due to the application of a thinner layer. Read on to learn how to use an acrylic hardener, what materials are needed for the procedure, and what subtleties there are in covering nails.

What does acrylic reinforcement give?

Initially, manicurists used this powder exclusively for extensions, since it is quite plastic and becomes very durable after drying. It is precisely thanks to these properties that acrylic powder eventually began to be used to correct and “repair” plates, and then also to prevent detachments and chips.

The use of acrylic allows nails to:

look natural;
remain durable for a long time;
do not require special care.

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You can do this manicure yourself. And if the coating partially breaks off during wear, you won’t have to redo the entire nail—it will be enough to just slightly adjust the affected area.

And these are just the main advantages of the procedure for strengthening natural nails with acrylic powder. But it is they who force an increasing number of women to resort to such a service. The procedure is especially relevant for girls with thin, often breaking nails.

The benefits of acrylic for nails

Acrylic powder is made from acrylic acid and is highly heat resistant. This material protects the nail from any impact. Acrylic coating is similar to cement: acrylic, penetrating into microcracks of the plates, polymerizes under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.

The benefits of using this powder are as follows:

strengthening the plates;
creating a protective layer without excess volume;
eliminating cracks and damage.

It is worth noting that the procedure takes little time and is simple to perform; the coating itself can subsequently be easily corrected.

Advantages of the procedure

Strengthening natural nails with acrylic powder is a necessary and truly in-demand service. And all because the plates coated with this material look well-groomed and healthy. It is almost impossible to notice such a coating due to its natural appearance. Acrylic allows you to hide most imperfections that cannot be removed with any other materials or methods. In addition, nail strengthening is absolutely safe for nails. But the advantages of the procedure do not end there; it has many more important advantages.

High-quality acrylic covers the entire nail. This material will not spread and harden ahead of time, so it is very easy to work with. The powder allows you to create a variety of designs.
Effectively strengthens the plates. If you wish, you can leave the acrylic without any decoration. After all, in any case, it will look neat and as natural as possible. In addition, the powder will fill all the cracks.
Helps nails withstand high temperatures. Whatever the load on your hands, the plates will not break or soften due to prolonged exposure to water and household chemicals.
Natural nails receive the oxygen they need. Under the acrylic you can apply a special composition with vitamins. It will provide your nails with the necessary nutrition and strengthening.
The covering is easily removed. To do this, you can use special solutions. But there is no need to file down the top layer, so the nail remains intact.

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Features and benefits of acrylic powder

The hardener is a finely ground dry powder based on a polymer, which, when interacting with a special liquid - monomer, makes the nail harder. The powdery composition on the nails looks natural and stylish. The advantages of using it include the following:

Acrylic powder has a porous, breathable structure, which allows air to flow to the nail plate, which is beneficial for blood circulation.
The hardened composition provides strong protection, without unsightly bubbles, strengthens them as much as possible, which means the nails will not break or peel. The manicure will not be afraid of frost, ultraviolet rays, or household chemicals during home cleaning.
A large assortment of colors makes it possible to bring any design you like into reality, or choose a colorless coating.
It’s easy to work with the material even at home, and it won’t take much time to cover your nails with acrylic.
Powder can replace extensions, but its layer is not so thick on the nails.
Correction will be needed only after 2-3 weeks. Removing acrylic is not difficult if you use special tools.

Acrylic Powder

Cons of acrylic reinforcement

But despite the large number of important advantages, one cannot help but recall the disadvantages of the material.

When using low-quality powders, you risk experiencing allergic reactions. And if the application technology is not followed, you can even injure the plate. So follow all the rules of strengthening, and the result will please you.
Powder can become hard too quickly, so you need to work with it very quickly. Otherwise, you will have to do everything again.
The material is contraindicated for girls with nail fungus. Such coverage will only worsen the course of the disease.
Acrid smell. Due to the specific pungent odor, malaise may occur. If you don't tolerate chemical scents well, go for a more expensive material.
Powder eliminates the natural shine of nails. In other words, you can only count on matte designs.

True, all these disadvantages are insignificant if you do not have allergies. And if you plan to use acrylic for subsequent application of gel polish, the result will certainly surprise you.

What is nail powder

Crushed acrylic, which instantly hardens upon contact with gel or varnish, is powder for manicure. The material is produced in jars and sold in professional stores for nail artists, although given its popularity, you can try looking for the product in regular household chemicals stores. Previously (and still) the powder was used in dentistry to strengthen tooth enamel. Nowadays they also get unusual manicure designs.

The material thickens the nail, protecting it from cracks, breaks and other damage, which is why it is used to build up and strengthen plates. In addition, manicure powder has the following beneficial properties:

Hypoallergenic. Can be used harmlessly.
Wear resistance. Extended or strengthened nails do not break, chip or flake.
Elasticity. A thin layer of material does not deform the nail plate.
Strength. Due to this, the substance is also used for artistic modeling.
Closer to natural nails. If you choose a natural shade, the plates will not look like extensions.

The advantage of using powder for design is the fast speed of the procedure - the material hardens instantly. Flaws:

Difficulty of processing. It takes practice to learn how to quickly and accurately apply the product.
Smell. Acrylic nail powder does not contain the most fragrant fluids. They are not dangerous (if you do not inhale the vapors of the material that has not yet hardened), but because of this feature, it is recommended to work with the substance in a mask.
No therapeutic effect. Keep in mind that strengthening occurs only at the physical level. The powder will hide the delamination and prevent the plate from breaking, but if fragility appears due to vitamin deficiency or some kind of disease, it should be treated, so consult a doctor.

Choosing the right material

The choice of acrylic powder to strengthen natural nails depends on what specific result you want to get in the end.

If you want to smooth the surface of your nails and fill in existing unevenness, give preference to a powder with a camouflage effect. In this case, its shade should match the color of your plates. Nude colors with pink undertones are what you need.
Which acrylic is best for strengthening nails? If you need to adjust the shape of a free edge or simply strengthen your nails, arm yourself with a transparent powder. It is perfect for creating a classic French manicure.
Are you planning to create a colorful design? Glitter powder or colored powder is perfect for this. In this case, manicure is limited only by your imagination.

Acrylic powder in nail design: examples of manicure

White powder looks very beautiful on brightly colored nails. A wide variety of patterns can be drawn. If you don't know how to use a brush and create designs by hand, use stencils that you can buy at a store that sells nail art supplies. For example, it is easiest to draw uniform scales or diamonds using a ready-made template.

If you don't want your manicure to look tacky, highlight only one nail on each hand with powder. Most often this is done by the ring fingers. You can also add rhinestones to make the design even more original. Experiment with colors, shapes, patterns and textures of your manicure to find your own unique style.

What is needed for the procedure

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Strengthening your nails with acrylic powder itself is not at all difficult to do yourself. That is why many girls prefer to carry out the procedure at home. After all, this way you can significantly save your time and finances. And in the process you will only need a little patience, diligence and, of course, some set of tools and materials.

To carry out the procedure at home you will need:

liquid - liquid for creating an acrylic ball that will be applied to the nails;
primer - a solution that ensures reliable adhesion of the material to the plate;
degreaser - necessary to remove excess fat and disinfection;
keratolytic - removes dead skin particles;
actual acrylic powder;
convenient brush for application;
nail file - with its help you will remove all the unevenness and give your nails a beautiful shape.

In the room you will be using for your manicure, it is advisable to open the windows, as the chemical aroma may make you dizzy.

What set of tools is needed for the procedure at home?

To strengthen your nails with acrylic powder, you will need a set of special items, which are difficult to do without to achieve the desired result. Get to know them better:

The components for preparing the modeling composition are acrylic powder and a mixing liquid called monomer.
Degreaser or manicure remover.
Solution for disinfection and cuticle removal.
Files for shaping and polishing nails and buff. You should choose different abrasiveness in order to process from all sides.
Cups for material and brushes, thin and wide, allow you to apply acrylic, mix and dilute the solution, and remove excess dust.
Primer for better adhesion of components.
Transparent and rubber base for gel polish and camouflage pink
Neon lamp for drying powder and subsequent layers of manicure.

Depending on the intended design, you need to choose the appropriate color of varnish; whether it is better to use biogel or gel depends on your preferences. You also need to purchase a variety of decor, for example, powder for velvet flock or pebbles for a fashionable jacket.

Strengthening Tools

Preparation for the procedure

Before you start strengthening your natural nails with acrylic for gel polish, you should properly prepare your nails. First of all, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and dry them thoroughly.

If you have polish or any other coating on your nails, it should be removed using a special solution. By the way, acetone and similar liquids should be chosen that contain vitamins.

Then the nails should be trimmed with a buff or file and treated with a special disinfectant. This is necessary to prevent the development of fungal diseases and other problems. The cuticle must be carefully pushed back using a pusher or a wooden stick, and then a keratolytic agent must be applied to it. Next you will need a sanding file. Try to choose a tool that will not damage your nails.

There is always a thin film of fat on the plates, which prevents good adhesion of the natural surface to the artificial material. It needs to be removed. To do this, you will need a degreaser - treat your nails with it and wait until it dries completely.

Now everything is ready for the main procedure. So you can get started.

Manicure tools with acrylic powder and gel polish

Manicure with acrylic powder and gel polish is performed using:

antiseptic liquid,
files;
buff;
hand brushes;
cuticle scissors or nippers;
an orange stick or an applicator with a silicone tip, a pusher;
remover;
degreaser (dehydrator);
lint-free wipes;
primer;
bases;
gel polish;
finishing agent;
lamps for coating polymerization.

If you have a manicure machine, some of the tools may not be needed.

How to use acrylic to strengthen nails

Remember: it is very important to strictly adhere to the technology of applying the material, otherwise it may chip and peel off during wear.

How to strengthen nails with acrylic? In fact, the procedure is very easy and will not cause you any difficulties, especially if you have already worked with gel polish or extension gel before.

Step 1. Dip the tip of the brush into the liquid, squeeze it slightly so that no drops fall from it, and dip it into acrylic so that you get a small ball.

Step 2. In just a few seconds, this lump needs to be applied to the plate and evenly distributed over the surface. Only then step back about a millimeter from the cuticle. Your actions should be as quick and precise as possible; do not let the ball harden before you level the material.

Step 3. If necessary, repeat the manipulation of the ball. Dip the brush into the liquid again and then into the acrylic. Just remember that the difference between strengthening and extension is the thickness of the coating, so don’t overdo it. Your task is to apply the thinnest, even layer of powder possible.
Step 4. Now the nails need to be dried in an ultraviolet lamp. Acrylic usually polymerizes within a minute.

Step 5. If you find any unevenness on the surface of your nails, carefully file them off with a buff or finely abrasive file.

That's all, the marigolds are ready for further manipulation. Now you can apply your favorite design or gel polish to them. Strengthening nails with colored acrylic occurs in exactly the same way. The only difference is that at the end you can use a matte or glossy finish to seal the result.

How to extend nails with acrylic powder

Nail extensions using polymer powder provide the opportunity to walk longer with a beautiful manicure and prolong the life of artificial nails. Nails look natural, as there is no thickening of the nail plate, as when using gel.

For extension you will need:

primer;
degreaser;
transparent or camouflage powder;
liquid;
extension forms;
tassels;
sanding file – 180 grit;
buff.

Step-by-step instructions for acrylic nail extensions

Wash your hands and remove the remnants of the previous manicure.
Push back the cuticle using a nail file.
Remove the shine with a nail file and make the plate rougher.
Take the form and put it on your finger, position it exactly relative to your finger. To secure it, you need to press it tightly to the nail, connecting the ends.
Using a straw, crimp the paper form.
Apply a dehydrator to prepare and remove excess moisture.
Apply primer, preferably acid-free.
Dip the brush into the liquid and lightly walk over the nail plate.
With the same brush, using circular movements, pick up powder.
Distribute the resulting ball on the nail using a brush.
The powder should be distributed from top to bottom.
At the base of the nail there should be a thinner layer than at the edge of the form.
Crimp the edges of the nail using tweezers, giving it a natural bend.
File the edges and end of the resulting nail.
Lubricate cuticles with oil.
Apply clear varnish.

A simplified method of applying acrylic under gel polish

The first option for using powder is very similar in technology to extensions, and sometimes causes minor difficulties for beginners. But don't be discouraged, because you can do differently. If you use acrylic to strengthen your nails under gel polish, then there is good news for you: there is an easier way to apply it, which does not require special skill or experience.

Preparation of nails should be the same in all cases, and you are already very familiar with it. But the process of applying powder looks different.

Step 1. Apply primer to prepared nails and let it dry.
Step 2: Cover your nails with a gel polish base coat.

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Step 3. Without drying the base coat, simply dust your nails with acrylic powder until it covers them evenly. In this case, there should be no spots left on the plates free of powder. It is most convenient to do this directly over a jar of acrylic.

Step 4: Now dry your nails under a UV lamp. Typically, this process takes 1-2 minutes, depending on the power of the device.
Step 5. Using a brush, remove all excess from the skin and cuticles.
Step 6: Apply another base coat and let dry.
Step 7: Now remove the sticky layer from your nails and buff them gently.
Step 8. Apply colored varnish and topcoat on top as usual.

How to remove acrylic coating?

To remove acrylic you will need a special liquid. Finding it won’t be difficult, but not everyone knows how to use it correctly. To begin with, it is better to file down the free edge of the nail to the desired length. Then remove the topcoat with a highly abrasive file (at least 180 grit).

Now wrap each nail with a cotton pad containing acrylic or gel remover and secure with foil on top. Periodically check that it does not move away or put on special holders. Remove no earlier than after 10 minutes.

The acrylic will subsequently soften and can be easily removed with a softer file and an orange stick.

The second method of removal is to file each nail without softening the acrylic. This method is also used quite often, but it will require more time and patience. Only the top layers are removed with a highly abrasive file; closer to the natural nail, you will need to switch to softer files or a buffer so as not to injure the nail plate.

Removing artificial coverings traumatizes nails, so after the procedure it is better to protect them with special care products.

Quite simple procedures need to be implemented to strengthen your nails with acrylic powder. The quality of execution of all stages affects the final result. That is why it is recommended to do everything carefully and follow the instructions provided.

Application will not cause difficulties for those who already apply shellac themselves. The technique is simple, but gives an amazing result in the form of beautiful and durable nails, increasing the time until the next correction.

Author: Tatyana Zhukova

Article design: Mila Friedan

How to use clear and colored acrylic powder

If this is your first time getting a manicure, stick to this video on how to apply acrylic powder when doing your own nails.

Do a manicure with acrylic powder, following this pattern:

Decide on the color of your manicure. If you just want to extend your nails and then cover them with any colored polish, then clear acrylic powder will do. In cases where nail art involves creating a beautiful design and using decorative elements, you cannot do without colored polymer powder.
Before applying the material, it is necessary to trim the cuticle, use a nail file to give the nail the desired shape and degrease the surface of the nail plate.
At the next stage of nail extension, a gel primer is applied.
Then apply forms or tips to the nail plates.
Dip the brush into the liquid, then into the acrylic, and quickly apply the resulting drop onto the entire surface of the nail. Try to apply the acrylic as evenly as possible the first time so that you don't have to do everything all over again. It is necessary to cover the nail plate with acrylic powder until the nails acquire the thickness, length and shape that suits you.
Carefully remove the tips or forms and wait until all nails are completely dry and hard. Typically, it takes 45 seconds for acrylic powder to completely harden. The top of the extended nails should be coated with a special activator.
The final stage in creating artificial nails is their processing. The nails are polished, given their final shape, after which you can begin decorating the manicure.

Experts in the field of nail design note that it is unlikely that you will be able to achieve an ideal result the first time without having skills in such work. However, you can gradually master the technique of creating acrylic nail art on your own.

There should be no difficulties with how to use colored acrylic powder. It is used when the owner of extended nails does not want to constantly paint them different colors. Having completed a certain nail design using colored polymer powder, the manicure will retain its ideal appearance for a long time. When choosing a colored powder, it should be combined with a monomer before applying it to the surface of the nail plates.

Fashionable manicure ideas with powder in the video below. Among these nail art ideas, you can choose a suitable nail design for any occasion.