Best Acrylic Nails near me in Cooperstown, Pittsburgh

Acrylic nails are nail extensions created by combining a liquid monomer and powder polymer to form a hard protective layer over natural nails. They can be sculpted into various lengths and shapes, then painted or decorated to your preference.

They don’t. Human nails grow at around 3mm (1/8”) every month whether you wear artificial nails or not. Acrylic nails don’t make your natural nails grow faster, but because of their length, they can give the impression that your own nails have grown more quickly.

Many nail technicians specialise in long acrylic extensions, from ballerina to stiletto shapes. Browse and book the best long acrylic nail specialists near you on Fresha.

Acrylic fills are available at most nail salons that offer acrylic services. Browse and book the best nail technicians for fills near you on Fresha.

We always recommend asking a professional nail technician to remove your acrylic nails for you, but if you are planning on removing them yourself, follow these steps to minimise damage to your natural nails

1. File off as much of the acrylic nail as you can using a coarse 100-grit nail file. Take care not to go down to your natural nail, though.

2. Soak 10 cotton wool balls in 100% acetone, then apply 5 of them to your nails, securing them in position by wrapping a strip of foil around each fingertip. Leave them on for 20 minutes, then remove, and repeat on your other hand.

TIP: Avoid soaking your fingertips in a bowl of acetone - it’s a strong chemical and will dry your skin.

3. Take a wooden cuticle stick and gently push the acrylic and glue off your nail. Buff any remnants away with a soft foam nail buffer and moisturise your nails with a natural oil, like jojoba.

It’s really down to personal preference. Gels give a more natural, glossier finish than acrylics, but acrylics tend to be stronger. Gel nails cure under a UV lamp; acrylics start curing as soon as they’re exposed to air. They can both be used to lengthen nails. Gels last for 2 weeks and should then be removed; Acrylic nails last 6-8 weeks, but will need fills after 2-3 weeks to hide regrowth. Both can damage your natural nails, so it’s always best to seek out an experienced nail technician who can do the application, filling and removal for you.

A full set of acrylic nails can be worn for 6-8, and should then be removed.