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How Long Do Acrylic Nails Last?

12 December 2022
How Long Do Acrylic Nails Last?

One month? Two weeks? What is the lifespan of artificial nails? How long your acrylic nails last may be your first source of worry if you are new to the world of acrylic manicures. You must ensure that your false nails remain as long as possible because acrylics are an investment in nail art that takes time and money.

Durability is a complex subject that depends on several variables. As a result, you will get several responses to this question, but by the end of this post, you will know what to do to get the most out of your false nails.

What are Acrylic Nails?

Before we dive into how long acrylic nails last, we must understand what they are. First and foremost, artificial nails come in three distinct types: gel, dip powder, and acrylic. Each is a type of polymer or resin – similar to plastic – that can be applied on top of the natural nail to create an artificial (and often more colourful) layer.

Gel nails use a light-activated polish which is cured (cured means set) using UV/LED lamps. Dip powder nails don’t require any curing since they use a dyed powder dipped between layers of base and top coat sealant. The oldest technique is probably applying acrylics with a brush and monomer liquid that hardens when exposed to air.

Stick-on nails are precisely that; they stick on with special glue. They come in different shapes and sizes to provide various options for those looking for an instant fix without committing to more permanent types of acrylic nails. Stick-on nails are a great option if you want to take a break from gel or acrylic nails that use powerful glue.

How Long Do Acrylic Nails Last?

If you are wondering how long do false nails last, the truth is that this can vary. Usually, acrylic tips that have been applied at a professional nail salon should last longer than press on nails you apply yourself.

The lifespan of acrylic nails depends on how well you care for them. Without proper maintenance, these fake nails can last as little as one week before they start peeling off. They can survive up to six weeks without chipping or breaking with stringent upkeep measures.

Water Damage

You must remember that professional acrylics are made using a strong adhesive bond between the artificial nail tip and your actual nail bed. If this bond is weakened by water or accidentally pulled apart, the false nail will come off easily.

You also have to pay attention to how much pressure you put on your manicure. If you often chip and break your nails, acrylics will not last as long. Nail damage can occur with overuse and lack of protection on your hands (i.e. not using gloves when doing the dishes).

Taking Care of Acrylic Nails

Do yourself a favour and consider the following tips to ensure that your artificial nails have a long lifespan.

  1. Keep your hands as dry as possible; even after washing them, make sure you dry them thoroughly before starting any activity or applying hand cream/lotion.
  2. Avoid using harsh chemicals such as acetone and alcohol around the false nails, as these can weaken the adhesive bond between fake nails and natural ones.
  3. Use protective gloves when doing household chores like washing dishes, cleaning, and gardening.
  4. Cover your hands with UV-Protective lotion or cream to protect the nails from discolouration.
  5. Avoid picking at or biting your nails, as this can damage them.
  6. Regularly apply cuticle oil or sweet almond oil to keep your nail beds healthy and clean.

Now you know the best way to care for your false nails, here are some great suggestions to get you started.

These Elegant Touch French 114 are classic-style false nails for the best natural French manicure possible. These artificial nails, which have a delicate white tip, provide a manicure that would be great in a salon without the inconvenience or cost. Squoval in form and has a pink-toned foundation. These nails are the ideal accent to complete your look.

The artificial nails in Elegant Touch Rich Red are stunning, no doubt about it! Get rich red for glossy, Squoval nails that exude vintage beauty. This deep red manicure is essential. Look no further than these Elegant Touch nails for a beautiful manicure in a matter of minutes.

Check out more Elegant Touch nails here….

What Happens if you Leave Your Acrylic Nails on Too Long?

No matter how diligently you look after your nails and subcontract your washing up and housework to someone else, your acrylic nails have a life span – no matter how well you look after them, so it is essential to know when it’s time to take them off.

Leaving your acrylic nails on for too long can cause various problems to the nail plate. Nail plate problems can include yellowing and discolouration of the natural nails as they grow out.

You may also get dryness and peeling of the skin around the edges of your nails, which can occur due to a lack of oxygen circulation through your nail beds.

Importance of Removing Acrylic Nails

Removing your acrylic nails is critical for your nail health. The best way to remove acrylic nails is to soak them in acetone or hot, soapy water. For more ways to remove acrylic nails without acetone, read this blog.

Leaving your fake nails on for too long can result in infection due to trapped moisture underneath the tips. If this happens, the only way forward is to seek medical advice and have your artificial nails removed by a professional.

If you get to this point, you need to re-set and start again. Take some time off, and consider going au-natural to look after your natural nails. Six weeks of false nail-free time should sort you out. So, if you can’t stand the thought of naked nails, don’t leave it too long before you have your acrylics removed.

Here are our favourite Kiss Nails if you fancy a change…

The medium-length Kiss False Nails Gel Fantasy Nails in style Rush Hour have the ideal amount of glitter to look classic and professional. These are the artificial gel polish nails you want if you want the appearance of a flawlessly manicured manicure (with a little nail art thrown in for good measure). These pre-applied false nails can be worn for a week.

With the Kiss Complete Salon Acrylic Kit, you can create a French manicure that looks incredibly natural at home. Everything you need to create gorgeous artificial nails that seem natural and elegant is included in this kit. This set's artificial nails are ideal for everyday wear and whenever you need something for a special event.

Natural Nail Care

To give your natural nails the best chance to stay healthy, here’s what you need to do - keep your nails nourished with regular cuticle oil and moisturising creams.

  1. File down your nails gently instead of cutting them to avoid damage that can lead to breakage or splitting.
  2. Trim your nails when needed, and don’t leave them too long, as this puts extra pressure on the edges, which can cause them to split.
  3. Avoid or keep to a minimum the use of harsh chemicals in products such as nail polish remover, like acetone, alcohol, and chlorine, which strip the natural oils from nails.
  4. Always wear protective gloves when doing housework to protect your hands from harsh cleaners.
  5. Eat well, drink plenty of water, don’t smoke and get a good night’s sleep to keep your nails healthy.

Here are the tools you need to keep your nails healthy…

Don’t Forget Your Feet

So far, we have talked about your hands, but your feet also need some love. Did you know you can get false nails for your feet? Well, you can! Here are our essential suggestions for pedicure nails and tools for stunning false toe nails.

Invogue False Nails - Brush On Nail Glue is a perfect choice if you need more glue.

Ultimately, how long acrylic nails last depends on how well you look after them. By following the above tips, you can ensure that your false nails have a longer life span. So take some time to look after your hands and give them the attention they deserve. You’ll be glad you did when your manicure lasts much longer than expected!

Taking care of your natural and artificial nails will ensure they look great for a long time. Suppose you want the best results from wearing acrylics. In that case, it is worth investing in good-quality products, getting professional advice from a nail technician, reading through the instructions on your home manicure set, and being diligent with your hygiene routine.

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