10 Things You Didn’t Know About Acrylic Nails
Thinking of getting a set of acrylic nails? Here are 10 things you should know before you book your appointment:
- Acrylic nails were actually invented by a dentist: Yup, really! In 1954, dentist, Robert Slack, broke a nail and created an acrylic nail as a temporary replacement. After experimenting with different substances/powders, he and his brother, Tom, founded Patti Nails and patented their invention.
- Artificial Nails have been used for thousands of years: Egyptian women used various items as artificials nails. Think nut shells, bones, ivory and gold! They were meant as a status symbol – a sign of wealth, not just to have pretty nails.
- It Shouldn’t Hurt to Apply acrylic nails: The process is quite simple and involves no pain whatsoever. The acrylic nail is applied to your real nail via glue, the nail is shaped and cut to your specifications, and colour is applied. That’s all there is to it!
- Nail prep is important: Before your nail appointment, make sure your nails are clean and clear of polish. This will not only help your technician, but will give you a better experience overall.
- They Should last about 2 weeks – 3 weeks: You will start to notice your nails growing out after about 2 weeks. It’s a good idea to come in at the 2-3 week mark so you can get a ‘refill’ to keep your manicure and nails looking fresh and pretty.
- They will not damage your natural nail: Acrylic nails are safe and will not damage your natural nail, as long as they are applied by a qualified and experienced technician. Having said that, it is a good idea to give your nails a ‘rest’ for a few weeks if you’ve had acrylics on for a few months or more.
- They are stronger than you think: Once your acrylic nails are applied, you can carry on with your daily activities and chores. Having a set of acrylics doesn’t get you out of doing laundry or dishes!
- Acrylic nails don’t have to cover your entire nail bed: Some people prefer to have tips applied, instead of an entire nail. The tip can be as long or as short as you like, and there is no difference in the overall look.
- They may feel awkward at first: if you’ve never had acrylic nails before, they may feel a bit strange at first. Your fingers may feel ‘heaver’. Don’t worry – you’ll get used to them!
- Acrylic Nails are FUN!!! The colour possibilities are endless! Whether you choose a fun and funky colour or a more subdued classic like a French Ombre, the sky’s the limit!
When you book your acrylic nail set at Aloha, Angelic or Atlantis, you can rest assured you will be in hands of an experienced technician who will ensure you get the look you want!
FAQs
Here are 10 things you probably didn't know about them.
- Acrylic nails were invented by a dentist. ...
- The first incarnation of acrylic nails was made from a mixture of deer antlers and chicken feathers. ...
- Acrylic nails can actually help your natural nails grow.
Acrylics were pretty much discovered by accident. In the 1950s, a dentist named Frederick Slack broke his nail and experimented with chemicals and different materials to create an artificial looking nail to go over his old broken one, using dental acrylics.
Do acrylic nails contribute to Microplastics? ›
Gel nails and acrylic nails, whether they come off on their own or are taken off by a professional at the salon, also result in microplastics. Many polishes also contain glitter which is usually made of PET plastic (polyethylene terephthalate).
What is the downfall of acrylic nails? ›
If you want to wear artificial nails for more than a few weeks, you'll need touch-ups every 2 to 3 weeks to fill in the gaps that appear as your nails grow. Frequent touch-ups can seriously damage your natural nails. In short, artificial nails can leave your nails thin, brittle, and parched.
What is interesting about acrylic? ›
About Acrylic. Acrylic is a transparent plastic material with outstanding strength, stiffness, and optical clarity. Acrylic sheet is easy to fabricate, bonds well with adhesives and solvents, and is easy to thermoform. It has superior weathering properties compared to many other transparent plastics.
What are some important facts about acrylic paint? ›
Acrylic paint is waterproof once it has dried. Because of its versatility and the fact it dries quickly it has become a popular painting medium and is widely used by artists today. Artist David Hockney was an early champion of acrylic paint, using it to create some of his best known works of the 1960s.
What culture started fake nails? ›
Historically, artificial nails were common symbols of status all across the world: During the Ming Dynasty of China, noblewomen wore very long artificial nails as a status symbol indicating that, unlike commoners, they did not have to do manual labor.
What are fake nails called? ›
Acrylics and Gels are fake nails placed over your natural ones. Both can be made to match the shape of the nail, or to extend it. So, when you want longer nails, you are asking for either Acrylic or Gel extensions.
What race started acrylic nails? ›
The concept of acrylic nails can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where people used a variety of materials such as bone, ivory and gold to create artificial nail extensions. In China during the Ming Dynasty, nail extensions were considered a status symbol reserved for the elite classes.
How is acrylic bad for the environment? ›
Acrylic fiber creates microplastic every time you wash your acrylic creations. With thousands of microplastics being introduced into the water system each time the fiber is washed, it's no wonder that 35% of the ocean's microplastics come from synthetic acrylic fibers.
Exposure to water is forgivable if you do it for only a short period of time. Acrylic nails are waterproof after all - but you should, in no way, abuse it. That means you can go ahead and jump into the pool for a quick swim. Going on a few laps wouldn't hurt, but ensure you wipe your nails dry after swimming.
Do acrylic nails hold bacteria? ›
Background: Acrylic nails harbor more bacteria than natural nails, and wear is not recommended for health care workers (HCWs).
What weakens acrylic nails? ›
More often than not, this happens because the client attempts to remove their acrylic nails themselves. The removal process for acrylic nails requires a lot of filing and use of chemicals. If the nails are filed down too far, the nail is likely to become very thin and weak.
What is the least damaging fake nail? ›
Gel nails are less likely to cause damage to natural nails than acrylic nails. They are less harsh on the natural nails during the application and removal process, which can be beneficial for people with weaker nails.
Why are acrylic nails unhealthy? ›
Fungal infections (onychomycosis) are the most common infections associated with acrylic nails, but bacterial infections can also occur. “After removing your acrylic nails, you may see a gap underneath,” Dr. Kassouf says.
What is an interesting fact about nail art? ›
The art of nail painting goes back as early as 3,000 BC. During the Ming Dynasty, aristocratic women of ancient China would soak their nails in a formula made of egg whites, beeswax, gelatin, and gum Arabic, adding dyes from vegetables, orchids, and roses to color their nails.
Did you know facts about nails? ›
Fingernails don't sweat. Your thumbnail grows the slowest. Your middle fingernail grows faster than your other fingers. Fingernails are for protecting not only the fingertips but also the surrounding soft tissue from any external injuries.
What are some fun facts about acrylic acid? ›
Chemical properties
It is miscible with water, alcohol, ether, benzene, chloroform, and acetone. It polymerizes readily in the presence of oxygen. Exothermic polymerization at room temperature may cause acrylic acid to become explosive if confined. It is sensitive to heat and sunlight.
Are there any benefits to acrylic nails? ›
One of the biggest benefits of acrylic nails is that they are very durable. They can last up to six weeks without chipping or peeling, which is much longer than natural nails. Additionally, acrylic nails are less likely to break than natural nails, so they can be a good option for people who have weak or brittle nails.
