Successfully applying your own acrylic nails might put you over the moon with joy. But, first, you will need a lot of practice to build your technique, before you go ahead and apply those flaunting nail extensions on your nails.

However, your happiness may begin to dissipate when you notice your acrylic nails moving beyond the prescribed point on your natural nails as they continue to grow, acrylic nails require regular maintenance and filling-in.

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The amount of time it takes for your acrylic nails to grow out will vary from person to person, depending upon how fast or slow your nails grow. Usually, nail fills need to be done every two weeks.

intro maintain acrylic nails

However, as soon as you notice that your acrylic nails have extended beyond one-fourth to one-half of your natural nails, you should consider filling them in. Often, such overgrowth may also be accompanied by discoloration or a yellow coating at the base of the acrylic nails.

Maintaining your acrylic nails is important to keep them strong and retain their attractive appearance.

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The filling is also important to protect it from debris settling under the acrylic and make it a breeding ground from infection-causing fungi.

If you can apply acrylic nails at home without the help of an expert, you can easily learn how to maintain acrylic nails at home without any assistance.

Steps to Maintain Acrylic Nails at Home

Things you’ll need:

Maintain acrlic nails things need

  • Nail file
  • Cuticle pusher
  • Monomer liquid
  • Acrylic nail powder
  • Small glass bowl
  • Brush
  • Paper towel
  • Toothpick
  • Topcoat
  • Dusting brush (optional)

Step 1. Buff the surface of the acrylic nails

Acrylic nails extended

A few weeks after applying your acrylic nails, you’ll see that they have extended beyond one-fourth to one-half of your natural nails’ surface.

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You may also see an unattractive yellow coating at the base of the acrylic nails. Time to get to work!

Buff the surface of acrylic nails

Buff the acrylic nails surface

With a nail file, buff the entire surface of your acrylic nails before beginning the refilling process. You may use a dusting brush after each buffing session to brush off the acrylic dust.

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Nails after buffing

This is what your nails should look like after you’re done buffing them.

Take special care to completely remove the yellow coating, as it indicates that your nails have been damaged.

Not removing it can further weaken the acrylic and compromise the strength and look of your nails.

Step 2. Buff the tips of the acrylic nails

Buff the tips of acrylic nails

Buff the tips of the acrylic nails

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Next, carefully buff the tips of your acrylic nails.

Step 3. Push back your cuticles

Push back your cuticles

Using a cuticle pusher, gently push back your cuticles.

Getting this protective layer of skin out of the way is an important step in prepping your nails for any kind of treatment. Moreover, pushed-back cuticles make your nail beds appear neater and more appealing.

After this step, if you want, you can apply a nail primer carefully avoiding the skin. Primer helps the acrylic nails to adhere to your nail beds.

Step 4. Prepare the acrylic mixture

Prepare the acrylic mixture

Pour some monomer liquid in a small glass bowl. Always use a glass bowl and always change the solution when you switch hands.

Also, remove the lid from the acrylic nail powder and set it aside for later use.

Step 5. Dip and swipe

Dip brush in monomer liquid

Dip a brush into the monomer liquid, wiping away any excess powder on a paper towel.

Dip brush in powder

Next, dip the brush in the powder, quickly swiping it through in a single stroke.

Step 6. Refill your acrylic nails

Refill your acrylic nails

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After the “dip and swipe” steps, quickly apply the acrylic mixture onto your nails.

Start at the middle

Use dabbing motion

Dab your way to tips

Begin at the middle of the nails using a dabbing motion, and slowly dab your way out to the sides and then onto the tips. Do not use a swiping motion.

Step 7. Remove any excess liquid

Remove any excess liquid

Using a toothpick, remove any excess liquid that may have collected on the sides of your nails.

Step 8. Buff the surface of the refilled nails

Buff the surface of refilled nails

At this point, you may notice the mixture doesn’t sit evenly on your nails. It may be slightly thicker in some areas, while flat in other spots.

After the acrylic mixture has dried, buff the surface of the refilled acrylic nails with a file or a buffer block to even out any lumps and bring the acrylic nails to meet the surface of your natural nails.

Step 9. File the tips

File the nail tips

File the tips of the nails to the length and shape you desire.

Step 10. Apply the topcoat

Apply the top coat

Finally, apply a topcoat onto your nails to give them a smooth and lustrous finish.

FInal acrylic nails after top coat

After the topcoat has dried, you may coat it with another layer of nail polish if you like.

Make sure to use non-acetone nail polish, as acetone could compromise the longevity and strength of your acrylic nails.

Additional Tips

  • Before beginning your acrylic nail maintenance, thoroughly wash and sanitize your nails and hands with an antibacterial hand sanitizer to prevent infections.
  • After washing your hands, you can work on your cuticles before beginning the steps above for added ease and comfort. Apply some cuticle-removing liquid on the cuticle pusher and gently push the cuticles back from the base of your natural nails.
  • After you have applied the topcoat in the final step of the process, you may apply some cuticle oil to the base of your natural nails to moisturize them.
  • Be cautious with your oversized nails, as they may get caught in clothing or other places and break off.
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