Getting acrylics for the first time

[FelicityBeedle]

I’m going away next week and fancy some short acrylics for a change, I’m just trying to understand the terminology! Normal polish seems a lot cheaper but will it last? Do I need to get gel? I thought that the acrylic itself was coloured, is that not right?

Depending on where you're going and what you're doing, nail polish may end up chipping on you. Gels & shellac can be done on natural nails and cured so give a bit more longevity. Acrylics can come coloured but a lot of nail shops use a clear acrylic base and then paint with nail polish.

Depends on your style really :)

It’s a walking and eating sort of holiday, shouldn’t be any climbing or scrambling. This is the sort of thing I like, is that acrylic base and gel painted?

I have gel on natural nails. It lasts at two weeks usually three -4 and has a lovely glossy finish. You can have nail art on this. This is cured under a uv lamp. It is removed by @soaking off" and I can do this myself.

I'm no expert but believe Acrylic usual involve a nail extension that's built up an then painted with gel polish as above. It is usually maintained and filled in every few weeks and refinished with colour or nail art. To take them if they see ground off with a file I think

I have a short square design and love them. About 20 years ago I had an acrylic ripped of the first time I had then answill never have them again and I don't like long pointy nails.

I normally get gels, unfortunately I have very bendy nails so they only last about a week, hence fancying acrylics for a change (also my cat loves anyone with acrylics on)

Perhaps acrylics then if you're looking for a change as it's easier to get different shapes e.g. square, coffin - if you like them you can then get them filled in when they grow out!

The picture looks as if an acrylic dip powder was used but all methods can achieve a similar look as nail art etc can be done on acrylics also. Can also add additional items like diamanté's etc.

American gymnast Sunisa Lees acrylics have lasted through her training and competitions so far this Olympics, so I think they would be durable enough for you! Never had them myself so can't speak from experience.

Just note, I hear a lot of people saying how acrylics ruined their nails, might be worth looking into and bearing mind mind that it might take time to grow out the damage.

As a one off acrylics shouldn’t damage your nails. I had them for years and when I had to take them off for an operation my natural nail was brittle. I just had to keep them very short. Didn’t stop me getting the acrylics back on as soon as I could!

@FelicityBeedle sorry I totally misunderstood what you were asking!

I have very short acrylics as I have weak natural nails so gel would only last max of 7 days. Now they last 3-4 weeks no worries, and I'm fairly hard on them. No extensions. One full set, then infils for the next 2-3 applications before starting again. When I remove them ( at salon ) the nails were no weaker than usual. Do not have them if you will be tempted to pick, though as they horribly damage them. I've been advised to fully remove them every six months for three weeks to check on health of nails too.

@SummaLuvin I noticed her nails too! They have a nail bar at the Olympic village for the athletes

@FelicityBeedle can you take the picture to the nail bar and explain what you want and that your nails can be bendy? They should be able to advise what’s best.

Don’t worry @cherrypiepie I was about as clear as mud in how I asked! I only grabbed that picture as an example but I’ve fallen in love with them a bit, going to ask for pretty much exactly those!

Very pleased with them! Thanks for the advice!

Lovely!