How Long Acrylic Nails Last & 11 Tips to Make Last Longer

How Long Acrylic Nails Last & 11 Tips to Make Last Longer

Acrylic Nails are one of the most popular forms of manicures available. And one of the main reasons why they are so popular is because once applied correctly acrylic nails are durable and extremely long-lasting.

Now in this article, I am gonna explain exactly how long acrylic nails can potentially last for you.

And I am gonna share with you how you can prevent your acrylic nails from peeling, lifting, and chipping prematurely to make them last longer.

Related Article: How much to Remove Acrylic Nails & How Long does it take

How Long Do Acrylic Nails Last

Acrylic nails can last for 6-8 weeks without chipping, peeling, lifting, or cracking. But for it to last so long its needs to have been applied correctly. And filled in when your natural nails grow out.

Now even if the acrylic nails are applied correctly and filled in when needed, the exact lifespan of the nails will vary, this is mostly due to:

1. The type of nails that the individual has – people with naturally oily nails tend to have premature lifting.
2. The environment that the acrylics are exposed to
3. The quality of the acrylic monomer and polymer used.

Related Articles:

When to Remove Acrylic Nails & When to Get it Filled

6 Beginner Tips to Make Acrylic Nails Easier to Apply

How long do Acrylic Nails Last Without Fill-ins

Acrylic nails will last 2 to 3 weeks until needing a fill-in to cover the gap at the back of your nails created from the growth of your natural nails.

A fill could be done at a nail salon or You can also DIY Fill your acrylic nails click here to read how.

Tips to Make Acrylic Nails Last Longer

1- Ensure Your Nails are Prepped Correctly Before Application

The most important factor that determines the lifespan of your acrylic nails is how well your natural nails were prepped before the acrylic application.

You see proper preparation allows the acrylic nails to adhere better onto your natural nails which reduces the chances of the acrylic nails lifting or chipping.

For your nails to be prepped correctly, the following things need to be done:

1. The cuticle and the area around it need to be pushed back and aligned.
2. The natural nails need to be filed.
3. The nails need to be completely clean.

How to Prep Your Cuticles For Acrylic Application

The cuticle is the clear skin at the back of your nails. Now before applying your acrylic your cuticles needs to be pushed back and the area around it needs to be filed.

You see if you dont prep your cuticles the acrylic would adhere to it instead of the nail plate which can lead to serious lifting.

I recommend using a cuticle pusher to gently push back and align your cuticles.

You can click here to read more on how to correctly push back your cuticles.

How to File Your Nails For Acrylic Application

Once your cuticles have been pushed back you then need to gently file your nails.

Ensure that you file the entire surface for each nail and pay special attention to the back end of your nails – which is the area close to your cuticles.

Filing is important because it helps to:

1. Remove the oily sheen from your nails – which prevents the acrylic from adhering well
2. Make the surface of the nail plate rougher – this allows the acrylic to grip onto your nails better.

I recommend that you file with a medium grit nail I usually use a 180 grit. You can click here to see the price for a great 100/180 grit nail file on Amazon.

How to Properly Clean Your Nails For Acrylic Application

After you have prepped your cuticles and filed your nails you then need to dust and clean your nails.

To clean your nails you need to wipe them with cotton pads soaked in pure acetone or pure rubbing alcohol.

This helps to remove any dust, dirt, and some of the oils on your nails all of which can prevent your acrylic nails from bonding to your natural nails.

Cleaning your nails also helps to kill any bacteria or germs on the nail plate which can potentially develop into a nail infection.

Recommended Cleaning Method

When cleaning your nails I recommend using pure cosmetic acetone.

Pure acetone will dissolve most of the oil on your nails and remove all of the dirt, dust, and germs. And since it’s pure it won’t contain any oil or chemicals that might hinder your acrylic nails from bonding to your nail plate.

You can click here to see the current price for a bottle of pure cosmetic acetone on Amazon.

Video Of How to Prep Your Nails For Acrylic Application

2- Use a Nail Dehydrator and A Nail Primer

A Nail Dehydrator and a Nail Primer are absolutely essential for acrylic application without them your acrylic nails would lift easily and won’t last very long.

They are as important as a base coat is for your gel manicure.

So once your nails have been prepped it is essential that you or your nail tech apply a coat of a nail dehydrator and then a coat of a nail primer.

Nail Dehydrators work by removing all of the moisture and oil on your nails which allows the acrylic to bond better to your nail plate.

Nail Primers work by either:

1. Making microscopic holes onto your nail plate allowing the acrylic to grip onto your nail plate
2. Or they act like glue bonding the acrylic onto your nails.

Mia Secret has a great combo set that comes with a nail dehydrator and a nail primer. Their primers and dehydrators will work with any brand of acrylic.

You can click here to see the current price for it on Amazon

3- Use a Top Coat

A Top Coat will form a hard protective layer over your acrylic nails.

This hard layer helps to:

• Acts as a seal to keep out water, detergent and other strong chemicals that can wear away at your acrylic nails.
• Protect your acrylic nails from getting scratched and damaged.
• Give your acrylic nails a nice smooth glossy sheen.

Now any type of top coat can work but for best results I recommend using a UV Gel Top Coat. Since they are by far the most durable and long-lasting.

So the next time you are getting acrylic nails I highly recommend getting a UV Gel Top Coat – most nail techs will happily apply a coat for you at no extra cost.

Related Article – Best Top Coats for Acrylic Nails – What You Need to Know

4- Avoid Putting Too Much Strain on the Acrylics

Too much pressure and force on your acrylic nails can slowly weaken them which can lead to lifting.

So avoid using your acrylic nails to do activities that place force and stress directly onto the acrylic nails.

Activities such as; scratching, lifting, scraping, opening containers and typing should be avoided.

Pro-Tip

When you are typing I recommend using the pads of your fingers instead of your nails.

Related Article: Nail Forms Vs Tips – Which One is Really Better & Stronger

5- Avoid Having Your Acrylic Nails Exposed to Harsh Conditions & Chemicals

Harsh conditions such as extremely high or low temperatures and exposure to strong chemicals can greatly weaken your acrylic nails which can lead to peeling and chipping.

This is why you need to avoid these activities as much as possible or wear gloves to protect your nails.

Some common activities that weaken acrylic nails are:

1. Cleaning and doing the dishes – Detergents such as soap and bleach tend to eat away at the acrylics.
2. Hot Baths – The warm soapy water will weaken your acrylic nails
3. Prolong exposure to highly chlorinated water from your pool can damage your acrylic nails.
4. Gardening – especially if you use strong pesticides can harm your acrylics
5. Cooking – intense heat has a negative effect on your acrylic nails.

Related Article: 7 Tips to Quickly Heal Damaged Nails After Acrylic Or Gel

6- Go for a Fill-in When Needed

Since acrylic nails are so long-lasting your natural nails tend to grow out which leaves a gap at the back of your nails near the cuticle area.

Now, this gap can be filled in and covered up allowing your manicure to look brand new.

Fill-ins can be done by your nail tech or if you are skilled enough by yourself. They also help to prevent lifting.

I recommend going for a fill-in every 2-3 weeks depending on the amount of growth that occurs. You can also do fill-ins at home click here to read how.

Related Article: 10 Reasons Why Acrylic Nails Lift & How to Fix & Prevent

7- Keep Your Nails Healthy & Moisturized

If your natural nails constantly dry out they can be prone to cracking and peeling which can weaken your acrylic nails.

You see the acrylic nails are anchored onto your nail plate and if the nail plate starts to crack and peel then the acrylic wouldn’t have a good foundation and will likely start to lift and peel too.

This is why it is essential that keep your nails and cuticles well moisturized and hydrated.

Recommended Cuticle and Nail Oil

I recommend using a cuticle oil pen which is very portable and allows you to easily moisturize your nails and your cuticles to keep them healthy and prevent them from cracking.

Now one of the biggest causes of drying out is when you constantly wash your hands. So I highly recommend moisturizing your nails and cuticles every time you wash your hands.

And a Cuticle oil pen allows you to quickly and easily moisturize your nails – you can click here to see the price for the brand that I recommend on Amazon.

It contains Jojoba Oil which is by far the best oil to moisturize your cuticles and nails.

Related Article: Gel vs Acrylic Nails – Which One Is Right For You

8- Use High-Quality Products

Not all acrylic products are created equal some of them are low quality and won’t last as long acrylic nails should.

I recommend sticking with well-known brands and with nail salons that use good products.

Related Article – What is Acrylic Monomer- Best Brands to Use & Side Effects

9- Strengthen Your Natural Nails

The stronger your nails are the more you can properly file and prep them for the acrylic nails.

Stronger nails help your acrylic nails to last longer because they:

• Are a stronger foundation for your acrylic nails to adhere onto -if your nails are breaking and peeling then your acrylic nails will do the same as well
• You can properly prep your nails without having to worry about damaging them which will allow your acrylic nails to adhere better.

Related Article – 7 Tips to Quickly Heal Damaged Nails After Acrylic Or Gel

10- Have Longer Natural Nails

Acrylic Nails are less likely to lift when they are applied onto nails that have some amount of length.

You see when acrylic is applied to extra short nails they have less surface area to hold onto which makes them weaker.

So it is highly recommended that you don’t cut your natural nails before getting acrylic nails.

Related Article – Acrylic Nails turn Yellow or Brown: Causes & How to Fix

11- Go For Shorter Acrylic Nails

The longer your acrylic nails the more likely they are to lift prematurely. This is why I recommend going for a shorter design if you want your acrylic nails to last extra long.

You see the longer your acrylic nails are the more likely they are to:

1. Have more pressure and strain applied to them during your normal everyday activites. This is because they have a larger surface area for force to act on.
2. To get caught and hooked in different situations, such as on fabrics, which puts alot of pressure on them.

Now the more pressure and strain applied to your acrylic nails tend to weaken the strength of the glue which will cause the nails to lift more quickly

Other Resources & Articles on Acrylic Application

How to Easily Remove Acrylic Nails Without Acetone

Dip Powder vs Acrylic Nails – Which One is Better For You

Best Alternatives to Acrylic Nails That are Safer & Better

How to Easily DIY Take Off Acrylic Nails With Vinegar

Why do Acrylic Nails Hurt & Easy Tips to Relieve the Pain

How long Do Acrylic Nails Lasts and Tips to Make Them Last Longer

How to DIY Fill in Acrylic Nails at Home

Citation and References