How Long Do Acrylics Last? Manicurists Weigh In

Whether you have a hard time keeping your nails strong and healthy or just love an extended set of claws, fake nails are sometimes the way to go. Acrylic nails are a super popular option because they provide long-lasting length and thickness. But how long do acrylic nails last? According to the pros, the range is two to three weeks.

"Acrylics are a safe and great option to add length if you find a great tech to perform the service," emphasizes manicurist Fleury Rose. She also stresses the importance of taking good care of your acrylic nails for optimal results. Keep scrolling to learn more about acrylic nails, and how to make them last.

Meet the expert

• Fleury Rose is a nail artist who has worked on campaigns for the likes of Milk Makeup and Lancôme.
• Maki Miyata is a nail artist and educator based in New York City.
  

Acrylic Nails Explained

"Acrylic nails are artificial nail enhancements that go over your nails to add length and thickness," says Rose. Nail artist Maki Miyata adds: "Acrylic nails are applied by mixing a liquid (monomer) and powder (polymer) to create a paste, which is then applied to the natural nails. The mixture is then sculpted and shaped."

Acrylic Fill vs. Full Set

A full set of acrylics is what happens when a new set of acrylics are applied to the nails. After two to three weeks, the nails will have grown in, creating a gap between the base of the nails and the acrylics. When this happens, you can get a fill. This is when more acrylic solution is applied to the base of the nails and filed to blend seamlessly with the preexisting acrylics. Know that if you experience a crack or a break to the acrylic, Miyata says it will need to be replaced instead of filled.

You can get a fill a few times before you need a new full set. "It depends on the person, but usually, after three to four visits, you need a new set," says Rose.

How to Make Acrylic Nails Last Longer

There's nothing you can do to prevent your nails from growing (and why would you want to??), so you can't exactly stretch acrylics beyond that three-week mark, but you can do things to prevent damage and breakage that would require you to head io the salon early.

1. Be gentle with your nails

As long as your acrylics are applied correctly, you'll only incur damage if you're rough with them. "Be gentle with your hands and don't use your nails as tools," says Rose.

2. Keep them away from water

"Wear dishwashing gloves and don’t soak your hands in water," says Rose. That's because over-exposure to water can cause the acrylics to lift from the nails, which can then lead to breakage (to both the acrylic and possibly your natural nail.)

3. Don't pick

Plain and simple — don't pick at your acrylics. Leave them be and allow them to thrive.

Acrylic Nails vs. Gel Tips

Both acrylic nails and gel tips are options to elongate the nail. "Gel is hardened with the use of LED or UV light, while acrylic air dries to hardness," says Rose. They're both safe, effective, and long-lasting options, so which one you choose is up to you. "They both can last the same amount of time due to many factors dependent on both the nail technician and the client."

When Acrylic Nails Can Cause Damage

Acrylic nails won't cause damage to your natural nails as long as they're done right. That's why you should always go to a professional to handle your acrylics — and make sure they're good. "Do your research! If the cost of the service is extremely low you should steer clear," says Rose.

Rose says she often sees damage happen with improper removal. "When the client pulls them off, it removes layers of keratin and weakens the nails," says Rose.

How to Safely Remove Acrylic Nails

Acrylic removal is not something you should do at home. For example, while an e-file is a totally safe tool when used by a trained professional, sometimes an uninformed nail tech (or overzealous DIYer might over-grind the nails, "leaving the nail beds to be thin and damaged," she says. Miyata adds that "your natural nails can be ruined by over-filing if you don’t know how much to file."

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