Acrylic nails with sculptural extension technology become strong, durable and look natural. In connection with the emergence of new means for nail extension, it is convenient and easy to work with them. This method of creating artificial nails is the most difficult to master, but once you have mastered it, you have a variety of possibilities. Acrylic can be used to create nail tips, reshape ugly nails, and strengthen weak nails.
Acrylic nails are obtained by combining liquid monomer (liquid) and polymer powder. This process consists of several stages. First, the monomer interacts with the powder. Additives are released and "swell" or "melt" occurs. Then polymerization begins, and the composition looks more like a gel, which is easy to work with. The hardening stage usually takes 3 to 10 minutes. Then the nail becomes hard enough to file (if you knock on it, you will hear a click). Then it hardens completely, but this takes several hours. Therefore, making the extension procedure yourself, be very careful at this time so as not to break it!
As soon as you apply the product to the nail, it hardens, the composition dries. If the liquid and powder are exposed to insufficiently high temperatures, crystallization may occur. In most cases, stabilizers are added to the liquid monomer to avoid crystallization, or sold with a special additive called a monomer enhancer.
Materials for nail extension:
In addition to the usual manicure worktable, you will need the following: three flat jars for work, a sable hair brush for applying the composition, a cuticle stick, a primer or acrylic adhesive, a disinfectant solution, acrylic powder (clear, white and pink), acrylic liquid monomer, manufacturer's instructions, nail forms, files and polishing bars, base for varnish, nail polish and colored nail varnish.
Step 1. Preparing the nail for extension - an independent procedure
Prepare your nail by carefully removing all traces of cuticle from the plate, then dehydrate.
Step 2. Form is not just a matter of taste
File the free edge of the nail to shape it.
Step 3. Keratin and polymer - the right mix
Apply one coat of acrylic glue or primer to your natural nail to help the keratin bond with the polymer more easily.
Step 4. Attach the base form for nail extension
Attach the shape of your choice to the nail, make sure it fits. During further work, the form must hold tight. If you are using a reusable mold, slide it over the tip of your finger so that the free edge of the nail goes over it and holds on tightly. If using disposable molds, separate one from the paper and fold it so that it follows the natural bulge of your finger. Glue to the sides of your finger, make sure it is firmly attached under the nail and flush with the natural nail.
Step 5. Technology of nail extension - monomer plus polymer
Pour liquid (monomer) and powder (polymer) into different glass containers or jars. If you are using the two-tone method, you will need three containers: one for white nail tip powder, one for clear, flesh or pink, and one for acrylic liquid, it is three-quarters full. Dip the brush into the liquid so that no air bubbles remain in the hairs. Then take it out and be sure to press it against the edge of the container to squeeze out the excess monomer. Blot the brush gently with a paper towel.
Step 6. Determine on your own the amount of powder for a nail extension
Gently dip the tip of the brush into a white powder and, twisting slightly, brush it over the surface of the resin. Draw up as much powder as the brush can hold. The powder should be as much as you need for one false nail. The liquid and powder must react - take your time. Take the brush out of the second container.
Step 7. Acrylic balls
Place the resulting acrylic ball in the center of the nail mold where the free edge of the natural nail ends on it (along the "smile line"). When the ball settles - it will take a few seconds - you can start working. Gently knead and press the mass into the shape of the center of the brush. Wipe it down on a paper towel from time to time to remove excess acrylic.
Step 8. How to form a nail - build in parallel
Make sure the side lines are parallel and continue to shape the nail. Light touches create a more natural looking nail. If you are using the two-tone method, create a natural free edge line with white powder to create a French manicure look.
Step 9. Pink acrylic powder - second ball
Create the second acrylic bead using pink acrylic powder.
Place the second acrylic ball in the center of the natural nail next to the free edge line.
Step 10. A thin layer of acrylic - the subtleties of nail extension technology
Spread the acrylic mass over the nail towards the side walls with light tapping touches of the brush. Make sure that the acrylic is lightly layered.
Step 11. Third acrylic bead
Place the third acrylic bead on the cuticle area.
Step 12. Make your nails look natural
Spread the ball over the nail. Brush along the edge of the nail to smooth out any imperfections. For natural-looking nails, the acrylic layer at the cuticle, along the side walls and at the free edge should be very thin.
Step 13. Signal for completion
Tap your nails with the non-working end of the brush to hear the characteristic clicking sound. It indicates that the nails are dry.
Step 14. Removing the forms
Once the nails are completely dry, remove the molds.
Step 15. Polishing - by yourself using a file with medium grain - a component of the technology of nail extension
Use a medium-grit emery file to shape and polish your nails to get a smooth finish.
Step 16. … and a drop of oil
Apply a base coat under the varnish, two coats of colored varnish (optional) and a coat of fixer varnish. Finally, apply a drop of cuticle oil to each nail.
Professional advice:
For both a professional and a beginner who performs the procedure of nail extension on their own, the most difficult thing is to achieve the correct consistency of the product. The correct ratio of liquid to powder is very important to create strong, durable and flexible false nails that will not separate from natural nails. Otherwise, they may flake off or break. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly, as the ratio of the ingredients varies from brand to brand. Never mix the components of nail extension products on your own, as the catalyst system of different brands may not match, and the rest of the additives will not work together.
