Kayla Young
Have you been lusting over beautiful acrylic nails on Insta and Tik Tok, but haven’t taken the leap yourself? Maybe you’re not sure what the process is, or what you’re in for.
What’s the time commitment? How long do acrylic nails take to apply?
An acrylic nail set takes between 30 and 60 minutes to complete the whole process.Â
Add more time to this if you are getting nail designs done. The amount extra will depend on the complexity of your acrylic nail application and the amount of experience the nail technician has concerning with the acrylic application and decoration process.
- Basic acrylic nails can take about an hour to apply
- Depending on the shape and design, it might take longer
- The process will be faster if you have someone who is experienced
In this article, we’ll look at how long they take to apply, what aspects take the longest, and what you can do to lessen the time spent at the salon.
Contents
Do Some Fake Nails Take Longer To Apply Than Others?
The process of custom-shaping acrylic nails takes longer than simply shaping nails. Since acrylic nails have a higher strength than normal nails, they can be made longer and in various shapes.
Some of the most common nail shapes you will see on people is the coffin style, which is shaped like a coffin, as the name applies. The stiletto ones have a point, and the almond acrylics have a more rounded edge than the coffin nails.
Long nails look best with these nail shapes, and people tend to wear long acrylic nails these days. Typically, the longer nails need more acrylics to make them stronger, and it takes longer to shape and file them appropriately.
A single nail can take up to 2 minutes to achieve its final shape. Then, you must multiply that by 10 for all your fingers.Â
Back when acrylic nails were first introduced, salon technicians, at the time, created shorter, more straightforward acrylic nail designs. Their typical shape was short, oval, rounded, and square. As a result, it took less than 30 minutes to finish a set of nail art.Â
Back when acrylic nails were first introduced, salon technicians, at the time, created shorter, more straightforward acrylic nail designs. Their typical shape was short, oval, rounded, and square. As a result, it took less than 30 minutes to finish a set of nail art.Â
The Cure Time of Polish Can Be Lengthy
When applying nail polish to your nails, the time it takes you to do so depends on the nail polish type you are using.
For example, a gel polish visit makes the salon appointment longer.Â
Each layer must be exposed to ultraviolet or LED light to cure the gel polish. This is why it takes longer. You need to think about how this must be done to each fingernail, and you have 10.
You won’t have to wait as long for a regular lacquer nail polish… but on the other hand, the lacquer won’t last as long, either!
Time Can Be Extended by Nail Art
Lastly, don’t forget about the pretty nail art. This can be applied in as little as a few minutes as patterned acrylic nails and solid colors. Using the right supplies and keeping the right mindset can make nail art deceptively simple.
But what if you want to add glitter, gems, and other decorations? These all add time and effort, but they are often worth it!
Size Matters
The longer your nails, the more surface area that needs to be decorated and cared for. More nail = more time = more cost. That’s how it is!
Removing Nails and Repairing Makes the Process Longer
If you have a nail that is chipped or broken, it will need to be replaced. This takes time to do. Fill-ins will also take 20 minutes or so, depending on the design and circumstances.
If you are removing all the acrylics and starting again, it can take up to 20 to 30 mins to soak the nails in acetone and remove them. If you want to use a non-acetone solution, it will take even longer!
More time must be added to prepare the bare nails before putting more on. To save time, you can soak the acrylics off at home before going into the salon.
This simple trick can save you around 30 mins if you are short on time. Some professional nail techs will apply a cuticle oil on your nails after removing the acrylics. The acetone can completely dry your nails out and risk becoming too damaged if they are not treated.Â
Depending on the type of treatment you have, such as cuticle oil, you will need to allow another 20 mins for that to be applied, rubbed in, and then buffed.
What Is the Life Expectancy of Acrylics?
If you’re considering getting acrylic nails, you may wonder whether it’s worth the wait, hassle, and cost. As long as they are applied properly, a set of acrylics usually lasts for two months or more.
The salon recommends you return every two to three weeks just to fill them in.Â
The salon recommends you return every two to three weeks to fill them in.
During the growth of your nail, you will develop a gap between your nail base and acrylic. The new growth will need to be filled in for the acrylics to look their best. The cost of a fill-in is usually less than that of a new full set.
In the case of brittle or loose acrylic nails, they will need to be replaced. You may notice air bubbles as they pull away from your natural nail. If they begin to break or come off, you should have them replaced at the salon.
If you don’t like waiting around in the salon to get your nails done, look after them. Caring for them as per instructions, you won’t need to rush in to get them done again!
Not looking after them and exposing them to water all the time can make them deteriorate quicker than usual. Be careful washing your hair. Wear gloves when washing dishes. Dry them off after you swim. Don’t let water get underneath the acrylics, as it can lead to fingernail fungus.
If you don’t like waiting around in the salon to get your nails done, look after them. Caring for them as per instructions, you won’t need to rush in to get them done again!
Conclusion
When your nails are buffered and shaped, a skilled nail technician will take the time to ensure they are all uniform. The salon will take a considerable amount of your time, from 30-60 min, plus more for any nail art.
Then, when you see your new nails, you’ll know the time was well spent! Uf you’re careful and look after them, you may only need to keep getting them filled, which is half the cost and time.
