If you’ve ever gotten your nails done, you’re likely familiar with acrylics. They have long been one of the most popular types of nail enhancements. They’re also referred to as L+P (liquid and powder) because, as nail artist Lauren Denney points out, liquid and powder are key to their creation.
“Acrylic nails are a combination of liquid monomer and acrylic powder (polymer),” she explains. “When you mix the liquid with the powder, a polymerization process takes place and hardens, which sets the acrylic.”
Like polygel nails, acrylic nails are sculpted onto the nail with a form, Denney says. Or, a tip is glued to the nail, and acrylic is then overlaid to boost the nail’s shape, length, and strength.
As for how acrylic nails come to life, Bellacures nail artist Hayley Dang let us in on the process. “We take a brush and dip it into an acrylic liquid—we use this to make a moldable acrylic bead by dipping the wet brush into our acrylic powder,” she explains. “Once we have our bead, we place it into the nail bed, spreading it until it is even across the length of your natural nail and the plastic tip.”
It’s this step, she says, that makes or breaks an acrylic mani, as it’s what creates a natural-looking nail surface that’s smooth and uniform.
“After giving the powder time to harden, we begin filing the nail into whichever shape you’d like, whether it be coffin, stiletto, almond, round, or square,” Dang says. “[Acrylic nails] truly are a stunning look for those who like their nails to be a bit longer in length, or like the look of an elongated finger.”
Now that you’re up to speed on the acrylic process, let’s dive into shapes. Ahead, learn more about the top five acrylic nail shapes.`And if you’re here because of a certain nail shape debate? Remember that acrylic nail shapes can’t really be ranked, as their popularity depends on personal preference. “There is no ‘one size fits all’ when picking the perfect nail shape for you,” Dang adds. “It just depends on the individual’s personal preference and style.”
Meet the Experts
- Lauren Denney is a celebrity nail artist and educator, trained by celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec.
- Hayley Dang is a nail artist at Bellacures in Los Angeles.
