Practice makes perfect. For newbie nail techs, acrylic nails can be tricky, so we suggest reading an in-depth acrylic guide if you want to know the basics about acrylic nails.

Additionally, mistakes are inevitable in every nail tech journey, but learning from those mishaps can help you grow and be a better nail professional in the future. Let's break down the common mistakes professionals make when doing acrylic nails.

 

 

Here are the top acrylic nail mistakes:

 

 

1. Not letting your nails breathe when they need to

 

There's nothing wrong with loving acrylic nails, and we don't blame you for wanting to have a fresh nail acrylic set often; however, if you're starting to experience extreme dryness and nail issues, your nails have got to breathe as well. Acetone dehydrates your nails, and adding on to retouch layers too frequently may leave your nails parched and brittle. 

We suggest letting your nails breathe when your nails and the surrounding skin have gotten weak; take your resting time as an opportunity to check out acrylic nail designs on our Instagram page or Facebook community.

 

 

2. Overbuffing your nails 

 

Buffing is an essential step during nail prep, but excessive buffing and filing will weaken your nails, making application harder and compromising longevity. You can read our nail prep starter guide to learn about prepping your nails the right way, from gel nails to acrylic nails.

 

 

3. Incorrect product storage

 

It's important to store your nail products at a safe and optimal temperature. You can read our blog on proper nail storage and organization to get ideas on where you can store your favorite nail goodies. Your room temperature should not be too hot or too cold.

 

 

4. Not replacing nail lamp light bulbs 

 

Depending on the type of nail lamp you're using, it could last around 50,000 hours of UV/LED life. However, you also have to consider not overcharging or damaging the cord. Check the bulbs now to see if all the light bulbs are working. If you need a new nail lamp, check out our latest iGel Beauty Hybrid Pro 3.0 XL Nail Lamp.

 

 

5. Uneven nail surface or length

 

Lopsided tips or free edges are a no-no when doing acrylic nails because they can make the application look uneven. Please take the time to file, shape, and attach your nail tips correctly for a seamless appearance.

 

 

6. Uneven acrylic layers

 

When layering, it must be thin near the cuticle and thicker near the middle and the ends. (Thickness Limit: No thicker than a business card)

Moreover, some are used to "Hard Dabbing". We sometimes get so excited that we press down too hard. However, remember that the goal is to get a smooth and even layer.

 

 

7. Using incompatible monomers for your acrylic powder

 

More highly pigmented colors like our own require a slow-setting compatible monomer. If you're using an incompatible monomer, it may cause marbling, yellowing, and dry too fast when you're applying acrylic.

 

 

8. Drippy or dry acrylic bead

 

Gently dip your brush, and remove the monomer just right so the liquid is evident: not drippy, but still wet like damp hair from the shower.

• Wet Bead. Too Much Monomer.

Effect: a weak, runny structure; the bead is difficult to pick the bead up.

Warning: When exposed to too much monomer, you or your client may develop an allergic reaction. This also occurs when the monomer is mistakenly used as a primer beforehand.

• Dry Bead. Too Little Monomer.

Effect: a too-powdery (in some cases, crumbly) snowball-like structure

Warning: Not only will it not set right on the nail, but it would likely also damage your brush by hardening deep within its bristles.

 

 

9. Not working on your angles

 

When applying acrylic, angles matter; always make sure to angle your client's nails downward, facing towards you when applying. Work on your angles and see what works for you; it's a trial-and-error phase.

• Small Bead - Less Liquid, Higher Angle

• Medium Bead - Less Liquid, 45° Angle

• Big Bead - More Liquid, Lower Angle

 

 

10. Flooding the side walls

 

This issue will cause your acrylic not to adhere to your skin for an extended period and transform into a chipped section. This influences the overall form and appearance of your nails. It's advisable to refrain from flooding the sidewalls and focus on your acrylic application and nail preparation. 

 

 

11. Pulling your acrylics off

 

We know that you can pull off any nail design from Ombre acrylic nails to Nude acrylic nails. But when it comes to literal pulling, aka removing acrylics from your nails, know that it can cause significant damage.

Acrylics are durable, and they stick to your nails firmly. However, by pulling them off, you might damage your entire nail bed, cuticle, and surrounding nail folds. It would cause brittleness, chipping in some areas, and even nail holes. 

 

 

12. Not cleaning your brush after use

 

Monomers harden your powders, so clean the brush with a tissue after each bead placement, leaving no space in between the bristles of your favorite acrylic brush. Gently clean your brush with a tissue to prevent buildup. 

Acrylic nail designs are here to stay, and as a nail tech, you want to be an expert on doing acrylic nails for your clients. Acrylic nails are easy and fun to do once you have mastered them and learned to avoid the common mistakes some nail techs make. You can join our iGel Beauty Facebook community to get more acrylic nail inspiration and learn the best practices in the nail industry.