When it comes to nail trends, acrylic nails have remained a popular choice for decades, offering a wide range of options for both everyday wearers and celebrities. With countless nail designs, lengths, finishes, and shapes available, acrylic nails are a versatile option that can suit anyone’s personal style. Their popularity stems from their ability to provide added length and durability, making them ideal for those looking to create detailed nail art on a larger surface. If you’re curious about this nail trend or thinking about trying it out, here’s everything you need to know, along with some stylish acrylic nail ideas to take to your next salon appointment.
What Are Acrylic Nails?
Acrylic nails are artificial nail extensions made from a plastic material known as acrylic. These extensions are adhered to your natural nails to create longer, more durable tips.
Alternatively, acrylic nails can also be created by combining a liquid acrylic monomer with a powdered acrylic polymer.
When these two ingredients are mixed, they form a moldable substance that can be shaped directly onto your natural nails without the need for pre-formed tips.
The beauty of this process is that it dries quickly, allowing for fast application. Thanks to its composition, there is no need to cure acrylic nails with UV light, as they air dry in a matter of seconds.”
With proper care, acrylic nails can last up to five weeks before requiring a touch-up or infill.
Acrylic vs. Gel Nails: What’s the Difference?
Both acrylic and gel nails provide durability and strength, but there are key differences between the two. Gel nails require the use of a UV lamp to harden and don’t involve false extensions—only gel polishes.
Gel nails are perfect for a more natural look, and builder-in-a-bottle (BIAB) nails offer additional strength and structure for those seeking extra durability. However, if you’re looking to add length to your nails, acrylic is the best choice.
Whether you want a modern coffin-shaped manicure or a classic almond nail design, acrylics offer more flexibility when it comes to achieving longer, stylish nails.
1. Green gel polish
© Shutterstock
2. Shades Of Nude
© Shutterstock
3. Light cyan and white
© Shutterstock
4. Dark Gradients
© Shutterstock
5. Metallics
© Shutterstock
6. Alphabets On Nails
© Shutterstock
7. Rainbow Cartoons
© Shutterstock
8. Glittery Pink
© Shutterstock
9. Valentine’s Effect
© Shutterstock
10. Yellow With Black
© Shutterstock
11. Dual Colour
© Shutterstock
12. Dark And Light Combination
© Shutterstock
13. Red-Black Mix
© Shutterstock
14. Matt Black
© Shutterstock
15. Maroon And Black
© Shutterstock
16. Dotted Orange
17. Colour Fusion
© Shutterstock
18. Diamond Design
© Shutterstock
19. Matte Purple
© Shutterstock
20. Plain Glitter
© Shutterstock
21. Funky Pink
© Shutterstock
22. Flowery Effect
© Shutterstock
23. Elegant Red Matt
© Shutterstock
24. Stylish Combination
© Shutterstock
25. Simple Blue
© Shutterstock
26. Marble Finish
© Shutterstock
27. Rhythmic Colour Mix
© Shutterstock
28. Watermarble Zigzag
© Shutterstock
29. Coloured Checks
© Shutterstock
30. Nothingness
© Shutterstock
31. 5-Colour Match
© Shutterstock
32. Black Gold
© Shutterstock
33. Perfect Combo
© Shutterstock
34. Light-Dark Floral
© Shutterstock
35. Light Stars
© Shutterstock
36. Watermelon Punch
© Shutterstock
37. Winter Special
© Shutterstock
38. Professional Match
© Shutterstock
39. Pure White
© Shutterstock
40. Beige Matte
© Shutterstock
41. Red Tips
© Shutterstock
42. Cocktail Mix
© Shutterstock
43. Pure Green
© Shutterstock
44. Vibrant Beauty
© Shutterstock
45. Purple Tradition
© Shutterstock
46. Shades Of Blue
© Shutterstock
47. White Sheet
© Shutterstock
48. Matte Blue
© Shutterstock
49. Shiny Beige
© Shutterstock
50. Shiny Maroon
© Shutterstock