Should You DIY Your Own Acrylic Nails?

Seriously, who doesn’t love acrylic nails? Sure, you can grow your nails out and do that natural look, but sometimes the boldness of an acrylic nail is, well, bold! Just think about it, acrylic nails are the ultimate accessory for hands that mean business.

They can elevate any outfit, make typing sound authoritative, and give you that “put-together” energy, right? But the question is, should you take matters into your own hands, like literally just DIY your acrylic nails? It sounds exciting, sure, but is it all fun and games, or a disaster waiting to happen? But really, is this even a good idea?

There’s the Temptation of DIY Acrylic Nails

There’s something empowering about the idea of doing your own acrylic nails. First off, there’s the whole cost. Salon appointments can drain your wallet pretty fast, right? Plus, there’s those touch ups that you’re going to need too.

So, with a DIY kit, you get all the tools to create your own magic for the price of a single salon visit. But you should keep in mind that DIY kits are rarely high quality, and you’re usually going to miss out on things such as builder gel, high quality acrylics, and maybe a few other things. But overall, you can go full creative genius mode, so you can choose your length, shape, and design without anyone raising an eyebrow at your glitter obsession.

Everyone Loves Flexilbitiy

But here’s another thing: DIY also offers flexibility. There’s no need for waiting for an appointment, no explaining your vision to a nail tech who insists “almond” nails are better than the coffin style, and if you have a preference, you should just have your preference, right? Plus, you call the shots.

But there are Risks of Going DIY

Okay, so now for the reality check. Acrylic nails might look simple, but they require technique. No, really, all the YouTube tutorials in the world won’t help you become a master DIY-er. So, applying the tips, blending the acrylic, and shaping them to perfection isn’t child’s play. If you do a bad job, you risk your nails getting uneven, lumpy, or worse, even crooked.

Plus, there’s also the matter of damage. Acrylic nails, when done poorly, can wreak havoc on your natural nails. They’re not supposed to damage your natural nails, either! But on top of that, removal is another beast you’ll have to deal with, so if you skip the proper steps, you’ll be peeling off layers of your natural nails alongside the acrylic.

You Have to Think About Hygiene

But are damaged nails really the only thing here? No, there’s the aspect of hygiene, too. Now, you need to remember that salons follow strict protocols to keep everything sanitised, but at home, it’s easy to overlook sterilising your tools. Bacteria and infections don’t care how good your colour match is.

But What’s the Verdict?

DIY acrylic nails can be a fabulous idea if you’re prepared to put in the time, effort, and patience. Plus, you just need to understand that not all DIY kits are made equally. However, if you value flawless results, aren’t confident in your precision, or just don’t have the patience for trial and error, leaving it to the professionals is the way to go.