The Best Acrylic Nail Kit

Buying Guide

Some might dread going to the nail salon, while others see it as a choice opportunity for both conversation and relaxation. But anybody who has walked out with a carefully applied manicure can’t deny the results: knockout nails that you can coordinate a whole outfit around for weeks.

Now, it’s not exactly a secret that you can get those same results at home with a lot of practice — and of course, the right nail kit. The trick is in finding that kit, and the components can vary widely depending on your level of experience and desire for nail bling. Gel or the more expensive polygel nail kits can be easier to apply, as long as you’re willing to spring for a UV lamp. But when it comes to longevity, strength and the possibility for truly creative nail art, there’s nothing like old-school acrylic nails.

If you’re buying an acrylic nail kit, it can be easy to get distracted by the range of colors and the shine of the glitter. Do yourself a favor and make sure you’ve got the basic components first. Since acrylic nails are actually synthetic nails that bond onto your natural ones, you’re going to need those nail tips, nail tip glue and a dehydrating coat that you can apply to your nails beforehand. Most nail tips these days are made from ethyl methacrylate, but stay away from older ones made from the harder methyl methacrylate, or MMA. It may seem like only a one-letter difference, but the FDA has found that the latter substance can cause swelling and other allergic reactions in some users.

Next up: The fun stuff. Once those nails are on securely, you’ll want to apply a primer coat. After that dries, you can start applying the actual acrylic paint, and that’s where a bit of science comes in. Acrylic nails require a mixture of liquid monomer with acrylic powder. Get the mixture just right, and your nails won’t just look great, they’ll actually be stronger and can last for four weeks or more. Get it wrong, and you can end up with blotchy claws that will end up worse for the wear in the long run.

For this reason, beginner nail kits should ideally include some model nails to practice that mixture on. As a broad rule, you’re going to want a ratio of one part powder to one and a half parts liquid monomer. There’s some wiggle room there, but try not to add any more liquid than a 1:2 ratio. If your mixture goes from a firm bead to a puddle on the nail in less than 20 seconds, you’ve probably mixed it too wet. Good, fresh powder can make a lot of difference here, so watch out for powder that seems too chalky.

That’s it for the chemicals, or at least the essential ones. Of course, the sky is the limit when it comes to the various colors and extra bling that you might want in a true nail art kit. Once you’ve got the basics down, you can try dressing up your acrylics with glitter, rhinestones, decals or stenciled paintings if you’re really confident in your artistic skills.

Don’t forget the tools, either. You won’t be able to apply any of that acrylic without some brushes, and shoddy ones can wear out very quickly — especially if you’re mixing your polish too thickly. If you’re shaping your own extensions, you’ll want an acrylic mold, and emery boards and clippers are a must. Once you start getting the hang of your home manicure, you’ll inevitably want to resupply and try out new colors or appliques. The trick is to find a starter kit that gives you enough product to practice with at a price you can afford.

Once you get that nail kit, it can be tempting to just slap on that extension and start picking your polish. In a word: don’t. Preparation is crucial to sturdy, great-looking results and acrylics slapped on to poorly-filed or wet nails can hurt the next day.

First, file down your nails so that you only have about a millimeter or so of space at the edge. Wipe down the nails with some anti-bacterial spray and push your cuticles up carefully with a fine edge. Dry the nails thoroughly, apply some primer and you’re ready to go.