Applying acrylic nails is a big business and is only set to grow. Some forecasters estimate that the artificial nails market will be worth more than $2.5bn globally by 2030. One of the big drivers of the market is nail art, with customers wanting to express themselves and adorn their nails with unique and beautiful designs. In this piece, we'll discuss the equipment you will need as a professional nail technician in order for you to create beautiful acrylic nails time after time.
Understanding Acrylic Nails
Before we start a deep dive into exploring which products you will need let's start with a brief history of acrylic nails. Acrylic nails are made from a mixture of a polymer and monomer that once mixed, hardens to form a protective layer over the natural nail. They often come in many shapes and sizes and can be used to add length or simply as an overlay. Acrylic nails (or acrylics) first appeared on the market in the 1970s, and since then they have become a favorite of many nail technicians. So why are acrylic nails so popular in the U.S? The main benefit of acrylic nails is that they can be sculpted to the desired shape and are strong, durable and waterproof. They can also be painted in any color and decorated with art or gems so your clients get maximum creativity as well as durability. But when it comes to applying acrylic nails, the quality of the products used is of paramount importance. So let's deep dive into what you will need to provide your clients with perfect acrylic nails, time after time.
The power of monomer
A key ingredient that often goes unnoticed is monomer. While it may appear unremarkable in its own right, monomer when mixed with acrylic powder plays a vital role in creating perfect acrylic nails. Achieving the correct mix ratio is crucial; it transforms the powder and liquid into a sculptable bead. Acrylic powder is never applied directly onto the nail. Instead, it forms a paste-like bead when combined with the liquid monomer, providing the ideal medium for sculpting flawless acrylic nails.
Acrylic Nail Brushes
Like any painter, a nail artist will require the right brush. The Glitterbels Acrylic Brush is specifically created for smoothly applying Glitterbels acrylic powders, resulting in a flawless finish for clients and comes in sizes between 8 and 14. Choosing the right size brush is important as it can play a role in the quality and speed of the nail application. The Glitterbels Acrylic Brush is made with an ergonomically designed handle to give you the perfect grip, allowing you to create stunning nail art with ease.
Acrylic Nail Drills
Choosing the right drill for acrylic nails is absolutely paramount in ensuring a smooth, efficient, and most importantly, safe acrylic nail application. An acrylic nail drill, also known as an electric file (or efile), serves multiple functions in the process of acrylic nail design. A drill helps in preparing the nail bed, shaping and filing the acrylics, and removing old nail designs. A high-quality drill provides a consistent speed and power that allows you to work with precision, thereby reducing the chance of filing too deeply, which can cause discomfort and damage to the client's nails. Moreover, a good quality nail drill is also essential in helping you achieve the professional, salon-like finish that clients love. Not all drills are made equal – they vary in speed, bits, power, and design – so investing in the right one ensures that you are equipped to handle different nail types and designs to keep your customers coming back to you every time.
Primer & Dehydrator
First of all what is primer and why is it so important in the context of the application of acrylic nails? Primer is used to help the acrylic adhere better as well as helping to prevent lifting and promote adhesion. Dehydrator serves the purpose of dehydrating the natural nail and preparing it for acrylic application, as well as helping to preserve the longevity of the acrylics once applied. Dehydrators are also designed to remove oils from the nails. Using a good quality dehydrator is essential for creating the perfect set of acrylic nails for your clients.
The importance of quality products
When choosing products for applying acrylic nails safe and effective products is often at the forefront of many nail technicians' mind. At Glitterbels, we understand the importance of using quality products in the application of acrylic nails. That's why our products have been designed to be easy to use but still deliver professional results every time.