What are Acrylic enhancements and overlays?

Acrylic enhancements and overlays are created using a monomer and an acrylic powder to create an extension or an overlay on a natural nail. These are combined together on a brush which is then used to shape the nail.

Enhancements are applied to extend the length of the natural nail and overlays are applied over the natural nail to add strength.

Acrylic powder is available in a range of colours which means it can be used to create a variety of effects. Once filed and buffed, Gel polish can also be applied over Acrylic nails.

Jewels not tools

• Firstly, and maybe most importantly — treat your nails as jewels.  While acrylic is strong, it isn’t indestructible, so don’t use your nails as tools as this will cause breakages. Take care with your new nails, especially if you are not used to having your nails longer. Think about how you use your hands—you will soon get used to using your hands in a different way and your nail enhancements will feel just as natural as your own nails.
• Wear gloves for housework, gardening etc to protect your nails (and hands). Repeated exposure to household chemicals and water will weaken and damage your enhancements or overlays—keep them protected. Some tinted products like tanning lotions, moisturisers and hair products can discolour your enhancements so wash your hands thoroughly after use and if possible wear gloves.
• Use cuticle oil and hand cream daily (if possible twice a day — morning and night). Hand cream will moisturise your hands and keep them younger looking, and cuticle oil will nourish the nail root and keep the cuticles soft and supple.
• Never pick or peel your Acrylic enhancements or overlays. If your nails become damaged or you see lifting please contact Daisy Nails and I will have a look at the damage for you and discuss the best way to repair your nail. Depending on your lifestyle you will need to have an infill or rebalance every 2-3 weeks. If regular maintenance of acrylic nails is not carried out, as they grow they will become weaker. This is due to general wear and tear and also due to the fact that as your nail grows the structure of the enhancement changes, which means  the chance of a breakage is higher.
• Appointments should be booked every 2-3 weeks to allow the enhancements or overlays to be filed and reshaped. Any damage or lifting will be repaired or removed, the regrowth area will be infilled and the structure of the nail rebalanced. Future appointments can be booked before leaving the salon.
• Think carefully about the length of your nails at your appointment and make sure they match your lifestyle. Try to avoid shortening the length of your nails yourself as this can cause damage to the enhancement or overlay. Never cut your enhancements or overlays with scissors or nail clippers. The length of your nail will be changed at your next appointment if they are too long. If you can’t wait until your next appointment please contact Daisy Nails to book in to have your nails shortened.
• Acrylic nails can have Gel Polish applied to them. If you have a Gel Polish applied over the top please follow the advice in your Gel Polish leaflet too.
• And finally… enjoy your beautiful new nails. Show them off!