Acrylic with extensions refers to a popular nail service that adds length and strength to your natural nails using acrylic material. It's commonly known as an acrylic full-set.
Understanding Acrylic Full-Sets
According to industry practices, an Acrylic full-set, also known as nail extensions, is the process where length is added to the natural nail before applying the acrylic product. This is one of the most sought-after nail enhancement services.
How Extensions are Added
Extensions can be added in two primary ways:
- Using Tip Extensions: Pre-shaped plastic tips are glued onto the end of your natural nail to instantly add length. The acrylic is then applied over the natural nail and the tip, blending them together and creating a strong, durable overlay.
- Using Nail Forms: A sticker-like form is fitted snugly under the free edge of your natural nail. The acrylic product is then built out onto this form to create the desired length and shape. Once the acrylic hardens, the form is removed, leaving a sculpted nail extension. This method is often used to achieve a more natural look as the extension is sculpted directly rather than relying on a pre-made tip.
The Acrylic Application Process
Once the extension method is chosen and applied, the acrylic powder and liquid mixture is carefully sculpted over the entire nail bed and the new extension. This mixture hardens into a strong, protective layer.
After the acrylic has cured (hardened), it is:
- Shaped as desired: The technician files and buffs the nail into the chosen shape (e.g., square, round, almond, stiletto).
- Painted with polish: The final step typically involves applying nail polish or gel polish to complete the look.
In essence, "acrylic with extensions" describes the standard process of getting an acrylic full-set, where the primary goal is to extend the length of the natural nail using tips or forms, followed by the application and shaping of acrylic.
