Swimsuit

What You Should Know About Acrylic Nails, According to a Pro

All of your burning questions are answered.

Jordi Lippe-McGraw

John Sciulli/Getty Images

We’ve reached a moment where it feels like almost anything goes with nail art. Gel polish has ruled in recent years, long acrylics have never been more popular, and short simple nails are also finally coming back in style. And while there will forever be a debate as to which one is better, we know that many celebritiesβ€”Kylie Jenner and Hailey Bieber, to name a fewβ€”rock some stunning acrylic manicures. After all, it’s one of the easiest ways to get those crazy cool long claws. So, if you’ve not yet delved into the world of acrylic nails, what should you know beforehand?

We tapped nail expert Emily Rudman, CEO and founder of Emilie Heathe, to answer all of our questions.

What are acrylic nails?

β€œAcrylic nails are nail extensions/nail enhancements.”

How are they applied?

β€œThe process of getting acrylic nails involves the application of a liquid and powder mixture to the nail. This paste then hardens and adheres to the nail. Lastly, the nails get filed down to the desired shape.” Popular nail shapes include oval/almond, round, square, coffin, and stiletto.

How do you remove them?

β€œAcrylic nails can be removed by soaking nails in acetone. To protect your cuticles, apply some petroleum jelly around your nail beds and fingers. Next, wrap the nails with acetone-saturated cotton balls covered by aluminum foil. Allow the nails to soak for about 20 minutes. If the nails have soaked for long enough, the acrylic will easily detach itself from the nail.”

Are there different types of acrylic nails?

β€œThere are two kinds of acrylic typically used in nail salons. They are ethyl methacrylate (EMA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA). EMA is the best option for your nails because it is easier to remove and causes less damage to the nail bed.”

What kind of styles can you do with acrylic nails?

β€œThere are tons of different styles to try with acrylic nails. From length to shape to design, the possibilities are endless ... Designs can be as simple as a French manicure or more elaborate like an embellished manicure with gemstones. However [2022 and 2023’s] biggest trend appears to be glazed donut nails, a combo of sheer white polish topped with a shimmering chrome.”

See below for some of our favorite summer 2024 acrylic manicures for your next appointment.

Coachella-inspired girly nails

Kylie Jenner’s vacation chrome

Hailey Bieber’s mismatched manicure

Icy velvet hearts

Sardines for summer

Cherry red forever

Barbiecore charms

Did someone say pool?

Mermaid fantasy

Golden goddess

Eras tour-ready

Rainbow snowcone

Doja Catβ€˜s candy crush moment

Neutral, yet noteworthy

Published |Modified
Jordi Lippe-McGraw
JORDI LIPPE-MCGRAW

Jordi Lippe-McGraw is a Contributing Editor for SI Swimsuit covering all things lifestyle from travel and beauty to entertainment and wellness. Over her nearly 15-year-long journalism career, her work has appeared in the New York Times, WSJ Magazine, Forbes, and more. Plus, she’s appeared on TV shows such as Wendy Williams, TODAY, E!, and MSNBC for her expertise. Jordi's personal passion for travel has brought her to over 50 countries on all 7 continents, including Antarctica at 5 months pregnant. She's also an avid penguin and truffle lover.