Acrylic Nails

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Three things I name on every set before it goes up.

How I test

Shape and length

Almond, coffin, square or oval, and how long — the words your tech works from.

Finish and undertone

Sheer, milky or opaque, warm or cool, so the shade reads the same on your hand.

How long it holds

Days before lifting, and the one prep step that decides it.

Home or salon

Whether a first-timer can do it at home or it is worth booking.

Office-friendly or not

Length that still lets you type, colours that pass at work.

Acrylic Nails FAQs

Why does my gel peel after three days?

Usually prep: oil or dust left on the nail plate, or gel touching the cuticle. Dehydrate the nail and keep every layer a hair away from the skin.

Why does the colour look different on my hand?

Undertone. A cool pink on warm skin reads grey, a warm nude on cool skin reads orange. Check the undertone noted on each set.

What should I tell my nail tech?

Shape, length and finish in that order — for example short almond, milky pink, glossy. The photo alone leaves too much to guess.

Which shapes are best for short natural nails?

Oval, squoval and short almond make the nail bed look longer and chip less than a sharp square.