7 things you need to know before having acrylic nails

7 things you need to know before having acrylic nails - I've always wanted to be that woman who, to paraphrase Swizz Beatz, gets her hair done, her nails done, everything. But I've also always been aware of the dark stories that can accompany the purchase of acrylic nails, so I've long avoided the salon and nails I've had my whole life.

Up until the day I did it on a whim, and I have to be honest, I was more than happy with the results. I decided to add some length in a squoval nail shape to get into the world of acrylics and guess what? It really wasn't as scary as I thought it would be.

Maintenance is minimal but necessary, especially if you want your manicure to last and your nails underneath to stay healthy. If you don't have acrylic, small things you should do for healthy nails become a necessity, like wearing gloves when cleaning the apartment and keeping your hands and nails moisturized. Want greenhouses that are #nailfie worthy? You must keep cuticle oil and hand lotion in your purse and on your bedside table.

If you're considering taking the plunge, here's absolutely everything you need to know before, during, and after acrylic painting. There are so many colors to choose from (I'm a fan of neon nails) and once you've picked the perfect shade, have a great day picking the cutest shape and nail art.

7 things you need to know before having acrylic nails

Follow the steps below and I promise your manicure won't end up like some viral salon horror story.

1. Preparatory work is essential

It's all well and good about wanting acrylic nails, but first you need to make sure your real nails can handle it. If your nails are brittle or weak, you need to get them back to optimal health before you approach acrylic.

Ama Quashie, session manicurist and founder of AMA salon, suggests jojoba oil as a natural tonic. "Often many nail strengtheners contain formaldehyde," she warns. "Jojoba oil is an all-natural nail enhancer — it's one of the few oils that the nail fully absorbs."The story goes on

2. Do your research

Did you know that there are millions of different fake nail options? Ok, maybe not a million, but there's definitely a lot. Would you like dipping powder, gelacryl or sculpted nails? Salons usually carry one of these types of fake nails. So if you use a specific formula/application, be sure to check the salon menu before booking.

3. Check the instruments

It sounds obvious, but it's so important to make sure the tools your nail artist uses are sterilized before you start your appointment. Unsterilized tools can lead to nasty infections, which is not only a bit scary but will ruin the overall look of your manicure.

4. Don't skip the manicure page

The importance of the manicure side of your appointment is twofold. First of all, acrylic paints cannot stick to cuticles. So if you don't take care of it, your new nails won't last long until they need redoing. Second, it looks so much cleaner. That's all.

5. Decide on your shape and length

This is the funnest part of the date, along with choosing the color. If you are completely new to nail shapes, I would go for oval as it is the most classic shape. Then you have to decide on the length. Well, you might be tempted to go long, but believe me, if it's your first time you'll regret it - it's a lot wiser to start short as you get used to having fancy nails and then do it do increase.

6. Take care of yourself

Now that you have your shiny new nails, it's time to protect them from the complete destruction of everyday life. We still have to do the boring things like cleaning the shower and washing the dishes (ugh). So when using cleaning products, especially those that contain bleach, be sure to wear gloves as they will prevent the chemicals from ruining your manicure.

7. Hydrate

Nails, meet your new best friend, cuticle oil. "Use cuticle oil conscientiously. Keep a small bottle in your purse and apply when you have a free moment or when your nails seem particularly dry," advises Ama. This keeps your nails strong and your skin smooth