Acrylic nails are among the most popular and durable manicures you can get. The main reason they stay on longer is that professionals apply them. Even so, your nails must be prepped well before application, and they should not be strained or exposed to harsh chemicals or conditions.

Your acrylic nails will stay on for eight weeks or more if you follow the steps below:

Have your natural nails prepared properly

Preparing your natural nails before applying acrylics is the work of your beautician. So, you have to choose a professional. The preparation is to allow the acrylics to adhere firmly to your nails. The cuticle and the surrounding area need to be aligned and pushed back, and the nails must be filed and cleaned properly.

Using a nail primer and dehydrator

A nail dehydrator is used to remove moisture from nails before the application of a nail primer. This is necessary to prevent the acrylic from lifting. Nail primers can be used in either of two ways.

The beautician can make tiny holes in your natural nails to enable the acrylic to stick well to your nail plate. Alternatively, the primer can be used as glue to bind the acrylic to your natural nail.

Using a top coat

Your artificial nails need a protective layer over them to stay on. The coat helps to:

Give the acrylics a smooth, nice, glossy sheen.

Protect the acrylic nails from scratches and other damages.

Seal your acrylics from detergents, water, and other elements that can damage them.

To get the best results, ensure you choose a durable top coat. The good news is that most nail technicians will apply the coat for you free of charge.

Don’t strain or stress the acrylics.

If you want your acrylics to stay on longer, don’t put too much stress or strain on them. Such forces can weaken them and cause them to lift off. So, avoid activities that place stress or strain directly on the artificial nails.

It would be best to avoid typing, opening containers, scraping, lifting, scratching, etc. When you have to type, use your finger pads, not your nails.

Don’t expose your acrylics to chemicals and harsh conditions.

Harsh conditions like extremely low or high temperatures can weaken your acrylics. This is the same with exposure to harsh chemicals, which can lead to the chipping and peeling your nails.

The activities that can weaken your acrylics include:

Cooking, especially if intensive heat is involved.

Gardening, especially where strong pesticides are involved.

Exposure to chlorinated water for long periods. For example, staying in the pool for too long can damage your artificial nails.

Hot baths. Warm, soapy water can weaken your acrylics.

Doing the dishes and cleaning, especially with detergents like bleach and soap, which can wear away the acrylic.

Keep your acrylics moisturized and healthy.

Natural nails are prone to drying out, leading to peeling and cracking. If that happens, the bond between the nails and the acrylics will weaken, and the acrylics won’t stay on. That’s why your cuticles and nails must always stay hydrated and moisturized.

But don’t use water; there are commercial moisturizers you can use. Make sure you use the moisturizer every time you wash your hands.

Go for fill-ins when necessary.

Since artificial nails are durable, your natural nails will grow out, leaving a gap behind the nails near the cuticles. The gap needs re-filing to keep the acrylics in place and give your manicure a brand-new look.

Let an experienced nail tech do the re-filling for proper bonding. You can go for a fill-in once every two to three weeks because your natural nails are constantly growing.

Using high-quality acrylics

Many acrylic brands are in the market today, but not all are the same. When buying acrylics, do so from a reliable and reputable brand. Some of these artificial nails only last for a short time. Also, make sure experts apply the acrylics.

Using shorter acrylics

Naturally, it’s easier to care for shorter acrylics than longer ones. Long acrylics are prone to lifting prematurely. The longer the acrylics, the more strain and pressure will be applied to them when carrying out your daily activities. This is because of their large surface area.

Longer nails will likely get hooked or caught up on fabrics and other items. You are also likely to knock them against other surfaces, weakening them.