Acrylic nails - what you need

| May 21, 2010 |

Once you have decided which type and brand of acrylic to go with you have to decide what products you want to use with it. I really recommend that you stick with one brand for the application. If you are using Tammy Taylor’s acrylic then use the primer/bonder, liquid monomer and acrylic powders associated with that line of acrylic.

If you are using NSI acrylic, stick to the NSI primer, liquid and powder in that line, and so on. Once you have done it for a while you can choose to mix and match. Just remember that the manufacturers create these products to work together for a reason. They do yield better results when used together. I have tried mixing and matching to save a few dollars here and there, but it’s not really worth it. You run a greater risk of your client having problems with lifting and allergic reactions when you use products manufactured by different companies.

I have had some requests to add the products that I use to these posts so in this case I will. Lately I have been using NSI acrylic. That doesn’t mean I won’t change. I’ve found a new product that I am considering trying, so I will let you know if I switch. For now it’s the NSI. I like acid free primers, fast setting powders and acrylic that doesn’t yellow so this line works well for me. There are many other great brands that I have used, so if you are using another brand it is perfectly fine.

Now you need to gather the rest of the items you will be using. I like to put my liquid and powders in plain old dappen dishes. That way I use just the product I need and have little or no waste. It also assures that none of my product becomes contaminated. You can use one of the containers that are glass with an acrylic pump to dispense the liquid monomer. I just don’t like that the plastic part of the pump is in contact with the liquid.