Acrylic enhancements and overlays are created using a liquid monomer and powder to create an extension or overlay on the natural nail. Enhancements can extend the length of a natural nail using a form or tip, whereas overlays are applied only to the natural nail to add strength.

 

Acrylic powder is available in a wide variety of colours and glitters that in-turn can create many different effects. Whilst acrylic is very strong it is not indestructible so taking care of your enhancements is paramount. Never pick, file, cut or try to remove enhancements yourself as you will do damage to your natural nail plate, always book in to have them maintained regularly or removed professionally.

 

Take care of your new nails, especially if you are not use to having your nails longer. Think about how you use your hands, you will soon get use to using your hands in a different way and your nail enhancements will feel as natural as your own nails.

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Wear gloves for housework, gardening to protect your nails and hands. Repeated exposure to household chemicals and water will weaken and damage your enhancements, keep them protected. Some tinted products like tanning lotions, moisturisers, hair products and even spices and food colourants can discolour enhancements so wash your hands throughly after use and whenever possible wear gloves.

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Depending on your lifestyle you will need to have an infill or rebalance every 2/3 weeks. If regular maintenance of your enhancement  is not carried out, as the natural nail grows they will become weaker as the structure and stress areas will have moved meaning that the chances of breakages will increase.

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Appointments should be booked every 2/3 weeks to allow the enhancements or overlays to be filed and reshaped. Any damage or lifting to the enhancement will be repaired or removed, the regrowth area will be infilled and the structure of the nail rebalanced.

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Try to avoid shortening the length of the nails yourself as this can cause damage to the enhancement or overlay. Never cut your enhancement or overlay with scissors or clippers, the length of nail will be shortened at your next appointment if they are too long. If you can't wait until your next appointment please contact The Nail Matrix to book in to have them shortened.

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Finally enjoy your beautiful new nails, show them off!