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9 Tips for Making Acrylic Nails Last Longer

There’s nothing as satisfying as walking out of the salon with a picture-perfect full set of fresh acrylic nails. They make your fingers look pretty, and you catch yourself admiring the glaze and soaking in that “new full set” feeling. We want that new nail high to last as long as possible, which is why we’re here to give our best tips on making your enhancements last as long as possible. So, how long do acrylics last? The answer is 2-3 weeks with proper care. Read on to find out how to make your acrylic nails last as long as possible.  

1. Proper Nail Prep

If you are a DIY’er, you should know that any nail service is only as good as the acrylic nail prep you put in. Taking the time to prepare your cuticles meticulously and get the surface of the nail ready for acrylic application is highly important. These preps will make sure that your acrylic enhancements look just as good as the hard work you spent on them. Don’t skip any steps of sanitizing, filing, buffing, or priming. It’s time-consuming but definitely worthwhile. 

2. Invest in Quality Products

Quality products go hand-in-hand with quality prep. You can’t ensure a beautiful, long-lasting acrylic set if you use substandard materials. That includes a highly-rated, low-odor acrylic (the backbone of your enhancements), and gel polishes that you can count on for chip resistance and high shine, in addition to outstanding prep materials listed above. Any handyman will tell you that you need the right tools for the job, and that goes for great acrylic nails as well!

3. Regular Maintenance 

If you want to perfect your at-home maintenance game, consider a great topcoat. Your topcoat is your first line of defense against the wear and tear of daily living. A UV/LED-cured gel topcoat is ideal and will have a lasting shine until you re-do your nails. If you choose to use a traditional top coat, you can cleanse the nails with an alcohol-based cleanser and reapply once a week, and it will keep your tips looking shiny and fresh. Additionally, your nails will be better protected against scuffs and scratches. If you get fills on schedule and take great care of your tips, you should be able to get maximum mileage from your mani.

4. Avoid Excessive Water Exposure

Water is the great enemy of acrylic nails. Soaking your hands can promote nail lifting, which can lead to damage to your natural nails. Dampness can also make your enhancements begin to lift. Obviously, it’s impossible to avoid all contact with water. If you’ll be doing something that involves submersing your hands for a long time, like dishes, wear rubber gloves as a precaution. This is a critical step in acrylic nail maintenance. 

5. Protect Your Nails

You can make your acrylic nails last longer by taking steps to protect your hands—and nails!—when doing rough activities like gardening. Consider doubling up on gloves if you are using thinner latex/nitrile gloves that are prone to breakage. You can also fortify your nails in advance by applying a precautionary extra layer of topcoat. 

6. Be Mindful of Nail Length

Part of making your acrylic enhancements last longer starts by choosing the right nail length for your lifestyle. If you do a lot of physical activities with your hands, or even repetitive small activities like typing at a computer, a shorter nail length may be your best friend. 


Long, dramatic nails are beautiful, but not always practical for every person’s daily existence. Every small amount of length you extend beyond your fingertip increases the chances of breaking, so take that into consideration. If you go longer than your real life permits, you may find yourself with damaged nails. 

7. Moisturize Regularly

Keep your acrylic nails happy and healthy by ensuring they stay supple and moist. Dry nails are prone to be brittle and stiff, greatly increasing the risk of breakage. Invest in high-quality cuticle-and-nail oil and apply it two or three times daily to keep your cuticles and enhancements looking great and decrease the risk of a premature visit to the salon. Hydrated nails are the happiest nails.

8. Avoid Using Nails as Tools

This was already touched upon briefly, but, when you have acrylic nails, a certain amount of TLC goes a long way. It’s human nature to use our fingers for fine motor tasks—it’s the reason we have them! To this end, however, avoid using your nail tips as tools for digging, scratching, gouging, or plucking at surfaces. You are drastically increasing your risk of unsightly damage or painful breakage! If you want to make sure your acrylic nails last longer, give them the gentle treatment they deserve so that you can have the lovely hands that you deserve!

9. Monitor for Signs of Damage

If you see signs of damage like deep chips, lifting, or breaks, it’s critical that you make a repair. Letting damage to your nails go too long can introduce bacteria beneath your acrylic nails and onto the nail bed, jeopardizing your nail health and ability to keep acrylic nails on. Taking excellent care of your full set is always the top tip for making nails last for a long time. 

A few easy tips and tricks can guarantee that your acrylic nails go the distance. These beautiful nail enhancements can last a few weeks with proper TLC. To keep your nails happy, healthy, and looking just as fresh as the day you left the salon, remember these bits of wisdom for their upkeep.