If you are to start a salon you, must be wondering what can I use instead of acrylic liquid? Beauty is an important part of human nature, and we do a lot to meet certain beauty standards. Using acrylic nails is one of the most common ways of getting an edge.
You will mostly use acrylic powder and liquid to create acrylic nails. Sometimes you might run out of acrylic liquid or don’t want to deal with the scent. What other products can you use in this case? Read on to get more details on this;
What Can I Use Instead Of Acrylic Liquid?
Many chemicals share the properties of acrylic acid, and they can work well. You can use a dip powder activator, nail glue, and polyester resin.
These products have the same chemicals as the monomer, and they will help the acrylic powder adhere. Some have an advantage since they aren’t as potent as an acrylic liquid; thus, they are better for your eyes.
Details On Acrylic Liquid Replacements
There are several options you can use in place of acrylic liquid. If you have all the options, it might be hard to choose the best one. Let us look at each of the chemicals and figure out which one is the best to use for nails;
1. Dip powder activator
Dip powder is one of the best choices for creating acrylics. The modern monomers we use are from dip powder activators. This makes them essentially the same as monomers so that they will work great for your nails.
However, dip powder is much more expensive than acrylic liquid.
2. Nail Glue
Nail glue will help you apply acrylics and other essentials for nail designs such as foil, gemstones, etc. However, before buying nail glue, you should ensure it is easy to remove, long-lasting, and dries quickly.
Great quality nail glue will help your manicured nails endure anything you throw at them. Plus, if you’re doing your nails from home, you get new skills and save yourself some dollars.
3. Polyester Resin
It’s a syrupy clear liquid. The resin is versatile and commonly useful for casting, coating, and building composites.
However, it’s not as clear as acrylic liquid, which has a yellowish tinge. In addition, it’s highly toxic and has a persistently bad smell.
Acrylic Vs. Gel Nails
The gel is one of the most common substitutes for acrylic liquid, so comparing the two is important.
We need to understand some of their distinguishing differences. This will help you know when to use each one of them. Let us get into the details;
Firstly you should understand that the difference between acrylic and gel nails comes down to ease or removal, polymerization process, and nail density.
Acrylic nails are harder than gels. It involves mixing powder (polymer) and a liquid (monomer). Therefore, this creates dough-like consistency that you can file and model into different shapes.
It doesn’t sound very easy, but those who have once used dip powder are familiar with it because it’s a form of acrylics.
However, dip powder is usually more damaging since it is more difficult to remove. It’s also less flexible and harder.
On the other hand, the gel is more flexible and softer than acrylic. Plus, they aren’t as damaging, and you can remove some gel by soaking them.
You should note that the chemical difference between gel and acrylic is that the gel is already mixed. You’ll need to cure with a UV or LED lamp, while acrylic needs mixing.
But since gel extensions are more natural-looking, flexible, and don’t have a strong smell, they tend to be more flexible.
Which One Is More Durable And Less Damaging To Natural Nails?
According to nail experts, the gel is more durable due to its flexibility. However, you need to be able to customize your nails according to your lifestyle (whether using acrylic or gel). But don’t use outdated nail enhancement methods such as MMA (Methyl Methacrylate) as acrylic.
The MMA is durable and super hard, but it was originally to repair bones and teeth. Therefore for the product to adhere to nails, you’ll have to shred the natural nail.
A nail technician should know what is ideal for your nails after accessing your existing nail damage and lifestyle.
If you have hard and brittle nails, you’ll need a product that helps keep your nails flexible. It helps prevent nail breakage, especially at the extension edge.
On the contrary, if you have soft and splitting nails, you’ll need a product that enhances their strength.
In such an instance, acrylic would be the most ideal. But if you need an overlay on your natural nails without extension, the same rule applies.
The technician should look at the nails’ health and create a custom blend. Acrylic and gel can create amazing masterpieces on ten little pallets, making them fun to use.
Whatever nail enhancement you choose, if done well by a technician, acrylics and gel should offer some amazing results. They should leave your nails beautiful, healthy, and long.
The Issues With Acrylic Nails And Ways To Fix Them
Runny Acrylic
Acrylics should be able to hold their shape when on your hand. But if the acrylic feels melty, it’ll make the application harder. Therefore it’ll be tricky to put the acrylic design that you want.
Plus, the results can be less desirable in the latter days. Runny acrylic indicates that you’re using excess liquid or a wet brush. Experts recommend using a regular, correctly-balanced liquid to powder ratio.
Cracking Acrylic
Under normal circumstances, acrylic offers flexibility and strength while avoiding cracking. Nobody wants their enhancement to break or crack. But people prefer enhancement cracks over natural nail cracks.
However, if the enhancement is too strong, it can damage your nails. However, if your enhancements are cracking, there might be a reason behind the occurrence. They include;
Too dry acrylic means you did not use the correct monomer to hold the acrylic properly. It will lead to poor adhesion and less strength.
Curing Too Fast
If the acrylic cures too fast, it isn’t an indication that it’s great. If the acrylic dries quickly, the top layer plasticizes before air bubbles are out. Therefore they remain under the cured surface.
If you use fast-set powder, you should switch to the normal one. It allows your acrylic to naturally eject the air bubbles before curing the top air bubbles.
Incorrect Application
At times brushed whip air bubbles into the enhancement resulting in an airy application. On the other hand, extra activities on the product after placing it on the nails can create bubbles in the overall enhancement.
Therefore, brush hairs with a monomer by gently putting them in the bottom of the liquid dish. It helps release any air bubbles.
Temperature Imbalance
Mostly the salon and products are usually temperature controlled. However, the temperatures on the customer’s fingers do differ.
Each degree does have a huge difference in the setting time. The warmer the liquid, the faster the curing process and vice versa.
Experts recommend that you warm the product if your client’s fingers are cool. It covers the temperature imbalance.
Many experts recommend using a fast-setting powder during winter to minimize temperature imbalance.
Irritation
The client’s skin reacts differently, which means there are differences in the skin’s ability to handle acrylic application.
A client with allergies or a bad reaction to this material should not receive its services. An allergic reaction is usually the worst-case reaction.
But with the best care, you can avoid irritation, thus reducing the painful experience.
What Is The Other Best Alternative To Acrylic Nails?
If you want your nails to look sharp and don’t have time for supplements or to wait for them to grow, then acrylic is the answer. The acrylic nails look fabulous, but they have some drawbacks.
These drawbacks are a result of chemicals used to apply them. The chemicals are usually bad for your health and can cause serious damage.
Luckily there are some alternatives. These nail treatments will offer you what you’re looking for without the dreaded downside of acrylics.
Fiberglass Nails
If you have thin nails or constantly bite your nails, you can still get them healthy-looking and thick with fiberglass.
The technician applies a thin mesh strip with tiny glass fiber into your nail and secures it using clear glue.
It creates a hard surface. However, you might need several layers to achieve your desired outcome. The process might take much time. Plus, you’ll need occasional touch-ups every two to three weeks.
Conclusion
Are you allergic to acrylic liquid and wondering what can I use instead of your acrylic liquid? There are many options for acrylic acid; some are safer or more harmful.
Make sure you talk to your manicurist about your conditions and needs. It’ll help them make a better decision in selecting the right product for you.
