How to Fix Acrylic Nails: 13 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2024)

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Co-authored byMia Rubie

Last Updated: November 13, 2023References

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   Get an at-home acrylic nail kit. A home acrylic nail kit will have everything that you need to repair a broken acrylic. You can purchase a home acrylic nail kit or purchase the materials you will need individually. You will need:^[1]

   • Brush on gel
   • Acrylic powder
   • Setting spray
   • Nails
   • Cuticle stick
   • Nail file
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   Read and follow the instructions for your kit. If you purchase a kit, then it is important to read and follow the instructions that are included with it. Make sure that you work in a well-ventilated area as well and follow any other safety precautions that are included with your product.

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   Buff and file the broken nail. Use the buffing edge of a nail file or nail buffer to smooth out the top of the nail you want to repair. This will help to make the surface even for when you apply the new nail. Then, use the file to even out the end of the nail and smooth out any rough or jagged edges. Make sure that you brush away any dust from the nail after you finish buffing and filing.^[2]

   • You can also trim the nail if it is really uneven or if it has a tear in it.
   • If the acrylic is still partly on, then you will need to remove it the rest of the way before you can buff and file the nail. If it is loose enough, then you might be able to just pull it off. If the nail is still attached, you can soak the nail in pure acetone to loosen it.^[3] Try soaking a cotton ball in acetone and pressing it against the broken nail.
   • It is also best to apply acrylics to nails that are somewhat short, so you may need to trim down the natural nail if it is long.^[4]
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   Choose a nail tip that fits your nail. Sort through the acrylic nail tips to find one that is similar to your natural nail. Try to choose a nail tip that fits well over your natural nail and that is not too wide or too narrow.^[5]

   • Clear acrylic nail tips will look more natural than white tips.
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   Attach the nail tip with acrylic adhesive gel. Apply a line of acrylic brush-on gel to the inside of the nail tip. Only apply the gel to the area that fits over your natural nail. Then, place the nail tip over your natural nail and press it into place.^[6]

   • Apply firm pressure for about five seconds to ensure that the nail tip is secured in place.^[7]
6. See Also

   3 Ways to Help Your Nails Recover After Acrylics - wikiHowGel-X Nail Manicures: Everything You Need to Know | Makeup.com by L'OréalHave Soft + Bendy Nails? Here's Why & How To Strengthen ThemHow To Remove Acrylic Nails At Home

   

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   Cut and file the nail. After the nail is secured, use scissors or nail clippers to trim it down to the same length as your other nails. Try to cut the nail straight across, but don’t worry if it is not perfectly even at the end.^[8]

   • Next, file the nail into the same shape as your other nails.
   • Buff the top of the fake nail as well to make it more even with your natural nail.

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   Apply a coat of the brush-on gel. After you have filed the nail into the same shape as your other nails, apply a coat of the brush on gel over your natural nail and over the acrylic nail tip. This will help to keep the nail in place.^[9]

   • You can apply the brush on gel just like a coat of nail polish. Start near the cuticle and brush the gel out towards the nail tip. Do this a few times to cover the whole nail.
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   Dip the nail in acrylic powder. While the acrylic gel is still wet, dip your nail into the acrylic powder. Make sure that you dip your entire nail into the powder. This powder will bond with the nail and harden it even more.^[10]

   • It is okay if you get a little powder on your skin. You can just brush it off with your other fingers.
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   Use a cuticle stick to clean around the edges of the nail. After you have coated your entire nail in the acrylic powder, you will need to scrape away the excess gel and powder from the edges of your nail. Use the cuticle stick to clean around the edges of your nail.^[11]

   • You can also smooth away some of the excess powder on the nail with your fingertip.
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   Repeat the gel and powder two to three times. To ensure that your acrylic will stay in place, you will need to repeat the process of applying gel and dipping the nail in powder two to three times. Make sure that you clean around the nail with the cuticle stick after each application of the powder.^[12]

   • Two to three coats of gel and powder should be plenty. Too much gel and powder could cause the nail to seem unnaturally thick.

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   Spray on the gel activator. To set the acrylic powder and gel, spray on two sprays of the gel activator. This will set the nail within a few seconds. After your use the spray on activator, the nail will be dry and hard.^[13]

   • Spray the gel onto your whole nail, not just on the acrylic. Make sure that the spray covers all of the areas where you applied the gel and powder.
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   Shape the nail again. After your nail is set, you can begin filing and shaping it again. This will allow you to smooth away any rough edges caused by the acrylic gel and powder. Use a fine-edged file to smooth you the edges of your nail.^[14]

   • Make sure that you buff the top of the nail where the acrylic tip meets with your natural nail. There will be a slight ridge, so buffing the nail is important to ensure that the nail looks natural.
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   Paint the nail. After you finish filing and buffing the nail, apply the nail polish of your choice to complete the repair.^[15] Choose a nail polish in the same color as the rest of your nails and apply two to three coats for even coverage.^[16]

   • Allow the nail polish to dry completely before you touch anything.

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