Q&A for How to Shape Acrylic Nails

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  • Question
    Do I just move the file back and forth to shape the nail?
    Kristin Pulaski
    Salon Owner & Nail Specialist
    Kristin Pulaski is a Professional Nail Artist and the Founder of Paintbucket, a self-owned and operated nail salon based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She has over five years of experience running Paintbucket and is licensed as a nail technician. Paintbucket offers nail art manicures, pedicures, and soft gel extensions along with customized packages for wedding and bridal parties. She holds a BA in Managerial Science from Manhattan College.
    Salon Owner & Nail Specialist
    Expert Answer
    No, going back and forth may actually weaken or damage the tip of the nail. You only move it in one direction. So when you're doing the left side of the nail, you work from the edge to the center and you do the opposite on the other side. This is the best way to do it.
  • Question
    How do you shape your fingernails?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You can shape them with an emery board or use clippers to cut them to the desired shape and file the edges to refine them. For some shapes, you may have to grow the nail out before you can reshape it.
  • Question
    How do you get acrylic nails off yourself?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You will need to soak them in acetone to soften the acrylic; this can takes 20 minutes or more. Then you pry them off with an orangewood stick.
  • Question
    What nail shape is best for your hands?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    The best nail shape is one that mirrors the shape and length of your fingers and natural nails. Long slender fingers look great with pointed or oval nails while short thick fingers are more flattered by a square or squoval nail.
  • Question
    How do you cut toenails?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You should use a specially designed toenail clipper. Cut them straight across, then use an emery board to refine and smooth the free edge.
  • Question
    How do I keep the nails from coming off?
    Community Answer
    Avoid exposing them to things like chemicals or harsh materials.
  • Question
    How long will it take to get my nails into the coffin shape?
    Community Answer
    It takes about 3 weeks to a month and a half to get your nails long enough to file them into a coffin shape. You could get acrylic nails instead.
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