Acrylics are the workhorse of the nail world — strong, shapely, and made to be lived in. They do ask for one thing in return: don't stretch your fills. Most acrylic problems we fix started as a fill that waited a week too long.

The 2–3 week rule

Your natural nail grows roughly 3 mm a month. By week two to three, the strongest part of your extension (the apex) has grown past where it should sit, and the free edge carries weight it wasn't built for. That's when nails snap at the stress point instead of flexing. Book fills every 2–3 weeks — every 2 if your nails grow fast, you're rough on your hands, or your set is long.

Daily habits that prevent breaks

  • Oil the cuticles daily. Acrylic doesn't flex like gel; keeping the natural nail underneath hydrated stops it separating from the product.
  • Tap, don't jab. Type and text with the pads of your fingers, not the tips. Repeated tip-first impact cracks acrylic at the sides first.
  • Gloves for water and chemicals. Soaking loosens the bond at the cuticle. Dishes, cleaning, and yard work are glove jobs now.
  • Never pry, lever, or 'test' them. Acrylic feels indestructible right up to the moment it takes your natural nail with it. If something needs force, get a tool.
  • Keep the length honest. If you're breaking the same nail repeatedly, the set is too long for your lifestyle. A few millimetres shorter usually ends the pattern.

Lifting: what to do (and not do)

A small lift looks harmless — a pale edge near the cuticle. Underneath, it's a pocket that traps water every time you wash your hands, and trapped moisture can cause problems for the nail underneath. Do not glue it down at home (that seals the moisture in), do not clip into it, and don't file it aggressively. Keep it dry and book a repair. Caught early, it is usually a quick repair.

When it's time to remove, not fill

  • You see green, black, or yellow discolouration under the product.
  • More than half the nail has lifted.
  • A break is painful, bleeding, or the nail feels loose.
  • You've had continuous extensions for months and your natural nails feel thin — a short break with a strength treatment is sometimes the healthiest move, and we'll tell you honestly if we think so.

If you have pain, swelling, heat or redness around a nail, see your doctor.