If you have acrylic nails applied at the salon, what do you do when I accidentally got my acrylic nails too long? I think we’ve all been there.
Sometimes our requests are ignored or misunderstood, but what can you do if your acrylic nails are longer than you wanted?
I’m going to share what to do if you get acrylics that are too long for your liking – from filing them down to trying other styles.
How to Shorten Acrylic Nails without Breaking Them
Have you ever misjudged the length of your acrylic nails and found them to be too long? Don’t worry, you can shorten your acrylic nails without breaking them. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out.
To shorten your long acrylic nails, you will need a coarse file with around 100 grit or a medium file with around 180-220 grit.
The coarse file helps reshape the sidewalls and free edges of your nails. First, determine the desired length and start filing from the sides towards the center. Make sure to file evenly on both sides to avoid any unevenness.
If you want quicker results and don’t mind investing in a tool, an electric file or drill with the necessary bits is a wise investment.
An electric file is faster and won’t put any stress on your hands. It can be a bit tough to file acrylic nails, so an electric file or drill is a great option.
When using an electric file to shorten your acrylic nails, start with a slower rotating speed of around 20,000 rotations per minute. This will prevent accidental filing.
Gradually increase the speed as you get comfortable. Always start from the edges first and move towards the center for better results. Once you have shortened your nails, finish off with a transparent topcoat if desired.
If you do not have an electric file, it is still possible to file your nails using a manual file. Use a coarse file with around 100 grit or a medium file with around 180-220 grit to file your acrylic nails. It might be time-consuming and require a lot of effort, but it’s still doable.
Remember, never cut your acrylic nails as it can shatter or damage the appearance. Filing is always a better option. So, now that you know how to shorten your acrylic nails without breaking them, you can maintain the perfect length and shape of your nails at home. [1][2]
I Accidentally Got My Acrylic Nails Too Long – What Should I Do?
Never try to cut your acrylic nails as this can damage them. Instead, use a coarse file around 180-220 grit to reshape and shorten the sidewalls and free edges of your nails.
If you have an electric file, use it as it is faster and more efficient. The ideal speed for beginners is 20000 rotations per minute. Start filing from the edges towards the center, and use a transparent topcoat to finish.
It is important to note that trimming acrylic nails is never a good idea as it may shatter or damage your nails. Instead, always opt for filing.
File your nails regularly to keep them in shape, and never cut them too short as it can cause pain and discomfort.
To maintain your nails after getting them done, always follow the instructions provided by your licensed salon professional.
Avoid using regular nail polish removers like acetone-based ones as they can make your nails thin and brittle. Instead, ask your salon for a special remover designed for acrylic nails.
Finally, if you are a fan of long nails, always keep them clean and dry, and avoid using your nails for activities that may cause them to break or chip.
And lastly, invest in a good electric file or drill with the necessary bits for shaping and maintaining your acrylic nails.
Can Trimming Acrylic Nails Damage Your Nails?
Have you accidentally got your acrylic nails too long and are worried about trimming them? Don’t worry!
You can safely trim your acrylic nails without damaging them. Follow these easy steps to properly trim your acrylic nails:
Step 1: Choose the Right Tools
To trim your acrylic nails at home, you will need a coarse file with a grit around 80-100 and a medium file with a grit around 180-220.
You can also use an electric file, but be careful not to use too much pressure as it may damage your nails.
Step 2: Determine the Desired Length
Decide on the desired length of your nails before starting to trim them. It is recommended to file them to a length that is comfortable for you and is not causing any discomfort or pain.
Step 3: Begin Filing
Using the coarse file, start filing from the sides of the nails towards the center. Be gentle and file in one direction to avoid damaging the nails. Use the medium file to finish shaping and smoothing the edges of your acrylic nails.
Step 4: Finish with a Top Coat
After trimming your acrylic nails, apply a transparent topcoat to add shine and protection. It will also help to strengthen your nails and prevent them from breaking.
Trimming your acrylic nails can be safe and easy if you follow these steps and use the right tools.
Remember to avoid cutting your acrylic nails as it may damage them. Filing is the best way to shorten your nails without causing any harm.
How to Use an Electric File to Shorten Acrylic Nails
Shortening acrylic nails can seem like a daunting task, but if you follow these steps, you can do it easily using an electric file.
1. Get the Right Tools: To shorten your acrylic nails, you need a good quality electric file that comes with the necessary bits.
You can find them at your local beauty supply store or online.
2. Determine your Desired Length: Before you start filing your nails, decide how much length you want to remove.
This step is crucial because you don’t want to end up filing too much or too little.
3. Choose the Right Speed: If you are a beginner, start with a low speed of around 20000 rpm.
This speed is safer and will not cause any accidental filing. As you become more comfortable using the electric file, you can increase the speed to get the job done faster.
4. Start Filling: Start from the edges, filing gently towards the center of the nail. Use a gentle back-and-forth motion to shape the nails.
Take your time to ensure that you are getting the desired shape and length.
5. Finish with a Transparent Topcoat: Once you have filed the nails to the desired length, apply a transparent topcoat to add shine and protection.
Using an electric file to shorten acrylic nails is much faster and easier than using a manual file.
However, it’s essential to get the technique right to avoid any damage to your nails. Follow these steps, and you will have shortened acrylic nails without breaking them.
How To Look After Your Acrylic Nails To Make Them Last
Here are some steps to take care of your acrylic nails and make sure they last as long as possible:
1. Keep Your Nails Clean: Clean your nails regularly with soap and water. Use mild soap and a soft-bristled brush to clean under and around the nails.
2. Don’t Use Your Nails As Tools: Do not use your nails to open bottles, cans, or packages. This can damage your nails and even remove them from the nail bed.
3. Use Protective Gloves: When doing any kind of household chores or work that may expose your nails to harsh chemicals or water, wear protective gloves.
4. Keep Them Dry: Water can weaken the bond between your acrylic nails and your natural nail bed. After washing your hands, pat your hands dry, and try not to keep your nails submerged in water for prolonged periods.
5. File Gently: If you need to adjust the length of your acrylic nails, do it gently. Use a fine-grit nail file to shape your nails. Don’t file down too much, as this might damage the fingers under the nails and cause injury.
6. Avoid Acetone: Avoid nail polish remover with acetone. Instead, use non-acetone nail polish remover. Acetone can damage the acrylic and lift it from the natural nail bed.
7. Don’t Pick At Your Nails: Resist the urge to pick at your acrylic nails or peel off the polish. This can weaken the bond between the acrylic and your natural nail.
Taking care of your acrylic nails requires more than just a casual approach. However, with the right effort and the above-stated steps, you can enjoy your beautiful acrylic nails for much longer.
Remember, taking care of your nails doesn’t take a lot of effort, but it does require consistency to keep them healthy, shiny, and strong.
Hi, my name is Gemma, and I’m the owner of MakeupMuddle.com. I’m a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty – I have been a beauty writer since 2012.
As well as owning Makeup Muddle, I also own GemmaEtc.com, and love sharing my thoughts and feelings about the greatest (and not so great) beauty products!