How Often do Acrylic Nails Need to be Filled?

Discover how often your acrylic nails need to be filled.

If you’re starting out with acrylic nails, you may have many questions. Although acrylic nails look good and are a perfect option for those who would like a longer nail length or different shape, they aren’t as simple as they look.

Acrylic nails are a complex type of manicure that require a fair amount of up and maintenance to keep them looking good and also keep your natural nails healthy. If they are not looked after properly, it can damage your natural nails; this is why you need to be aware of everything that is needed to take care of them. One question that many people have is; how often do acrylic nails need to be filled?

It is advised that you get your acrylic nails filled every 2 to 3 weeks to maintain a healthy manicure. This can, however, vary from person to person, depending on the condition of your acrylic nails and how quickly your nails grow out. 

In this post, I’ll be sharing how often you need to fill your acrylic nails, how many times you can get your nails filled and many more questions you may have surrounding this topic.

How often do acrylic nails need to be filled?

You can get your acrylic nails filled whenever you feel necessary; however, you should get them filled every 2 to 3 weeks. Around this time is when you start to see a visible gap between your cuticle and your existing acrylic set.

This does vary from person to person; for some, your manicure may last longer, and for others, they may grow out much quicker. You shouldn’t leave it too much longer than the advised time as once the acrylic nails start to grow out, it weakens the bond between the nail and the acrylic, so any knock to the nail or extreme bending can cause it to break and damage your natural nail.

How many times can you get a fill on acrylic nails?

This is completely up to you. Over time you’ll be able to visibly see the wear and tear of the original acrylic set and when it is time to get a new set. You’ll be able to feel some lifting and movement in the acrylic over time, this is due to usage and the growth of your natural nail, and it is best to get them filled when it starts interfering with what you’re doing.

However, it is advised that you get a new set after 3 or 4 fills. Getting a new set helps you keep your natural nails in better condition and prevents damage from day-to-day activities. If you maintain your acrylic set and keep your nails and hands in good condition, your set will last longer. It won’t prevent them from growing out, but it’ll help stop them from lifting, chipping, and any other damage caused over time.

Whats the difference between a fill and a new set?

An acrylic fill is done when the existing acrylic has grown out, and a new layer of acrylic is needed to fill in the gap between the cuticle and acrylic. The nail will be filed down and buffed to reshape the nail due to growth and wear and tear. Once it has been reshaped, a thin layer of acrylic will be applied to cover the exposed nail bed. Fills can also be done on broken or chipped nails, which is good if only one or two nails need repairing.

On the other hand, a new set is when the existing acrylic is completely removed, and a new set of acrylics is applied following the whole process. This is a longer, more intense process than a fill, so it is best to get a fill if you don’t need a new set. Not only will it save you time, but it’ll protect your nails from getting unnecessary damage.

Can I make my acrylic nail set last longer?

There are a few ways to keep your nails in better condition for longer. For example, you can keep your hands well moisturised; this helps keep your hands and nails healthy and keep your cuticles soft to prevent them from cracking. You can also wear gloves when doing manual labour; wearing gloves will help stop them from chipping easily; doing tasks such as washing up can cause lifting of the acrylic as the warm water softens it over time, so gloves will illuminate that risk.

However, it is important to note that even if your nails don’t chip, get damaged, or grow out much for a few weeks; you still must get them filled or a new set. Your nails will grow out no matter what, as you can’t stop your natural nails from growing, so keeping your acrylic nails maintained and in a good way will help keep your natural nails strong and prevent your nail bed from weakening.

Summary

I hope this has been helpful; even though you want t keep your acrylic nails looking the best for as long as possible, keeping your natural nails healthy is what is more important. Getting fills, new sets when necessary, and doing things to keep your hands and nails moisturised at all times will help achieve that. There is no point in having a good-looking manicure if your natural nails aren’t healthy; otherwise, they won’t last long, and there is a higher chance of the acrylic breaking.