Overlay nails work best for people who want long-lasting options outside of gel nails (though gel polish can be applied on top of acrylic as well), but Lee notes that you should apply a top coat to the nails every two to three days to prolong the polish's life and prevent chipping. Improper removal can cause damage to your natural nail.'
So not over-filing or peeling/popping of the acrylic. 'The most important thing is to make sure they are being removed properly. 'Overlays are great for providing strength over the natural nail as they are strong and durable,' Sally Hansen ambassador Hannah Lee told POPSUGAR. When the acrylic dries, a hard shell is formed over the natural nail that holds on to polish for about two to three weeks longer than natural nails, and also protects the nail from easily breaking.
There are a handful of ways to extend the life of your nail polish via nail extensions, gel polish, and one of our personal favorites, acrylic overlays.Īn acrylic overlay is a protective layer formed on top of the nail from a mixture of acrylic powder and a liquid monomer. Manicures have evolved in a lot of ways over the years, so much so that going to a nail salon these days presents you with many more options than just a typical application of nail polish and top coat.
