If you’re tired of spending too much money at the nail salon, it might be time to take matters into your own hands. Literally. With a good acrylic nail kit, you can shape, build, and polish long-lasting acrylics right at home. Creating bold nail art, natural nail styles, or just long nails that hold up for weeks is easier than you might think.
If you're new to this, don't worry. This guide covers everything you need to know. We’ll walk you through why acrylics are in demand, the best ones out there, how to take care of them, and how to remove them. We’ll also show you how our products at F.O.X. Nails can help you get salon-level results without leaving your house.
What Are the Best At‑Home Acrylic Nails?
F.O.X Acryl Gels mix the best parts of acrylic and gel, so they’re flexible and easy to use at home. You can use them to build, strengthen, and fix nails, or bring back a broken free edge. They leave a strong, natural finish. The best acrylic gels should give you a smooth application process, last for weeks, and feel comfortable on your natural nails.
Here are our top picks for the best at-home acrylic nails:
F.O.X Acryl Gel Satin
- For Modeling: Works on forms or the nail surface for a natural look and nail shape.
- Helps Nail Health: Strengthens, repairs, and restores the free edge of nails.
- Smooth Texture: Has a soft, self-leveling texture that makes it easier to apply and means less filing.
- Easy to Use: You can level it with a soft brush and a special liquid. It doesn’t cause a burning feeling when it cures.
- Finish: Leaves a light sticky layer after curing.
- Safe to Use: Hypoallergenic and cruelty-free.
F.O.X Acrygel (Polygel)
- Camouflage Gel with Shine: Has shiny glitter inside and works well for shaping, fixing, and strengthening nails.
- Easy Application: It doesn’t run or spread, so you can move it with a brush. You can build short nails without a form, or use it with upper or lower forms.
- Comfortable Curing: It leaves very little stickiness and doesn’t burn. Needs a lamp to cure.
- Stays in Place: Needs a base underneath for better sticking.
- Safe and No Smell: Free of HEMA, hypoallergenic, and has no strong smell.
- Cruelty-Free: We don’t test our products on animals or use products that have been tested on animals.
- Color Options: Comes in four different shades.
- Good for Beginners: Works well for people learning to do their own nails.
F.O.X Acryl Gel Charm
- Thick Gel with Sparkle: Great for building on forms or shaping on top. It gives a natural look or helps reshape natural nails.
- Multi-Use: Can be part of a full nail design or used to strengthen, fix, or rebuild nails.
- Easy to Apply and Cure: Levels well with a soft brush and F.O.X Slip Solution. Doesn’t burn when curing, and filing is simple.
- Look: The Graphite shade gives a shiny, light-reflecting finish.
- After Curing: Leaves a slightly sticky layer.
- Safe Choice: Hypoallergenic and cruelty-free.
Why They’re Great for At-Home Acrylic Nails
- Easy to Use: These gels are smooth or easy to spread, so they don’t take much skill. You don’t have to file a lot.
- Works in Many Ways: They’re strong like acrylics but soft like gels, so they’re useful for nail building, overlays, and repairs, all from home.
- No Burn While Curing: These don’t cause that burning feeling when curing under the lamp, which makes them more comfortable.
- Safe and Gentle: They don’t have HEMA, are hypoallergenic, and are not tested on animals. This makes them better for people with sensitive skin and anyone who cares about safety and animal testing.
- Look Nice Too: Options like Beverly 004 and Charm 004 Graphite give extra style with sparkles and shine.
- Help Nails Stay Strong: They strengthen nails, so you don’t have to go to the salon as often.
Why Are Acrylic Nails So Popular?
Acrylic nails are created by combining acrylic powder and a liquid monomer (usually ethyl methacrylate) to form a paste that hardens into a coating over your natural nails or acrylic tips. Once you cure them, you can file, shape, paint, and style them any way you want.
People love them because:
- They’re strong and long-lasting
- They work well with nail art and glitter
- They help protect your real nails underneath
- You can get custom shapes, such as almond, square, round tips, or anything else
- They give you a clean, glossy top coat look without daily upkeep
And with the rise of starter at-home nail kits, first-timers are skipping the salon and doing their own nails.
Benefits of DIY Acrylic Nails at Home
Companies like F.O.X Nails have made it easier than ever to create gorgeous acrylic nails at home, especially if you're someone who likes to change up your style without spending a fortune.
- The tools you need, like the nail brush, spatula, top coat, nail file, and nail tips, are super easy to use.
- Each product comes with simple instructions that beginners will love.
- You’re able to learn the full application process.
- You can experiment with nail art, glitter, polish, and even gel nails.
- Easier to match your style and preferred nail length
- Gives you more control over creating stunning nails and looking after your natural nail health.
Check out our acryl gels and other products for beginner-friendly and advanced options with pro-quality results.
What You Need to Create DIY Acrylic Nails at Home
Not all nail kits are made the same, so it’s worth knowing what you actually need to get started. Here’s a quick list of must-have tools and materials:
- Acry Gel: The building block of strong nail extensions
- Nail / Acrylic brush: Use a dense, flat-ended nail brush to shape and apply the acrygel.
- Cuticle Pusher: To clean the nail beds and prep properly
- Nail File: For shaping the free edge.
- Buffer: For smoothing out the nail plate and removing shine for better adhesion
- Base Coat: For protection of the natural nail
- Top Coat: For shine, protection, and that fresh salon feel
- Cuticle Oil: Keeps your natural nails and fingers hydrated
- Nail Polish: Optional, but great for switching up color
We also offer a range of products, including nail clippers, a nail lamp, and gel tools. We’ve got various bundles and collections with high-performance formulas and salon-level brushes to make your first (or tenth) set easier than ever.
How to Apply Acrylic Nails at Home (Step-by-Step)
The secrets to long-lasting acrylics are good prep and thin, even layers. Here’s how to apply them at home to achieve a salon-quality finish.
1. Prep Your Natural Nails
- Prep Nails: Remove old polish, gently push back cuticles, then trim and file natural nails to your desired shape.
- Surface Prep: Gently buff the entire nail surface to remove shine for acrylic adhesion. Cleanse and dehydrate with our F.O.X Nano Dehydrator Nail Prep to remove dust and oils, ensuring a matte finish.
- Prime: Apply a thin layer of our Ultrabond non-acid primer to the natural nail plate (avoiding skin) and let it air dry to help the acrylic bond.
2. Applying the Acrylic
- Apply Cuticle and Free Edge Beads: Apply a smaller bead near the cuticle (avoiding skin), gently pushing and blending it down. If needed, apply another small bead to the free edge, blending to ensure even, consistent coverage and desired shape.
- Cure and Check: Continuously observe the nail's shape, ensuring a natural apex for strength. Work quickly as it air dries.
3. Shaping and Finishing
- Shape and Buff: Once dry, use a coarser file (recommended 180 grit) to shape the nail for length and parallelism, then a finer file to refine and smooth the surface. Buff the entire nail to remove file marks.
- Cleanse and Top Coat: Cleanse nails thoroughly to remove dust. Apply a thin, even layer of top coat (cure gel top coat under UV/LED lamp or air dry regular top coat). If you want to add polish, then apply before the top coat.
- Hydrate: Finish by applying cuticle oil to rehydrate your cuticles and surrounding skin.
Acrylic Nail Maintenance: How to Make Them Last Longer
Once you’ve applied your own acrylic nails, keeping them in good shape is pretty simple as long as you follow a few basic habits. Good acrylic maintenance makes the difference between a clean look that lasts for weeks and lifting or cracking that happens within days.
Here’s How to Care for Your Acrylics:
- Keep them dry for the first 2–3 hours after applying
- Use cuticle oil or moisturizer daily to nourish your natural nail underneath
- Avoid using your nails in a way that might cause damage, such as opening cans and packages with them. Protect them from unnecessary pressure
- File any rough edges with a nail file before they catch on something
- Wear gloves when cleaning. Household chemicals can break down your acrylic nails
Our acrylic formulas at F.O.X. Nails are durable and long-lasting. Use them with our top coat, so your set stays shiny and chip-resistant for weeks.
How to Carefully Remove Acrylic Nails
Removing acrylic nails the wrong way can seriously damage your real nails. Ripping or biting them off is a no-go. You’ll end up with weak, thin natural nails that take months to grow back. Instead, do it the safe way.
Our acrylic nails aren’t soak-off. Use a nail drill to gently drill them. You can also use a nail file to file them down. It’s quicker than soaking and still safe for your natural nails when done right. After removal, use cuticle oil and a nail strengthener to keep your nails healthy.
Shop our high-quality disposable nail files if you’d prefer that.
Nail Art and Design Ideas You Can Do at Home
One of the biggest perks of doing your own acrylic nails at home is the freedom to play with different styles. Acrylics work well with nail polish, gel nails, and accessories like glitter, rhinestones, or even foil.
Some Popular DIY Nail Art Trends:
- Almond-shaped nails with a soft nude base and gold foil accents
- Minimalist white tips with a glossy top coat, otherwise known as a French Manicure
- French fades or ombré looks using colored acrylic powder or polish
- 3D nail art using small beads, pearls, or decals
- Holiday themes with red and green nail polish or glitter accents
You can create bold looks or stick with classic, clean styles. Our nail tools make it easy to switch it up without damaging your nails.
Common Acrylic Nail Issues and Solutions
Even the best sets of acrylics can run into problems, especially while you’re still learning. But every issue has a fix. Here’s how to deal with common acrylic nail issues:
- Lifting: Usually caused by skipping prep or applying the acrylic too close to the skin. The best solution for this is to remove the whole nail and start again, because trying to fix it can cause bacteria to build up.
- Cracking or Breaking: Often happens if the acrylic is too thin or you don’t cure it evenly. Try applying thicker beads in sections and avoid over-filing.
- Bubbles in Acrylic: Can show up if you work too fast or your brush is too dry. Always keep your acrylic brush slightly wet with monomer and smooth out the bead slowly.
- Uneven Shape: Happens if you’ve rushed the application process. Use a nail file to correct the shape before applying polish.
- Sticky Finish: This usually means the product didn’t fully cure or the top coat wasn’t sealed properly. Apply a second coat and cure it in a nail UV lamp if necessary.
Why DIYers and Salons Love Our Acry Gels at F.O.X. Nails
Our kits give you real results without the hassle. Here’s why customers love them:
- Beautifully packaged and easy to store or gift
- No harsh chemicals; they’re gentle enough for sensitive nail beds
- Variety of tips, tools, and formulas to suit every skill level
- Clear, simple instructions
- Our nail kits include everything you need for long-lasting sets
- Trusted by salons and DIYers alike
Want to build your own custom nail kits? Check out our kits and sets for files, cuticle oil, and more nail extensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do Professionals Use For Acrylic Nails?
Professionals use our wide selection of acryl gels, nail drills, files, and brushes to get gorgeous results. They often prefer reliable brands like ours that offer consistent results.
What Is The Best Way To Do Acrylic Nails At Home?
Prep is everything. Clean the moisture from your natural nails, use a primer, apply thin layers, and always seal with a top coat. Our acryl gels make this process beginner-friendly.
What Brand of Fake Nails Are The Best?
Look for a brand that uses pro-level ingredients, offers full kit options, and gives you control over the application process. We created our kits to check all those boxes.
Is It Safe To Do Your Own Acrylic Nails At Home?
Yes! Just follow the steps and use high-quality products. When it’s time to remove them, avoid shortcuts like pulling them off, and always take care of your real nails underneath.
How Long Do At-Home Acrylic Nails Last?
A good set can last 2–3 weeks, sometimes more, depending on how well they’re applied and cared for. Refill when needed and don’t ignore lifting or cracks.
Final Thoughts on Acrylic Nails at Home
F.O.X Acryl Gels make doing nails at home easier, even for beginners. They’re strong, flexible, and simple to shape without needing a salon visit. The comfort during curing and the safe, gentle formulas are great for people with sensitive nails. These gels are a smart pick if you want good-looking, long-lasting results at home.
Shop our range of acrylic nails now for gorgeous DIY nails!
