Acrylic Nails in Gandia and Ontinyent: Designs, Aftercare and Removal

Acrylic nails are one of the most popular manicure options at both Adrian Beauty Studio Gandia and Adrian Beauty Studio Ontinyent. They offer length, strength and design versatility that regular polish — or even gel — can't match. If you're wondering whether they're right for you, this guide answers everything: the process, how long they last, aftercare, how they differ from gel and how to remove them properly.

What are acrylic nails and how are they applied?

Acrylic nails are made by combining an acrylic powder (polymer) with a liquid monomer. Mixed together, they form a mouldable paste that the technician applies directly onto the natural nail or onto a tip (an artificial extension). As it's exposed to the air it hardens into a solid, hard-wearing surface that can be filed, shaped and polished.

Unlike gel, which needs a UV/LED lamp to cure, acrylic hardens chemically in the air. That has practical consequences: the process involves more smell and more technical precision, but the result is noticeably more rigid and resistant to knocks.

Step-by-step application

1. Prepping the natural nail: gentle filing of the surface for grip, pushing back the cuticles and cleansing with a degreaser.
2. Applying a tip or form (if you want length): the tip is matched to the width of each nail and fixed with special adhesive; paper or foil forms are used to build the extension without a tip.
3. Mixing and applying the acrylic: the technician picks up a bead of powder and liquid with the brush and places it in three zones (base, middle and tip), controlling the thickness in each area.
4. Shaping: before it fully sets, the shape is refined — square, almond, stiletto, coffin — as agreed.
5. Filing and buffing: once dry, it's filed to even out the surface, remove irregularities and buff.
6. Polish or finish: gel polish or regular polish goes on, or it's left as natural acrylic with a top coat.

In the salon, a new set of acrylic nails takes between 80 and 100 minutes, depending on the length and design you choose.

Acrylic vs gel vs gel polish

This is probably the question we're asked most before people book. Here's a straightforward comparison:

For a more detailed comparison, see our guide acrylic, gel or polygel: which to choose.

Popular acrylic nail designs in 2026

One of the big attractions of acrylics is the range of shapes and finishes. The hard acrylic surface takes techniques that would be impossible with regular polish.

Classic, timeless designs

• Classic French: white tips on a nude base. Still the most requested design at our salons in Gandia and Ontinyent, especially for events and weddings.
• Single-colour acrylics: "one colour" in nude, red or black is still a favourite. Simple but striking.
• Red stilettos: a very pointed shape with intense red polish. Never out of style in autumn and winter.
• Nude coffin/ballerina: a square shape with a flat tip, finished in peach, beige or pale pink.

Current acrylic trends

• Glazed donut: a chrome mirror effect over a translucent base, borrowed from Korean nail art. Very popular with younger clients in La Safor and around Gandia.
• Marble nails: marble-effect veining in white/grey or pastel colours. Done with colour gel and a fine brush.
• Acrylics with embellishments: crystals, gold leaf and chrome pigments applied over the acrylic before sealing with top coat.
• Soft minimal: short square nails, satin or semi-matte finish, earthy colours. A trend that took off at the start of 2025 and is still going strong.
• Ombré or baby boomer: a gradient from white to pink or from one colour to another. Very popular in summer around Oliva and Gandia.

Essential aftercare

How long acrylics last depends as much on the work in the salon as on what you do (and avoid) at home. This is the care that matters most.

The first 24-48 hours after application

The first few hours are crucial for the acrylic to settle properly and for any polish on top to stay undamaged:

• Avoid long spells in hot water (pools, hot tubs, washing up without gloves) for at least the first 24 hours.
• Don't knock or force your nails: the acrylic is already solid, but a hard impact in the first few hours can weaken adhesion.
• Don't use acetone near your nails, or harsh nail polish removers that could attack the material.
• If you've chosen a gel polish finish over the acrylic, also avoid excessive heat (such as opening oven doors without gloves).

Daily upkeep to make them last

• Moisturise your cuticles every day with cuticle oil or hand cream. Acrylic doesn't hydrate the surrounding skin, and dryness causes lifting.
• Wear gloves for housework: repeated contact with cleaning products (bleach, detergent) breaks down the bond between acrylic and natural nail.
• Don't use your nails as tools: opening ring-pull cans, scraping off labels or typing with your nail tips are the main culprits.
• Wear sun cream on your hands: if you use SPF regularly (recommended), try not to let it creep under the edge of the acrylic, as it can cause lifting.

What to do if an acrylic nail breaks

If a nail splits or partly lifts, don't pull at it. It's the most common mistake and the one that does the most damage to the natural nail. What to do:

1. Gently file the broken edge so it doesn't catch on your clothes.
2. If part of it has lifted, don't force it: use a little chemist's nail glue as a temporary fix.
3. Book in as soon as possible for a professional repair. At our salons in the Vall d'Albaida area (Ontinyent) and La Safor (Gandia) we can repair the nail without removing the whole set.

How long do acrylic nails last?

In the salon, well-applied and well-cared-for acrylics usually last 3 to 5 weeks before they need an infill. From the second week you'll start to see a gap between the cuticle and the start of the acrylic, which tells you your infill is coming up.

How long they really last depends on:

• How fast your natural nails grow: the faster they grow, the sooner you'll need an infill.
• Heavy manual work: jobs involving a lot of water, chemicals or knocks shorten wear time.
• Care at home: moisturising your cuticles and avoiding too much moisture make a noticeable difference.
• Quality of application: correct prep of the natural nail is the foundation of good adhesion.

Acrylic vs gel: which is best for you?

There's no single answer. It depends on your nails, your lifestyle and the result you're after.

Choose acrylics if:

• Your nails are very short or weak and you want real length.
• You need maximum strength (manual work, contact sports).
• You want to change the shape of your nails dramatically (stiletto, long coffin).
• You're after elaborate designs with embellishments or complex nail art.

Choose gel if:

• Your nails already have length and you just want strength and long-lasting colour.
• You prefer a thinner, more natural finish.
• You're sensitive to strong smells.
• You'd like a slightly quicker appointment.

Choose gel polish if:

• Your nails are in good condition and you just want colour that lasts 2-3 weeks.
• You don't want to add thickness or length.
• You want the simplest upkeep and the quickest removal.

You can see the options available and the details of each technique on our acrylic nails service page.

Removing acrylic nails properly

Removal is the stage that can do the most damage if it's done badly. Acrylics should never be ripped or prised off.

The recommended professional method

In the salon, acrylic removal follows this routine:

1. File the surface layer: the top coat and some of the acrylic are filed away with an e-file or by hand so the acetone can penetrate better.
2. Soak in pure acetone: the nails are wrapped in acetone-soaked cotton and foil for 15-20 minutes.
3. Gentle removal: the softened acrylic is eased off with a cuticle pusher, without pressure. If it doesn't budge, it's soaked again.
4. Caring for the natural nail: the surface is gently buffed, moisturised with oil and the nail's condition is checked.

A full acrylic removal takes about 25 minutes more (€18), so if you're coming in to remove a set and have a new one in the same appointment, let us know when you book so we can allow enough time.

Getting ready for your next appointment

After removal, your natural nails may look a little thinner than usual. That's normal after weeks in acrylic. Ideally:

• Moisturise intensively with cuticle oil and hand cream for at least a week before having them done again.
• If the nail is very weak, you can give it a 2-4 week break, or have a strengthening gel polish while it recovers.
• Avoid coarse files at home during that recovery period.

Acrylic nail FAQs

Does it hurt to have acrylic nails applied?

Generally, no. Application isn't painful when it's done properly. You may feel slight pressure when the tip is placed or during filing, but it shouldn't hurt. If you feel stinging or discomfort, tell the technician straight away: it could mean the nail has been over-filed or the acrylic is too close to the cuticle. Careful prep is key to a completely comfortable experience.

Can acrylic nails cause an allergy?

Yes, it's possible. The liquid monomer is the component with the highest allergy potential. The most common reaction is itching, redness or swelling around the cuticles or the edge of the nail, usually in the first few days after application. If you have a history of allergies to cosmetics or resins, speak to a professional before your appointment. If you do react, see your GP or a dermatologist; don't try to take the nails off yourself while the skin is irritated. Good ventilation in the work area reduces exposure during application.

Do acrylic nails damage your natural nails?

Correct application and removal shouldn't significantly damage the natural nail. The damage you often see — thin, brittle nails after acrylics come off — usually has two causes: aggressive surface prep (over-filing) or incorrect removal by ripping them off. When the process is done with the right timings and materials, the natural nail stays in good condition. Keeping your nails moisturised while you wear acrylics also helps keep them healthy.

Can I have acrylic nails if my nails are weak?

Yes — in fact acrylics are a common choice precisely for people with very short, brittle nails or nails that won't grow. The acrylic acts as a protective layer over the natural nail. Do mention the state of your nails when you book or at the start of your appointment so the technician can adapt the prep. If there's peeling, a fungal infection or any visible condition, it's sensible to see a doctor or dermatologist first.

How often should I go back for an infill?

Usually every 3-4 weeks. From the second week you can already see the natural nail growing at the base, and by the fourth week the gap is visible and the strength starts to drop. Leaving more than 5 weeks between infills increases the risk of lifting and breaks. At our salons in Gandia and Ontinyent we suggest booking your follow-up before you leave so you're sure of a slot.

Is it safe to wear acrylics during pregnancy?

There's no scientific evidence ruling out acrylic nails during pregnancy, but there are things to bear in mind. The smell of the monomer can be very strong, especially in the first trimester, when you're more sensitive to smells. Make sure the space is well ventilated. Some professionals suggest switching to gel or gel polish during pregnancy because they smell less. Either way, check with your doctor or midwife if you have any doubts, especially if there's a specific risk in your pregnancy.

How long do acrylic nails last?

With the right care, 3 to 5 weeks before the first infill. Exactly how long depends on how fast your natural nails grow, how much contact they have with water and chemicals, and your upkeep at home. Moisturising your cuticles regularly and wearing gloves for housework are the two habits that make a set last longest.

What's the difference between acrylic and gel?

The main difference is the material and how it cures: acrylic hardens in the air through a chemical reaction, while gel needs a UV or LED lamp to set. Acrylic is more rigid and better for building length; gel gives a thinner, glossier finish with a little more flexibility. For short nails that want length and maximum strength, acrylic is the usual choice. For reinforcement over your own nails with a natural finish, gel is usually the better fit.

How should I look after my acrylic nails after application?

The first two days matter most: avoid long spells in hot water, don't use acetone and don't force your nails. After that, the daily routine is moisturising your cuticles with a dedicated oil, wearing gloves for washing up or cleaning, and not using your nails as tools. If a nail breaks, don't yank it off: file the edge and book an appointment to repair it before the lifting spreads.

What's the right way to remove acrylic nails?

The only safe method is soaking in pure acetone with cotton and foil for at least 15-20 minutes, after filing away the surface layer. They shouldn't be ripped off, prised up or filed off dry. Ripping them off takes part of the natural nail with them, causing the peeling and thinning many people wrongly blame on acrylic itself. Professional removal in the salon is always the safest option.

Acrylic nails at Adrian Beauty Studio

At Adrian Beauty Studio we use professional materials chosen for their adhesion, durability and gentleness on the natural nail. Every set includes full nail prep, made-to-measure shaping and the polish or finish of your choice. If your nails are damaged from previous treatments, we assess them in the salon before we start.

Prices go by length: short €36, medium €43 and long €49; a new set (first time or adding length) is €5 extra. You'll find all the details of our acrylic nails service — including the decoration options — on the service page.

Our salons in Gandia and Ontinyent

If you're looking for acrylic nails in Gandia or elsewhere in La Safor, come and see us at our Gandia salon, with online booking available.

If the Vall d'Albaida area suits you better, our Ontinyent salon offers exactly the same service, also with online booking.

Book ahead, especially in high season. If you're coming to remove a set and have a new one in the same appointment, say so when you book so we can give you enough time.

Quick reference: manicure types