Quite a lot - we’ve listed the main points below:
**Nail strength** - if you’ve got weak or brittle nails, wait to get them in optimal health before you get acrylics. You can boost your nail health by moisturising them daily with a natural nail strengthening oil, like jojoba.
**Shape** - decide on your shape and length pre-application. If it’s your first time, don’t plump for super-long nails; begin short so you can get used to the weight and feel.
**Prep** - perfect nail prep helps prevent discomfort, lifting, and breakage. Your nails must be filed (but not overly) and sanitised before application.
**Infections** - prevent infections by ensuring that the acrylic manicure instruments used are properly sterilised first and that your nails are applied and removed by an experienced acrylic nail technician.
**Fills** - you’ll need fills to touch-up regrowth every 2-3 weeks. It’s advisable to only have one set of fills before removing the whole set of acrylic nails.
**Popping-off** - acrylic nails can pop off if they hit hard surfaces and if you tap your hands repeatedly (e.g. if you do a lot of typing). They can also pop off if your nail wasn’t properly prepped.
**Time** - application and removal of acrylics take around an hour each. Make sure you book a professional to minimise damage.
**Costs** - prices vary, but as a rule of thumb, the more colours and greater intricacy of design you go for, the higher the cost.