Getting into acrylic nails at home can be exciting. However, it is also a bit overwhelming when you are first getting started. If you have searched online for the best acrylic nail kit for beginners, you might have encountered dozens of kits, all claiming to be the "best" or "most complete." The truth is, not all acrylic nail starter kits are created equally. And, especially if you're just starting, you do not need the most expensive or complicated set. You need the right tools, some decent quality products, and a little bit of direction to get started.
Here are some tips for choosing the right acrylic nail kit for beginners without feeling overwhelmed.
What should be a part of a beginner acrylic nail kit?
An acrylic nail beginner kit should contain all the essentials. Here is a list of items you should find in most beginner kits:
- Acrylic powder- usually clear, pink, and white
- Acrylic liquid monomer
- Nail tips or nail forms
- Primer and dehydrator
- Nail brush
- Nail file and nail buffer
- Dappen dish (for monomer)
- Top coat
Some fake nail beginner kits may include more items like nail glue, cuticle pusher, or colored powders. But the above list consists of what you really need to start practicing acrylics.
Take Notice of the Acrylic Powder
The kind of acrylic powder you use plays an important role, especially as a beginner. The best acrylic poder for begwinners should be:
- Easy to control
- Smooth
- Not too fast drying
- Fast-drying powders can be trickier than when you are learning the basic skills of acrylic. A longer drying time will give you time to shape and position the bead without being rushed.
Select a Simple Brush
Brushes can be confusing. Brush sizes usually go from 6 to 16, with 8 or 10 being ideal for beginners. Too small, and it'll take forever to apply the product. Too large, and it gets messy very quickly. An acceptable brush will hold a shape, have a strong point, and not lose fibers. Cheap brushes can seem like a good option, but they generally fray quickly and won't aid improvement.
Check the Monomer
The liquid component of your acrylic kit (the monomer) can vary greatly in quality. Some monomers stink so bad that they will make the whole room intolerable. While others don’t set well and remain sticky.
You will want to use a less fragrant, EMA (ethyl methacrylate) based monomer because this type is safer and is easier to manage. Under no circumstances should you be using MMA (methyl methacrylate) based liquids, as these are not safe for nails and are illegal in most states.
Check Out What Other Beginners Are Saying
Before you buy it, read reviews written by actual beginners. If people say things like "too difficult to work with" or "drying time is too fast," that’s your clue to avoid it. The best beginner acrylic nail kits will usually have things written over them, such as "easy to learn," "good for practicing," or "not too overwhelming." Moreover, watch a few video reviews too. Watching someone unbox their kit and use it will help you identify things you should keep in mind before you purchase.
Don't Pick Overloaded "Mega Kits"
Some of the fake nail starter kits promise 30 colors, 10 tools, 12 brushes, or more. Most of those tools are low-quality or not really needed. Instead, go for a starter kit for acrylic nails based on quality rather than quantity. One excellent brush and good powders will help you learn more than 15 jars of glitter and even 3 varieties of dotting tools.
Decide Based On Your Intent
- Ask yourself why you are buying this kit?
- Just to try it and have fun?
- You want to develop your skills, and maybe take clients later?
- You already know a bit and want to upskill?
Your response will assist in implying a basic starter kit versus a more advanced kit. If you are serious about getting better, you are probably better off going for a professional acrylic nail starter kit with slightly better quality products—even if it costs more. Discover why investing in high-quality nail products is worth it.
Be Sure You're Prepared
Acrylic nails will surely not last if the preparation is not done properly. The best beginner acrylic nails will not do well if your nails are not clean, prepared, and ready to go.
Make sure your kit has a nail dehydrator and a primer, as these help your Acrylics stick better and avoid lifting. Also ensure you have a good file and buffer because shaping starts before applying acrylic.
Cleanup is Important
A beginning nail tech is so focused on the application that clean up is often forgotten. You will need paper towels on hand, something to trash into, and an all-purpose brush cleaner. Be sure that the beginner acrylic kit you are thinking about has a brush cleaner, or see if you need to buy a separate one.
Practise it consistently
Even if you have the best tools and equipment, your first few sets will probably not be perfect and that is completely fine. You are learning. The goal is to practice with safety, get better each time, and enjoy yourself as you learn.
Try practicing on plastic tips or a practice hand before doing a full set on yourself. This will help you become familiar with the brush pressure, and how to shape before you commit to doing a real set.
Conclusion
When shopping for the best acrylic nail kits for beginners, it is not about choosing the biggest kit. It is all about choosing the right kit. All you need is a decent brush, simple use of powders, an easy to work with monomer and a few basic preparation tools. Once you have practiced and become confident, then you can start to add nail art tools, new powder colors, or start to move onto more advanced techniques.
If you are ready to begin this journey for yourself with the right tools, be sure to check out the acrylic nail kits made with beginners in mind at Gina's Nails Supplies. The kits are affordable, easy to use, and set up for real learning.