Should you get acrylic nails for your wedding?

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and every detail, down to your nails, matters. When considering acrylic nails for your special day, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons, as well as explore the best salon services available to ensure your nails look flawless.

Why you should get acrylic nails for your wedding

Durability: Acrylic nails are known for their strength and resilience. And with the amount of work during weddings, acrylic nails prevent the fear of nails breaking. They last longer than regular manicures, ensuring your nails look perfect throughout your wedding day and honeymoon.

Customisation: Acrylics provide a solid base for various designs and nail art, allowing you to express your style. Whether you want something classic, like French tips, or something more elaborate with rhinestones and intricate details, acrylics offer a versatile canvas.

Length: If you have short or uneven nails, acrylics can help you achieve the length and shape you want quickly. This is especially important if you dream of having elegant, longer nails for your big day.

Perfect finish: Many brides appreciate the polished, flawless look that acrylic nails give. Unlike some natural nails that can break or chip easily, acrylics maintain a sleek appearance.

Types and styles of acrylic nails

When you decide to go for acrylics, you’ll find that there are many styles and shapes to choose from:

French tips: A timeless bridal classic. French tips with acrylic nails offer a clean, elegant look that’s perfect for weddings. The white tip complements any bridal outfit and gives your nails a polished, sophisticated appearance.

Coffin/ballerina nails: These long nails have a squared-off tip and offer a modern, chic look. For brides looking to add some drama, this style pairs well with bold nail art or soft, nude tones.

Almond-shaped nails: With their elegant, tapered shape, almond nails give your hands a feminine, sophisticated look. Perfect for brides wanting something graceful and understated.

Square nails: Clean and symmetrical, square-shaped nails are a classic choice for brides who want a no-fuss, structured look. Pair this shape with neutral tones for a timeless bridal aesthetic.

Nail art and embellishments: Many salons, including Envi Salons, offer services like 3D nail art, Swarovski crystals, glitter, and intricate lace designs to make your acrylics unique. This can add a special touch, especially if you're looking to incorporate a bit of sparkle into your wedding-day look.

Ombre acrylics: Another popular bridal choice is ombre nails, which blend two or more colours for a gradient effect. Soft pinks fading into white create a romantic, subtle look perfect for weddings.

Why you shouldn’t

There are a few reasons you might skip acrylic nails and opt for other services

Damage to natural nails: If not removed correctly, acrylic nails can cause some damage to your natural nails, especially if the application or removal process is aggressive. Regular use of acrylics without breaks can lead to long-term nail damage, so it’s important to be cautious. If you can’t visit a professional salon to remove them, then you might want to opt for a gel manicure or a classic manicure.

Maintenance: Acrylics require regular upkeep, including refills after a few weeks. They need regular filling to stay in good shape, and this can be inconvenient during the wedding preparations. Brides need to factor in the time and effort to keep the nails looking perfect leading up to their big day.

Allergies or sensitivity: Some people have allergic reactions to the chemicals used in acrylic nails, leading to discomfort. If this is a concern, it's better to explore gentler alternatives like gel polish. For brides with sensitive skin or a history of allergies, it’s essential to do a patch test or opt for a trial set a few weeks in advance to ensure no adverse reactions occur.

What are the alternatives?

Gel manicures: These provide a natural, glossy finish and are gentler on the nails. Gel nails are durable, though not as hard as acrylics, and can be ideal for brides seeking a more natural look.

Dip powder nails: This service is another durable option but doesn’t involve the same chemicals used in acrylics. It provides a natural look with excellent longevity and minimal damage.

Natural nail treatments: If you want to focus on the health of your natural nails, consider in-salon services like strengthening treatments or a luxury manicure that involves conditioning and moisturising the nails and cuticles.

Other things to factor

If you’re not used to wearing acrylic nails, they can feel uncomfortable or heavy initially. It’s best to get them done a couple of weeks before the wedding to allow your nails and skin to adjust. This also gives you enough time to observe any reactions such as irritation, redness, or even allergies, which is crucial for brides with sensitive skin.

The health of your natural nails is another important factor. Acrylic nails, if applied too thickly or removed improperly, can cause damage to the natural nailbeds. Find a highly skilled nail technician who uses quality products to minimise the risk of weakening or thinning your nails. Nail issues just before your wedding are the last thing you want.

In conclusion, whether you choose acrylic nails or another service, the goal is to feel beautiful and confident on your big day. Be sure to book your in-salon services well in advance, and consider what will be best for your overall look and lifestyle. Acrylic nails offer incredible versatility and durability, but it’s important to pick a style that complements your wedding day vision.

Inputs by Namika Kant from Envi Salons, Neelam Jaiswal, Nail Artist at Looks Salon and Dr Niketa Sonavane, Celebrity Dermatologist and founder of Ambrosia Aesthetics, Mumbai

All Images: Pexels

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