Re-do acrylics every 3 months?

**kathiny** · 06-01-2012, 08:49 AM

Hello everyone... first post!

I've been searching the internet for an answer to this question, and haven't found it, so I figured I'd go ahead and sign up and ask it here.

First, the back-story: I got acrylic nail forms for the first time about a year ago. I've gone back to the same salon every two weeks for fill-ins. Until recently, I have had very few breaks. Then I got a different nail tech about a month ago at the salon, and I had a nail break. I didn't think much of it since it happens once in a while (and I seemed about due for one, heh), but then for my next fill a couple weeks ago, I got the same tech, and the very next day, another nail broke! I went back to have it fixed, but the same nail and a second one broke about a week later. I looked at them closely, and noticed that the acrylic seemed thinner than it usually does, so I figured that was the problem.

I went for a fill-in last night, and ended up with the same tech yet again. I pointed out the broken nails and said I thought the acrylic was a little thin, and that I hardly ever have breaks. The tech was very defensive and said that the breaks were my fault for not having the acrylic completely pulled off and re-done every three months.

Wait, what? First, no one told me I should have the acrylic re-done every 3 months when I first started getting it a year ago, just that I needed to come in every two weeks to have the new growth filled in. Second, my nails have completely grown out after TWO months. I tried to explain that to her, but she wouldn't have it. She charged me extra to pry off and re-do the acrylic on the two broken nails (with tips), and reluctantly agreed to put on the acrylic a bit thicker.

So the big question is: Is it true that acrylic needs to be completely removed and re-applied every three months?

**pepsimax** · 06-02-2012, 05:37 PM

There is no right or wrong answer to this. Some say 6 months whereas others say sooner or later. Some say they don't need to be changed as with nail growth they grow out in a few months anyway.
Personally I would never have acrylics but if you want these I would suggest using another salon if they are not willing to listen to the customer. Its you nails and you deserve to make sure you are getting adequate treatment.