How Many Times Can You Fill Acrylic Nails Before Replacing Tips?

Acrylic nails offer a strong and well-shaped manicure, typically lasting for at least two months. But what about infills? How many times can you look to use this procedure and are they effective at extending the life of acrylics? With these questions in mind, I spent some time researching the topic and would like to share my findings with you here today.

So, how many times can you fill acrylic nails before replacing tips? You can fill acrylic nails indefinite times before replacing the tips. The only thing is that you have to consider is the natural nail underneath. You must ensure it is happy and healthy – with no signs of fungus, infection or dirt. Ideally, a refill should be done every two weeks before a new set.

Since this type of manicure is expensive and it is more of an investment rather than a routine beauty procedure, you probably want to go for a new set as seldom as possible.

Thankfully, infilling is a solution here and knowing that you can keep filling countless times is a huge relief.

But we must always remember that acrylics do not last forever and your natural nails underneath will eventually grow. The result is the appearance of a growth gap between the acrylic coverage and your skin.

Also, if you keep the acryl for too long, you might start observing chipping of the tips and scratches on the design. The glue may start losing its sturdiness as it fades away with time.  Also, don’t forget that at some point your nails will be very long!

Along with this, acrylics do require care and maintencence. Nevertheless, they look fantastic and are usually well worth the investment.

Let us know explore the topic in further detail. We will be covering some of the most commonly related questions, like how long should you wait before getting infills, when to get a new set of acrylic nails and more.

So, be sure to keep on reading to get all the information you need!

How Many Times Can You Have Infills On Acrylic Nails?

You can have infills on Acrylic Nails indefinite times. In other words, you can get as many refills as you wish and this is usually done every two weeks.

If you decide to keep your acrylics for three, four months or longer then keep an eye on your natural nail underneath – beware of any green traces and anything that could indicate fungus.

You can recognize fungus by discoloration of your natural nail, unexplained thickness or very dry cuticles around your nails.

Acrylics as good as they are can cause fungus, and then hide it altogether!

If acrylics are kept for too long, too much moisture collects between the artificial nail and your natural nail. With nowhere to escape bacteria can thrive!

How Long Should You Wait To Get Your Nails Filled?

Refills are typically performed once in every two weeks – at maximum. You should not need a refill any more often that this, unless the acryl is lifting up your natural nail and makes the growth gap look bigger than it actually is.

You will have to pay your manicurist a visit for a brief refill, and of course cost will be involved. This is generally much cheaper than if you were to get a new set, but it does add to the overall price of the manicure.

One thing to consider is that infilling is not required for every manicure. Nor is it something you have to do. Its just an option to help extend the life of you acrylics and if you wanted them for that little bit longer!

Should I Get A Fill Or A New Set?

The answer to this question is up to you. Look at your nails and ask yourself some questions:

• How long has it been since placing the last set?
• How do my nails feel?
• Is my manicure brittle, cracking, with scratched surfaces?
• Has the design lost part of its shine?
• How is the growth gap looking?
• Are you noticing any signs of fungus or infections?

A set ideally lasts between six and eight weeks or two months on average.

After this period you may begin to observe natural damages of your manicure, like scratched surfaces. Brittleness is also possible since the glue loses its sturdiness with time.

Typically, growth gaps start to show around two weeks after application.

After your nails have extended beyond a fourth of your natural nails, you can consider refilling them.

If you don’t have time to go to the salon, don’t panic. You can refill the gap yourself:

1. Take file.
2. Reduce the thickness of the acryl by filing it.
3. Remove any dust and push back the cuticles.
4. Apply a primer to the exposed natural nail and then add a ball of acryl to the natural nail. Stroke down to blend into the existing cuticles.

If your acrylics are done professionally, a set should be able to last way more than two months. Some clients get a new set twice a year maximum and only go for refills.

Also, the service is usually pricey and most people try avoiding spending so much money regularly.

Even if the glue is still stable and there are no cracks or broken parts, take a good look at your nails and assess them.

You may not need a new set per say but if the design is damaged; the shine gone; there are scratches or they are getting too long for that matter, all of these certainly will not compliment your look.

In case you notice any signs of fungus or infection, go for a removal immediately.

Fungus can be extremely damaging to your nails, if left untreated, and can inflict long-lasting harm. Severe cases even lead to permanent damage and deformations.

How Often Should You Get A New Set Of Acrylic Nails?

A set of acrylics is supposed to last between six and eight weeks. Refilling is done every two weeks. So, ideally you should get a new set every two months.

However, the frequency of renewal is also a personal choice. If you manicure looks healthy and there are no obvious damages, then you can only opt for refills and get a new set 2-3 times a year.

You can follow some simple steps and help your acrylics remain healthy and fresh for longer!

Moisturize Your Cuticles Daily

Keeping your cuticles and your hands moisturized is essential. The cuticles are the skin surrounding your nail directly and they practically act as supporters.

Dry and peeling off cuticles can damage the overall integrity of your nail and lead to a damaged manicure.

You can use cuticle oils, moisturizer or hand cream.

Some of the most popular cuticle oils are found on Amazon – Bee Naturals is a popular choice and Amazon best-seller.

It consists of entirely plant based ingredients and natural oils, nourishes the skin and has a soothing effect. It also keeps nails strong and sturdy by providing intensive hydration and natural moisture. Take a look at it here on Amazon.

It has over 2,500 positive reviews, and I can personally attest to its usefulness.

Use Gloves When Washing Or Cleaning

There is nothing more damaging to the nails and hands than aggressive chemicals contained in cleaning detergents.

Buy a comfortable pair of protective gloves and always put them on when cleaning or washing up.

The chemicals in such detergents have a dry and toxic effect for the skin and can sometimes even trigger dissolving of the acrylic glue.

Avoid Smashing Your Acrylics On Hard Surfaces

Be careful not to smash your nails onto harsh surfaces. This can include home furniture or can even be when you are out and about.

Broken nails are amongst the most common reasons for a visit to the salon.

Protect From Fungal Infections.

Fungal infections are amongst the most common nail problems. It usually occurs when too much moist is being retained below the natural nail or in this case – between the artificial enhancement and your own nail.

You want to prevent fungus at all costs. If not detected on time, fungus can cause permanent damage.

Consider applying some oils for prevention – tea tree essential oil; thyme essential oil; blue tansy essential oil; clove essential oil. All of these are natural and have soothing and antiseptic effects. Each oil can be used daily.

Thyme oil, in particular, is anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. Clove and blue tansy are also anti-fungal and help treat fungal infections of the nails, skin and scalp.

This is the one to get on Amazon.

In Summary

To sum up, you can fill in your acrylic nails as many times as you wish. Ideally, a refill is performed every two weeks and you should not need to visit your nail technician more often than that. An acrylic set usually lasts between six and eight weeks before it is time to get a new one.

If you decide to skip the new set, you can get indefinite number of refills. Take care of your nails in the meantime and make sure there are no signs of fungus, infections or inflammations. Take a good look and examine your nails closely every now and then.

You can also help your acrylics maintain a fresh look for longer: moisturize your cuticles daily, use gloves when washing or cleaning, avoid smashing your acrylics onto hard surfaces and protect them from fungal infections.

Applying cuticle and natural oils daily is a great way to protect your manicure!