Acrylic Nails: More Than Just a Manicure

By Monika Kowalska

Recently, I treated myself to a fresh set of acrylic nails, and what started as a simple beauty appointment quickly became an exploration of self-expression, style, and even patience. 

Acrylic nails, for those unfamiliar, are artificial nail enhancements created using a combination of liquid monomer and powder polymer. Once shaped and cured, they offer durability, length, and the flexibility to showcase any design imaginable, from subtle elegance to bold, statement-making art.

A fun bit of history: acrylic nails actually came about by accident. In 1954, dentist Frederick Slack broke one of his own nails and improvised a fix using the same dental acrylic he worked with every day. That quick solution sparked an entire industry. Over the decades, chemists and nail experts have transformed his improvised idea into the safer, refined acrylic systems we use now. Hard to believe such a major beauty innovation began as a spur‑of‑the‑moment fix.

The process itself is both meticulous and transformative. My nail technician carefully sculpted each nail, ensuring symmetry, strength, and an ideal shape for my hands. Acrylics can take anywhere from one to two hours to apply, depending on length and design complexity. During that time, I had a front-row seat to the artistry behind each brushstroke and filed edge, reminding me that nails are not merely functional; they are miniature canvases.

Caring for acrylic nails requires attention and respect. While they are remarkably resilient, they are not indestructible. Daily routines, typing, cooking, or opening small packaging, become exercises in precision. Hydration and cuticle care are essential, as acrylics can dry out the surrounding skin. Removal must be done carefully to avoid damage to the natural nails underneath.

But the benefits extend beyond aesthetics and durability. Acrylic nails offer a psychological boost. They serve as a personal ritual, a moment of self-care, and a quiet declaration of attention to detail. The confidence they provide is tangible; even small gestures, pouring a cup of coffee, holding a pen, or swiping through a phone, become opportunities to showcase elegance and poise.

Moreover, acrylic nails are versatile tools for personal expression. Their surfaces can host colors, textures, and intricate designs that reflect personality, mood, or even season. They allow individuals to experiment with style in ways that clothing or makeup cannot. For me, they are both a fashion statement and a form of creative expression, every curve, shine, and accent color chosen intentionally.

In essence, acrylic nails are more than just a cosmetic accessory, they are a fusion of art, self-care, and empowerment. While they require upkeep, patience, and occasional adjustments, the rewards are clear: confidence, elegance, and a reminder that beauty can be a deliberate, intentional choice. In a world where small details often go unnoticed, investing in your nails is investing in yourself.

Monika has been interviewing trans people in her blog, The Heroines of My Life, since 2013. Click here to see who she has interviewed lately.

Wearing Cynthia Rowley

 

James 'Gypsy' Haake femulating in the 1983 film To Be or Not to Be.