Acrylic is a liquid and powder that hardens into a tough shell over your nail, sculpted to whatever length and shape you want. It is the most durable option we offer, which is why it is still the first choice for long coffin and stiletto shapes, and for anyone who breaks a softer set within days.
What a full set includes
Shaping and gentle cuticle work first, then the sculpt, filed and refined to the shape you asked for, finished with gel color or a natural buff. A full set starts at $65. Length, shape and any art are quoted before we start, never after, and the full menu is on our pricing page.
Acrylic or Gel-X? The honest answer
We are known for Gel-X extensions, so it would be easy to push you there. We will not. Acrylic wins when you want dramatic length, a heavily sculpted shape, or a set that survives hard hands and takes repairs well. Gel-X wins when you want something lighter and thinner that soaks off quickly and looks closer to your natural nail. Most people who ask for acrylic out of habit are happier in Gel-X, and a fair number who ask for Gel-X genuinely need acrylic. Tell us how you use your hands and we will tell you which one to book. Our comparison guide lays out the differences in full.
The part that actually damages nails
Acrylic does not ruin your nails. Aggressive drilling during prep does, and so does prying a set off at home. We keep prep gentle, avoid over filing the natural plate, and soak sets off rather than forcing them. If you have come from a salon that left your nails thin, say so when you arrive and we will work more conservatively while they recover.
Do not glue or pull it at home. Walk in and we will repair the single nail. More on that on our nail repair page.
Fills, and when to start fresh
Most sets want a fill every two to three weeks as the regrowth shows at the cuticle. Fills keep a set going for months. When lifting has gone too far, or you want a different shape or length, a new set is the better value, and we will say so rather than charging you for a fill that will not hold.
FAQ
How much are acrylic nails at X Nails?+
A full set starts at $65. Fills and any added length, shape or art are quoted before we begin, so the price you hear is the price you pay. The full menu is on our pricing page.
How long do acrylic nails last?+
Two to three weeks before a fill, and a well kept set can be maintained for months with regular fills. How fast it grows out depends on your nails and how hard you are on your hands.
Do acrylics ruin your natural nails?+
Applied and removed properly, no. The damage people describe almost always comes from aggressive drilling or from peeling a set off at home. We keep prep gentle, avoid over filing and soak sets off rather than forcing them.
Should I get acrylic or Gel-X?+
Acrylic is stronger for very long or heavily sculpted shapes and is easier to repair. Gel-X is lighter, thinner and soaks off faster, which suits most people wanting natural looking length. Tell us what you want and we will say honestly which one fits.
Do you do fills, or only new sets?+
Both. A fill refreshes the regrowth at the cuticle and keeps your current set going. If a set has lifted badly or you want a different shape, a new set is the better value and we will tell you which you need.
Can you remove acrylic I had done somewhere else?+
Yes. We soak off other salons' work regularly. Please do not pick or pry it off at home, that is what takes layers of natural nail with it.
Book at X Nails
Visit X Nails at 13612 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423. Walk-ins welcome, and we recommend booking ahead for longer services.
Secure online booking, about 60 seconds. Prefer to talk first? Call or just walk in.