How Often Should You Get Acrylic Nails? Expert Advice from Laperla Nails and Spa

Acrylic nails are one of the most popular nail enhancements offered today. Known for their strength, durability, and versatility, they allow you to achieve long, elegant nails even if your natural nails are short or weak.

But once you get a set of acrylics, how often should you come in for maintenance? And what signs indicate it might be time for a refill or replacement?

At Laperla Nails and Spa in Louisville, our nail technicians specialize in creating long-lasting, beautiful acrylic sets that support your style and nail health. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about acrylic nail upkeep, from fill timing to signs of wear and care tips between visits.

What Are Acrylic Nails?

Acrylic nails are a type of artificial enhancement that involves applying a mixture of liquid monomer and powder polymer to the nail plate or an artificial tip. Once the mixture hardens, it forms a durable extension that can be shaped and polished to your liking.

Benefits of Acrylic Nails:

• Long-lasting wear (typically 2 to 3 weeks between fills)

• Highly customizable in shape, length, and design

• Durable enough for daily wear and long nails

• A smooth, solid surface for nail polish or detailed nail art

• Suitable for those with brittle or soft natural nails

Our acrylic services are performed using professional-grade products and techniques that protect your natural nails while delivering a stylish finish.

How Often Should You Get Acrylic Nails Filled?

Acrylic nails typically require a fill or rebalance every 2 to 3 weeks. This time frame can vary depending on several factors, including your nail growth rate, lifestyle, and how well you maintain your nails at home.

Key factors that influence fill timing:

• Nail growth speed – Some people’s nails grow faster than others, especially during warmer months.

• Length of your acrylics – Longer nails tend to require more frequent maintenance to prevent stress and lifting.

• Work or daily activities – If your hands are constantly in water or you do manual tasks, acrylics may wear faster.

• Signs of damage – Lifting, cracks, or gaps may occur sooner, requiring quicker touch-ups.

  
  

Two-week intervals are ideal for clients who want their nails looking polished at all times, while three-week fills are more common for those with slower nail growth or short acrylic sets.

Signs It’s Time for a Fill or Rebalance

Not sure if it’s time for a fill? Here are some common signs to watch for:

• A visible gap between the acrylic and your natural cuticle area

• The surface of the nail feels uneven or overly thick

• Lifting or separation at the sides of the nail

• Cracks, chips, or broken corners

• Discoloration beneath the acrylic or buildup around the base

  
  

When left too long, lifted acrylics can allow moisture and bacteria to get trapped underneath, potentially leading to infections or damage to the natural nail. Regular fills help prevent this and maintain a clean, seamless finish.

When to Remove and Replace Acrylic Nails Entirely

Even with regular maintenance, acrylic sets are not meant to last forever without removal. We recommend that clients remove and reapply their acrylics every 6 to 8 weeks, depending on condition.

Reasons to fully replace your acrylics:

• Product buildup over multiple fills

• Natural nail growth making the base too far out

• Acrylic material has become brittle or yellowed

• You want to switch to a different nail enhancement (gel or dip)

• You have recurring lifting or signs of nail stress

During removal, we gently soak off the acrylic using salon-grade remover rather than peeling or ripping the product off — a method that protects the health of your natural nail.

Tips for Caring for Acrylic Nails Between Visits

Caring for your acrylics properly at home can help extend their life and reduce your risk of lifting, cracking, or breakage.

Here’s how to keep your acrylic nails looking their best:

• Apply cuticle oil daily – Hydration helps prevent lifting and maintains healthy nail beds.

• Wear gloves when cleaning or using chemicals – Harsh cleaners and extended water exposure can weaken acrylic adhesion.

• Avoid using your nails as tools – Do not pry open lids, scratch surfaces, or pick with your nails.

• Never peel or pull off acrylics – If a nail is lifting or damaged, let us remove it safely at the salon.

• Use acetone-free nail polish remover if applying polish between appointments.

Well-maintained acrylic nails can remain strong, beautiful, and safe with the right at-home care combined with regular professional service.

Frequently Asked Questions About Acrylic Nail Maintenance

Can I go longer than three weeks between fills?

It’s not recommended. Waiting too long increases the chances of lifting, cracking, and bacteria buildup. If you notice large gaps or damage, schedule a fill immediately.

Do natural nails grow underneath acrylics?

Yes. Your natural nails continue to grow beneath the acrylics, which is why fills are necessary. Acrylics do not stop growing; they simply sit on top of your nails.

Are acrylic nails bad for your natural nails?

When applied and removed properly by trained professionals, acrylics are safe and should not damage your natural nails. Problems usually arise from improper removal, over-filing, or neglecting regular maintenance.

Can I switch from acrylic to gel or dip powder?

Absolutely. Many clients try different nail enhancement systems over time. We can safely remove your acrylics and discuss the pros and cons of switching to dip, gel, or natural nail services.

Is it painful to get acrylics removed?

Not at all. At Laperla Nails and Spa, we use professional techniques to soak off acrylics gently without causing pain or trauma to the nail. Never peel or break them off yourself; it can cause more harm than good.

Book Your Acrylic Nail Fill or Full Set in Louisville

Whether you're new to acrylics or maintaining your regular set, Laperla Nails and Spa in Louisville offers expert acrylic nail services in a clean, modern, and welcoming environment.

We specialize in custom acrylic sets, nail art enhancements, and proper maintenance techniques that prioritize both style and nail health.

Visit us at: 1556 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40205

Call to book: (502) 389-3525

Walk-ins welcome, appointments recommended for full sets and refills.

We proudly serve clients across The Highlands, Crescent Hill, Clifton, and surrounding neighborhoods.