Getting your nails done in 2025 looks a lot different from circa ten years ago (as do many other things, natch). Today, many flock to gels, BIAB or even press-ons, with acrylic seeming like a thing of the past. But it's not 'RIP acrylics' just yet, because there are many a lover still out there; after all, they are superior when it comes to durability and strength.
But do they have any other benefits? Do they last longer than gels? And above all, are acrylics damaging to nails? Well, we spoke to celebrity manicurist, Michelle Humphrey, whose clientele includes none other than Charli XCX, Julianne Moore and Dua Lipa, to name a few, who shared her expertise on everything to know about acrylic nails.
How long do acrylic nails last?
The question on everyone's lips... or should I say nails. I mean, if you are investing £30+ on a set of nails, you'd hope they last, right? Well, Michelle says that it all depends on the rate of your natural nail growth, "but you can go around 2-3 weeks before regrowth starts appearing at the cuticle, and the nail will need rebalancing or removal."
For others, however, a set of acrylics can stretch to up to eight (!!) weeks, if nail growth is slower. Unlike gels, acrylics are less likely to break or chip due to their composition and application method, meaning that while there may still be regrowth, you can get regular infills instead of redoing the entire set.
How to make your acrylic nails last longer
We all want to get our money's worth when it comes to nail longevity (cozzie livs n all), so Michelle shared some tips on how to make your set last longer...
- Make sure you have regular appointments with a reputable nail pro
- Oil your cuticles daily! Cuticle oil will not only hydrate your nail plate and surrounding skin, but will also help to keep the nail enhancement flexible, which is a good thing
- Avoid using your nails as tools – no box opening, and using them to open cans, etc!
- Wear gloves for DIY, cleaning, etc
- Avoid picking your acrylics if you get any lifting
- Don't drag appointments out longer than you should, as you can put pressure on the nail plate underneath if the structure becomes unbalanced
Shop Michelle's fave cuticle oil!
Do acrylics ruin your nails?
Unfortunately, acrylic nails have become a bit of a taboo within the nail industry. Michelle says, "This is down to cheap non-cosmetic standard acrylic, called MMA."
"The application method of MMA is quite aggressive as it does not bond well with the nail plate, and the cured product is rock solid, so any bumps or knocks can result in damage to the nail bed," Michelle says. "Removal is also not so easy – it takes forever!"
That all said, acrylics don't actually ruin your nails as long as they are EMA cosmetic grade. So, be sure to do your research into finding the right nail tech. A professional nail artist will be able to inform you which brand of product they use and whether it's MMA or EMA.
Michelle's friendly reminder: "Any nail enhancement can go wrong if your nail pro is not applying and removing the product in the correct way, so be wary of non-standard salons and the methods used; nothing should ever be pried off the nail plate with force."
Acrylic vs gel vs BIAB
Below, your whistle-stop tour on the differences between acrylic, gel and BIAB, according to Michelle.
Acrylics – Strong and structured, fab for length.
BIAB – Aka 'builder gel in a bottle', great for nail strength and overlays, and for those wanting to grow out their nails. Though they are not strong enough for lengthening enhancements.
Gel – Less thick than BIAB, yet provides a wider range of colours and a more glossy finish.
Meet the expert
Michelle Humphrey is an award-winning celebrity manicurist based in London, UK. Her career so far spans over two decades, having worked with Charli XCX, Julianne Moore and Dua Lipa, to name a few, making her a highly regarded voice within the fashion and music industry. Specialising in nail enhancements, Michelle is able to work with most mediums and is renowned for her bespoke nail art and design.
Follow Lia on Instagram.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
