Acrylic Nails and Natural Nail Health: Frazer Nail Salon in Gateway Custom Solutions for All Nail Types

Acrylic nails are a staple in the beauty world for anyone looking to achieve strong, beautiful nails that last. They offer a blank canvas to explore different lengths, finishes, and artistic designs, all while adding durability. But not all natural nails are created equal. Whether you have oily, dry, or brittle nails, each type presents unique challenges when it comes to applying and maintaining acrylics.


Before booking your appointment for acrylics, it’s important to understand how your natural nail type can impact the longevity and appearance of the acrylics. At Frazer Nail Salon in Gateway, clients with varying nail conditions are treated with personalized care to ensure that their acrylic sets not only look stunning but also stay intact and healthy.


Let’s explore how oily, dry, and brittle nails interact with acrylics—and how expert nail technicians at Frazer Nail Salon tailor applications for each type.

Understanding Your Natural Nail Type

Knowing your nail type is the foundation for a successful acrylic nail application. Here’s a breakdown of the most common nail types and their characteristics:

Oily Nails

Oily nails are often accompanied by a slick, shiny nail plate, making it difficult for acrylics to bond effectively. This oiliness, usually a result of an individual’s skin type, can cause acrylics to lift, separate, or chip prematurely.

Dry Nails

Dry nails often feel rough, peel easily, or crack. Factors like excessive handwashing, cold weather, dehydration, and harsh chemicals are common culprits. While they lack the oil that causes lifting, dry nails tend to have poor adhesion, increasing the risk of breakage or cracking after application.

Brittle Nails

Brittle nails are weak and prone to splitting, breaking, or tearing. They often stem from prolonged exposure to water, vitamin deficiencies, or overuse of nail products. These nails struggle to support the weight of acrylics and require additional strengthening.

Acrylic Nails for Oily Nails: Application and Aftercare Tips

Oily nails require extra care and preparation to help acrylics adhere properly and last longer.

Application Tips for Oily Nails

  • Nail Surface Prep: The technician must thoroughly cleanse and dehydrate the nail surface using a nail dehydrator before application. This removes excess oils and increases adhesion.
  • Bonding Agents: A strong primer or silicone-based bonding agent designed for oily nail types should be used to ensure a firm bond.
  • Lightweight Acrylic Formula: Oily nails do better with lightweight acrylic systems. Thicker overlays may lift faster due to oil buildup beneath the nail bed.

Maintenance Advice for Oily Nails

  • Frequent Fills: Schedule touch-ups every two to three weeks to address lifting before it leads to damage.
  • Avoid Overwashing: Overwashing hands can stimulate oil production. Use gloves while cleaning and avoid exposing nails to harsh chemicals.
  • Hydrate Mindfully: While dehydrating the nail plate is crucial during application, the surrounding cuticle and skin still need hydration. Use a lightweight, non-greasy cuticle oil or lotion.

At Frazer Nail Salon in Gateway, nail technicians are skilled in prepping oily nails for acrylics and customizing bonding techniques to deliver longer-lasting results.

Acrylic Nails for Dry Nails: How to Strengthen and Style

Dry nails are prone to peeling and cracking, which can weaken the bond between the natural nail and acrylic overlay.

Application Tips for Dry Nails

  • Moisturizing Before Application: A gentle cuticle oil or nourishing nail treatment should be applied before starting the acrylic process to increase elasticity.
  • Gentle Primers: Avoid harsh, alcohol-heavy primers. Instead, choose hydrating or pH-balanced primers that preserve the nail’s moisture.
  • Strengthening Base Coats: Using a strengthening base before acrylic application provides a nourishing layer between the nail and the acrylic.

Maintenance Advice for Dry Nails

  • Daily Cuticle Oil Use: Rehydrate cuticles and surrounding skin daily to prevent cracking and peeling.
  • Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Limit hot water exposure, which can strip moisture from both the acrylic and natural nails. Avoid sudden temperature shifts that may cause the acrylic to expand or contract.
  • Schedule Regular Fills: Like oily nails, dry nails require consistent care. Fills every 2–3 weeks help reinforce structure and prevent cracks.

Frazer Nail Salon in Gateway offers personalized care for dry nail clients, incorporating gentle products and hydration-focused treatments to protect the nail bed and enhance acrylic longevity.

Acrylic Nails for Brittle Nails: Gentle Care and Supportive Techniques

Applying acrylics to brittle nails requires a delicate approach to avoid worsening the condition. The goal is not only beauty but protection and restoration.

Application Tips for Brittle Nails

  • Use Strengthening Base Treatments: Before acrylics are applied, a nail-strengthening treatment or base coat can offer added resilience and help protect against further splitting.
  • Flexible Acrylic Systems: Flexible acrylic formulas accommodate slight natural movement and reduce pressure on fragile nail beds.
  • Shorter Nail Lengths: Avoid long acrylic extensions. Shorter lengths reduce the risk of breakage and give brittle nails a chance to grow stronger beneath.

Maintenance Advice for Brittle Nails

  • Avoid Using Nails as Tools: Refrain from opening cans, peeling stickers, or performing tasks that exert pressure on the tips.
  • Hydration Is Key: Apply nourishing oils daily to restore natural flexibility and reduce brittleness.
  • Skip DIY Filing: Let a professional handle shaping and filing. Aggressive filing at home can thin the nail plate and cause unnecessary stress.

Frazer Nail Salon’s team in Gateway is experienced in managing brittle nails. From using flexible acrylic options to recommending restorative treatments, they prioritize both appearance and nail health.

Final Thoughts

Your natural nail type—whether oily, dry, or brittle—plays a major role in how acrylic nails adhere and perform over time. Fortunately, with the right approach, acrylic nails can work beautifully for any nail condition. The key lies in personalized application techniques and consistent aftercare.



Frazer Nail Salon in Gateway provides expert, custom-tailored acrylic services that address the unique needs of each client’s nail type. Their trained professionals not only deliver visually stunning results but also ensure that your natural nails are protected and strengthened in the process.


A flawless acrylic set begins with understanding your nails and ends with routine care. Whether you need moisture, structure, or flexibility, you’ll find both the expertise and the treatment options you need at Frazer Nail Salon—where beautiful nails and healthy habits meet.