What is an acrylic full set?

How acrylic nails are applied

The nail technician prepares the natural nail by lightly buffing and dehydrating the surface. A nail tip is applied if length is needed, or the acrylic is sculpted directly on the natural nail using a form. The monomer and polymer are combined on a brush to form a bead that is pressed onto the nail and shaped before it hardens. The process is repeated for each nail, then the finished nails are filed, shaped, and finished with a top coat or gel polish.

• —Requires no UV lamp — acrylics harden through a chemical reaction
• —Can be applied with tips (for added length) or sculpted free-form on a nail form
• —Stronger than standard gel overlays — suitable for clients who break nails easily
• —Must be maintained with infill appointments every 2–3 weeks

Acrylic full set duration and pricing

A full set is the most time-intensive nail appointment. Nail technicians should allow adequate diary time to avoid overruns.

• —Typical duration: 90–120 minutes for a full set with tips and gel polish colour
• —UK pricing range: £40–80 depending on length, nail art, and location
• —London prices average 20–30% higher than the national average

Full set vs infill — which appointment does a client need?

A full set is only required for first-time acrylic clients, or clients returning after a break long enough that their existing acrylics have been removed. All ongoing maintenance visits — typically every 2–3 weeks — are infill appointments, where the growth gap at the cuticle is filled without removing the existing product. Booking the wrong appointment type is a common source of scheduling errors, which is why clear service listing in booking software matters.

Patch testing and contra-indications

Acrylic products contain methyl methacrylate (MMA) alternatives and other potential allergens. Clients with known sensitivities to acrylics, nail primers, or adhesives should inform their nail technician before booking. Unlike BIAB and gel products, acrylics do not typically require a patch test in the same way, but clients with a history of reactions should consult their tech before booking a full set.

Why accurate booking durations matter for acrylic appointments

An acrylic full set can take twice as long as a standard gel polish appointment. Booking software that does not support per-service durations will either block insufficient time (causing diary overruns) or too much time (leaving gaps that could be filled with another client). Nextro allows nail technicians to set a specific duration per service, so Acrylic Full Set, Acrylic Infill, and Gel Polish each hold the correct diary time.