Acrylic is the classic for a reason: strong, sculpted and made for length. At Nails by Ellie Creed, acrylic sets and infills are done by Ellie and only Ellie, so every set gets her eye for shape and detail. Short and sweet or long and extra, you'll leave with nails that hold their shape and get noticed.
Booking acrylic: if you can't see acrylic when you book online, message Ellie on Instagram (@nailsbyelliecreed) or call 01326 450500 and she'll get you in.
What are acrylic nails?
Acrylic is a liquid and powder mixed into a bead, sculpted onto the nail and left to set hard. It can be built over your natural nail for strength or extended past it for length, in whatever shape you like. The result is tough and durable, which is why it's so good for long sets and heavier nail art like charms and 3D designs.
Acrylic, hard gel or BIAB?
- ✦Acrylic for maximum strength and length, sculpted by Ellie.
- ✦Hard gel for a lighter-feeling extension with a glassy finish. See hard gel nail extensions.
- ✦BIAB when you're ready to give extensions a rest and grow your own nails. See BIAB and natural nails.
Acrylic nail prices in Helston
Acrylic sets and infills are with Ellie. Removals on their own are with Cait.
Your acrylic appointment with Ellie
Allow about two hours for a full set. Ellie preps your nails, builds the length and shape, files and refines, then finishes with colour and any nail art you've added. Infills take about an hour and a half and keep the balance right as your nails grow.
First visit? First appointment with Ellie and wearing another salon's product? Add a removal to your set. An acrylic removal add-on is £20. If you only want your acrylics off, book a removal on its own with Cait for £20.
Acrylic aftercare
- ✦Oil your cuticles every day to keep the skin and nail flexible.
- ✦If a nail lifts or cracks, don't glue it at home: water can get trapped underneath. Message us instead.
- ✦Never bite, pick or prise acrylic off. Book a proper removal.
- ✦Book infills before the regrowth gets long, so the weight stays balanced and the nail stays strong.
Acrylic Nails: your questions
How much is a full set of acrylic nails?
A full set of acrylic nails with Ellie is £60 for short and £70 for long. Infills are £55 for short and £60 for long. Nail art goes on top, from £3.
Why are acrylic nails more expensive?
Acrylic uses more product than gel and takes longer to sculpt, and here it's done by the senior tech, Ellie. You're paying for a set that's built properly, balanced and finished by hand, so it lasts until your next infill.
Acrylic or gel: which is better?
It depends on what you want. Acrylic is the strongest choice for long, sculpted extensions and heavy nail art. Hard gel gives a lighter, glossy extension, and BIAB or gel polish suit natural-length nails. Price-wise, gel polish is the lowest on the menu and acrylic sits at the top.
Can acrylic go on my natural nails?
Yes. Acrylic can go over your natural nails as an overlay for strength, with no extra length, or be extended past them. Either way it's built and shaped by hand, so tell Ellie the length you're after.
Does acrylic damage your natural nails?
Acrylic that's applied and removed properly shouldn't wreck your nails. The damage people talk about usually comes from picking, prising or ripping sets off, or from heavy filing. Keep up your infills and always book a proper removal.
Who does acrylic nails at the salon?
Ellie. Acrylic sets and infills are with Ellie only. If acrylic isn't showing when you book online, message her on Instagram or call 01326 450500.
How much is acrylic removal?
Acrylic removal is £20 as an add-on to a new set with Ellie, which you'll need on your first visit if you're wearing another salon's product. On its own, with nothing new going on, book it with Cait for £20.
Can I switch from acrylics to BIAB?
Absolutely, and plenty of clients do. One of Ellie's Google reviewers wrote that she 'helped me move from acrylic to BIAB'. Add an acrylic removal to your first BIAB overlay and Ellie will take you through it. More on BIAB and natural nails.
Long nail sets by Ellie in Helston
Real long sets from the salon: the shapes, lengths and finishes Ellie sculpts.
Acrylic nails for clients across West Cornwall
Clients travel to Coinagehall Street from all over West Cornwall. Coming from further afield? nails for Truro, nails for Falmouth, nails for Camborne and nails for St Ives.
