What Is a Solar Manicure? Nail Artists Explain the Technique

You may have noticed that TikTok has a new nail trend on the block. Now, along with classic acrylics and gels, mentions of solar nails (particularly solar nails with pear tips) are rising. While it sounds like a type of nail art, solar nails are actually a type of acrylic nail enhancement.

We chatted with nail pros Jin Soon Choi and Mazz Hanna to learn more about solar nails, including application, cost, removal, and more. Keep reading to learn everything there is to know about solar nails. 

What Are Solar Nails?

"Solar nails, initially linked with the brand CND, have evolved into a widely recognized style of acrylic nail enhancement," says Choi. "They involve blending powdered acrylic with a liquid monomer to create a paste, a process similar to traditional acrylic nails."

Why might someone want solar nails as opposed to, say, gels? "This method is favored for its durability and lasting appeal in the realm of nail enhancements," Choi reveals. 

How Do Solar Nails Differ from Gel Nails?

It's the age-old debate of acrylic versus gel. "Solar nails follow the same application and removal process as acrylic nails since they are just a type of acrylic," explains Hanna. "Gel nails... are more flexible than acrylic nails. Since gel nails are more flexible, they tend to be more prone to chipping and lifting than acrylic nails are."

While this might immediately make you want to opt for solar nails over gels, Hanna reminds us that this trendy acrylic application isn't without shortcomings. "Although acrylic nails are stronger than gel nails, acrylic can be much harder to remove [than] gel," she says. This can cause damage to the natural nail if not done with the utmost care. 

Application Process

Solar nails are applied just like any other acrylic. "They are sculpted with a mix of powder and liquid monomer that is applied to either tips or the natural nail," Hanna says. For a more in-depth rundown, Choi outlined the entire solar nails process.  

• Preparation: As with any manicure, solar nails require prep work to look their best and last as long as possible. "[Before] application, the nails undergo thorough cleaning and preparation to ensure a smooth surface," Choi says. "Unlike gel manicures, it's crucial to avoid any oil, opting instead for a cuticle remover. Some people also use drills to clean cuticles without relying on additional products."
• Primer: For the solar nail enhancement to properly adhere, primer is essential. "Applying a primer aids in bonding," Choi says.
• Acrylic application: Once the nails are primed, it's time to apply your solar nails. "A blend of liquid monomer and powdered acrylic is expertly applied to the nails," Choi says. "This mixture is skillfully shaped and sculpted to achieve the desired length and shape." Nowadays, many different powder colors are available, allowing customers to create unique solar nail designs. Hanna tells us gel colors can also be applied. 
• Curing: After the solar solution is applied, the nails have to be cured to set the product. "The nails are exposed to UV light to facilitate the hardening and curing of the acrylic resin," Choi says. "This step is pivotal for ensuring the durability and longevity of the nails."
• Finishing touches: Once cured, the manicurist will file your nails again, refining the shape. "A top coat is then applied to enhance shine and seal the manicure, providing a polished look," Choi says.

Cost

"On average, you might expect to pay around $120 for a set without tips and $150 for a set with tips," Choi says. As with any specialty manicure, solar nails have varying costs based on salon location and the skill level of the manicurist. "Prices can fluctuate based on factors such as the salon's reputation, the expertise of the technician, and any additional services included in the package," she adds.

How Long Do They Last?

As with traditional acrylic nails, solar nails are known to last for weeks on end. Rather than needing a fresh set every few weeks—the way you would with gels—solar nails simply need to be filled to stay looking their best. "As your natural nails grow, the gap between the cuticle and the acrylic material will become more noticeable," Choi says. "To maintain their appearance, it's recommended to schedule a filling appointment every two to four weeks. This process involves filling in the regrowth area near the cuticle to maintain the seamless look of the nails."

Removal

Solar nails can be removed like traditional acrylic. For the product to soak off the nails easily, the nails must first be filed. A light filing removes the protective clear top coat and allows acetone to seep into the acrylic and soak it off. However, this approach requires patience (considering the 15 to 20-minute soak-off time), so many DIY nail artists and professional manicurists opt for a full drill removal. "The technician carefully drills away the acrylic material until it's entirely removed from the natural nails," Choi says. "This method is generally quicker but requires caution to avoid damaging the natural nails, and appropriate ventilation is needed to prevent the manicurist from inhaling the dust from the drilling process."

If you're worried about potentially damaging your natural nail beds, opt for hand filing. "This involves gently filing away the acrylic material until it's fully detached from the natural nails," Choi says. "While hand filing may take longer than drilling, it's often considered a gentler method that minimizes potential damage to the natural nails. It is also safer for the manicurist."

However you choose to remove your solar nails, post-care is key. "After removal, it's advisable to moisturize and nourish the nails to promote their health and strength," Choi says. Try the Paume Nail Care Bundle for deep hydration for your hands and cuticles. Then, to nourish and repair your nails, apply nail strengtheners like the JINsoon HyperRepair or Manucurist Green S.O.S. Base Coat twice a week.

Safety Considerations

Remember: Solar nails might be durable and long-lasting, but they’re not flawless—especially for the overall health and well-being of your hands and nails. For starters, they require UV light exposure, which can cause premature aging of the hands. To prevent this from happening, wear manicure gloves or apply SPF before your nail appointment.

Additionally, "the chemicals used in the application and removal process of solar nails can produce a strong odor," Choi admits. "Prolonged exposure to these fumes may lead to discomfort such as irritation of the respiratory system, causing symptoms like breathing difficulties, a runny nose, or headaches."

Lastly, if solar nails are not filled and removed with care, there's a chance of infection. "Bacteria and fungi can potentially thrive in the gap between the natural nail and the acrylic material, leading to issues such as fungal nail infections or bacterial infections," Choi warns. 

The Final Takeaway

Solar nails, a form of acrylic, are durable and long-lasting. But while solar manicures "can be safe when applied and removed properly," Hanna says there are better alternatives such as Gel-X by Aprés Nails. If you decide to go for solar nails, do your research. "When getting [any kind of] acrylic, it's extremely important to make sure that the salon you are going to has proper ventilation for both your and your nail artist's safety," she adds. "All nail products have chemicals that can be harmful [without] proper ventilation."