Acrylic nails are the go-to when you want length, a defined shape and a set that can take a bit of everyday life. If you are looking for acrylic nails in Croydon, the choice can feel bigger than it needs to be: classic or coloured, short or long, almond or coffin, glitter or plain. This guide cuts through it. It covers the three styles of acrylic set we offer at Shiny Nails Croydon, how to choose a shape and length, what each set and infill costs, what happens at the appointment and how to keep your nails in good shape until the next visit.
Three ways to wear acrylics
Acrylic is a liquid and powder mixed into a bead that your technician shapes over a tip or your natural nail. It sets hard, which is what gives a full set its strength. The difference between the options below is mostly in the powder used and the finish.
Classic acrylic
The everyday full set. Your nails are extended and shaped, then finished with your choice of polish or gel colour on top. A classic set is £35, with infills at £30.
Colour powder
Here the colour is built into the acrylic itself rather than painted on afterwards. It gives a rich, even finish and is a popular choice for soft nudes and pinks. A colour powder set is £40, infills £35. Our guide to colour powder acrylic explains it in more depth.
Ombré or glitter tips
Two shades blended from cuticle to tip, or a sparkling glitter tip over a natural or nude base. These take a little longer to create. A full set is £45, infills £40.
Choosing your shape and length
Shape changes the whole feel of a set, so it is worth deciding before you sit down. The most common requests are:
- Square and squoval – clean and practical, ideal for shorter lengths and busy hands
- Round and oval – soft and natural, easy to live with
- Almond – slim and elegant, flattering on most hands
- Coffin or ballerina – tapered with a flat tip, great for longer sets and statement designs
If you work with your hands, type all day or are new to extensions, start shorter; you can always go longer at your next infill. Extra length on extensions is from £5. Browse our gallery for ideas, or bring a photo so your technician can see exactly what you have in mind.
Acrylic prices and infill costs
| Style | Full set | Infill |
|---|---|---|
| Classic acrylic | £38 | £30 |
| Colour powder | £40 | £35 |
| Ombré or glitter tips | £45 | £40 |
Popular extras include French or white tips (£5–£10), chrome (£10), nail art from £7, gems at £5 per 10, encapsulated flowers at £5 per nail and a marble set for an extra £20. Prices can vary with length and design, and your technician will confirm the total before starting. Full details are on our extensions services page.
What happens at a full set appointment
- Consultation. You agree shape, length and finish, and your technician checks your natural nails.
- Removal. If you are wearing another product, it comes off first (£10–£15).
- Prep. Nails are shaped, cuticles gently pushed back and the surface lightly buffed and cleansed.
- Tips and acrylic. Tips are fitted if you want extra length, then acrylic is built up and shaped so the nail is strong at the stress point.
- Refining and finish. Each nail is filed to shape and smoothed, then colour, art and top coat are added, finished with cuticle oil.
Living with acrylics: infills, care and removal
As your natural nail grows, a gap appears at the cuticle and the balance of the nail shifts forward. Booking an infill every two to three weeks keeps the set strong and stops it becoming top-heavy. At an infill, the technician fills the regrowth, rebalances the shape and refreshes your colour. Leave it too long and you risk lifting or breaks. Our article on how often to get acrylic infills covers the timing in detail.
Day to day, wear gloves for cleaning, use cuticle oil, and avoid using your nails as tools. If a nail lifts or cracks, don’t glue or pick it at home; book in for a repair. When you are ready to take your set off, book a professional take off rather than prising nails away, which damages the nail underneath. If you notice soreness, swelling or any change in colour beneath a nail, have it looked at by a pharmacist or your GP.
Booking acrylic nails in Croydon
You will find us at 4 Norfolk House, Wellesley Road, Croydon CR0 1LH, a short walk from both East and West Croydon stations and next to the Wellesley Road tram stop. We are open Monday to Saturday 10am–7pm and Sunday 11am–5pm. Full sets take a while, so booking is wise, especially for evenings and weekends; walk-ins are welcome when a technician is free.
Book online any time, get instant email confirmation, cancel free up to two hours before, and pay in the salon once your nails are done.