Traditional acrylics are one of the most popular types of nail extensions. We’ve seen them on Flo-Jo, Lil’ Kim and, at an extreme, the beauty community of Newark’s Long Nail Goddesses.

From memories of curved acrylics on a 1980s Flo Jo to red manicures on Donna Summer, and even the 1930s stiletto nails on Queen Nenzima of the Democratic Republic of Congo, buildable manicures ...