Acrylic nails are are a mix of powder and liquid monomer that's combined into a blob of dough, shaped onto your nails with a brush, and then air-dried.
When you're getting a full set of acrylics, we will put on tips for extension or overlays (on top of your natural nails)
Acrylics aren't any more damaging than other forms of fake nails — as long as they're properly taken care of. That includes getting them properly removed, regularly filled, and keeping them clean and dry. All of which prevents bacteria from getting into the acrylic and causing infections.