Artificial Nails
You can choose from different types of artificial nails
to have applied to your natural nails.
You can choose sculptured nails as your artificial nails.
In this process, your nail technician will apply acrylic,
gel or fiberglass and lengthen and strengthen
your nail over metal or foil. Or they may choose to add
a plastic nail tip applied with glue and then the gel,
fiberglass, silk or acrylic can then be laid over your
entire nail. As your natural nail grows your nail
technician will fill in the base and file down the tip.
Before long you will just have the overlay on your natural
nail.
Acrylic Nails
Acrylic nails are the strongest and last the longest
of all the artificial nail overlays and they are the
most commonly used artificial nails. These nails can
look thick and very artificial if they are not applied
correctly. Find a manicurist who is an expert at applying
acrylic nails, and you can get a very thin, natural-looking
nail. They usually need to be filled in every two to
three weeks as your nails grow, but depending on how
hard you are on your nails, you may need to see the manicurist
sooner to avoid nail loosening, which can lead to mildew
if water gets trapped underneath. And, if a professional
removes them properly, the acrylic nails should cause
little weakening to the nail plate. One factor that
might make you choose acrylic: It is the most commonly-used
artificial nail; if you travel a great deal, it will
be easier for you to find a place to repair or fill in
your manicure.
Silk, Linen and Fiber Wraps
These artificial nails are made with pieces of
silk, linen or fiberglass that have been cut to the desired
shape and glued to the nail plate. This adds strength,
and sometimes length, to the nail. Though done on natural
nails, wraps are most commonly used to strengthen tips.
Silk is the most natural-looking wrap and provides a
lot of flexibility, but it is often too delicate for
those with an active lifestyle. Linen is stronger, but
it is not transparent and appears quite thick. Fiberglass
is the best of both worlds, since it provides the natural
look of silk and the strength of linen.
Gel Nails
Once, these artificial nails were made of dental
porcelain gel-powder. Now, manicurists use a Mylar form
to sculpt your nail, and then cure,
or set, it under an ultraviolet light. Because of this
process, gel nails may need to be filled in less often
than acrylic nails, though fill-ins are still necessary,
and a professional must remove the tips.
No matter which type of artificial nail you chose your
nails will look beautiful when applied properly and visiting
your manicurist on a regular basis will help ensure your
nails will stay in place and be healthy and beautiful.
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