Fake Nails
What are fake nails and do you really want to use them?
Are you tired of your cracked and ugly nails? If you
are then fake nails could be the way to go. Artificial
nails can be applied and as long as they are cared for
properly will withstand more abuse than your natural
nails. But, remember you still must clean and care for
your fake nails.
Fake nails can be sculptured
In this process, acrylic, gel or fibreglass is applied
to your natural nails, and the material is lengthened
and sculpted over small pieces of metal or foil. Alternatively,
a plastic nail tip can be applied with glue, then gel,
fibreglass, silk or acrylic can be laid over the entire
nail. As the natural nail grows out, your manicurist
will fill in the base and file down the artificial
tip. Eventually, you will end up with just the overlay
on your natural nail.
Acrylic can also be used to make fake nails.
These fake nails are the strongest and last the longest
of all nail overlays. But, if they are not applied
properly, they can look thick and very fake. Find a
manicurist who is an expert at applying acrylic nails,
and he or she can make them look thin and natural.
They usually need to be filled in every two to three
weeks as your nails grow, but if you are hard on them,
you may need to see the manicurist more often to avoid
nail loosening. This will also lead to mildew if water
gets trapped underneath. If a professional removes
them, the acrylic nails should cause little weakening
to the nail plate. One factor that might make you choose
acrylic: It’s the most commonly-used artificial
nail; if you travel frequently, it will be easier for
you to find a place to repair or fill in your manicure.
Silk, Linen and Fibre Wraps can also be used to make
fake nails.
Wraps are pieces of silk, linen or fibreglass that have
been cut to a desired shape and glued to the nail plate.
This adds strength, and sometimes length, to the nail.
Also though applied on top of 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 not transparent and
appears quite thick. Fibreglass provides the best of
both worlds since it gives the natural look of silk and
the strength of linen.
Another type of fake nails is gel nails.
Once, these 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 ones, although
fill-ins are still necessary, and a professional must
remove the tips. This type of artificial nail may not
be ideal for those who type a lot, as constant contact
with a keyboard can cause the gel seal around the nail
to crack and break.
