Artificial Nails

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Artificial nails are used to beautify and lengthen fingernails. Take care in choosing from the varied artificial nail types for optimum wear and desired results.

Artificial nails are sculpted from materials like acrylic, fiberglass and silk to cover, lengthen and beautify the natural nail. Worn primarily by women, artificial nails are often used to cover breakages in the natural fingernail, add length, and when done correctly, promote growth of the natural fingernail.

There are three major artificial nail types for consumers to choose from: acrylic; sculptured; and wrap.

Acrylic nails are the strongest artificial nail type, but they are also the thickest. If not applied properly, acrylic nails can look thick and fake. Depending on nail growth, acrylics usually need to be tended to twice monthly to avoid loosening and breakages. Acrylics are the most widespread artificial nail in use today; therefore finding nail technicians to keep them in shape will usually not be a problem.

Sculptured nails are applied using acrylic or fiberglass gel and lengthened with foil or metal. Plastic half-nails can also be applied with glue and then secured with a gel, silk or linen. The uncovered portion of the natural nail has fiberglass or acrylic applied and is blended until it is uniform with the artificial tip. As the fingernail grows, it will have to be filled in to continue a natural appearance.

Wraps are thin pieces of fiberglass, silk or linen applied to the natural nail. They can be used to strengthen the natural nail, or elongated into a tip for a longer look. They are softer than acrylic nails and therefore less durable. Because of their softer, natural look, silk wraps are the most popular of this type, but work best as nail strengtheners rather than lengtheners.

Linen wraps are thicker, but like acrylic nails, have to be applied with care for a more natural look. Fiberglass wraps are gaining popularity for their durability and natural look - they lengthen and strengthen nails equally well.

Wraps, when applied correctly, can be used to strengthen and lengthen the natural nail. Over time, the artificial nail can be removed because of the natural nail's new strength and durability.

What Is the Best Artificial Nail Type?

Depending on your needs, each artificial nail type has its good and bad points. Acrylic nails might be best for short-term wear, no more than two months at a time. Since they cover the entire natural nail, acrylics can make nails weak. Also, if breakages or loosening occurs, be aware that water can cause mildew.

Sculptured nails can be worn longer than acrylics, but to sustain a natural appearance, they must be cared for and filled in at least once per month.

Wraps may be a good option because they beautify while allowing the natural nail room to grow. Like sculptured nails, wraps have to be tended to at least one monthly to continue their natural appearance. After the wraps grow off, the natural nail can be worn on its own.

For optimum wear and desired effects, consult your nail technician about what artificial nail type is right for you. If you're unsure of your salon's cleaning habits, purchase your own manicure set for nail safety.

Whether you want your nails lengthened, strengthened or both, your knowledge of the various artificial nail types can help you achieve your desired result.

What are Polycrylic Nails?

For years now women have been on a quest to make their nails more beautiful. First with polish and treatments such as strengtheners and paraffin dips, then with acrylic sculptured nails and different types of tips, wraps and gels. The truth is though, all these procedures are damaging to the nails, leaving them thin and weak and they are not the easiest to put on. They also require harsh chemicals and detrimental filing of the top of the nail to facilitate better adhesion.Fill-ins are not much easier than the initial application of a new set. The technician has to be sure to remove all loose acrylic or gel before re-applying, as these areas could be a breeding ground for moisture and fungal development. Fungal infections if not taken care of as soon as possible can lead to removal of a nail by a doctor. These types of enhancements also have no flexibility and become brittle and easier to break as time goes by.

Given all this, it is not surprising that research has gone into finding a better way to achieve great nails without the damage. One such product of this research is the polycrylic nail enhancement. Unlike acrylics or gels, polycrylics have superior strength, durability and adhesion properties. They are made up of a different chemical structure than regular acrylics or gels, whereby the polymers are designed specifically for use on the fingernail. The structure is such that it creates an organic molecular bond on the nail.

No caustic chemicals are needed to help create this bond so there are no harmful odors and vapors produced and no irritated cuticles or skin around the nail. Because of the non-caustic properties and more natural bonding there are no damaging effects to the nail and no penetration of harmful ingredients into the bloodstream, which could be a cause for concern from repeated applications.

The formulation is faster to put on, applies like nail polish and self-levels very quickly hardening under a special bonding or curing lamp. It may be used as an overlay for natural nails, tips or sculptures. The result is a smooth, glossy, natural looking and flexible nail lending itself to easier fill-ins and longer lasting manicures. So easy, in fact, fill-ins can be done at home in a minimal amount of time. Also, due to the increased flexibility, they actually resist breaking and ripping or tearing.

Nail polish can be changed anytime without hazard and nails may be grown to whatever length the user wishes. If acrylics have been worn prior, polycrylic may be used to fill them in until the whole nail is changed over or if the wearer wishes to remove completely whatever has been worn, a waiting period of about a week should be considered before replacing with polycrylic.

With all this good stuff going for polycrylics it is evident they are an innovative break through, the wave of the future in nail enhancements and a “no brainer” when it comes to making the decision of which type of product to use for beautiful nails. It’s a state of the art product, for the modern, 21st century woman.