Nail makeovers are incredibly popular with women of all ages. Fake nails let you hide the natural defects in your own nails and give them added strength, while looking great. There are many products and techniques available, depending onthe results you’re looking forand the state of your nails. Here's what you need to know about fake nails.
Which type is best for you?
- Resin and powder. If your nails are chewed, soft or lack vitality, this is the perfect combination for you. A preformed tip is applied to the natural nail, then a liquid resin. The nail is then dipped in acrylic powder and air dries and hardens to a clean, uniform finish of excellent quality. However, because the natural nail must be roughly polished and filed before the acrylic is applied, it could be damaged or weakened in the process.
- UV gel. A relatively new technique, UV gel tends to be a favourite of manicure aficionados. It creates a nail that appears natural, shiny and flexible. The clear liquid is applied with a brush and hardened (or cured) with UV rays. This technique is particularly resistant and a little easier to use. However, it requires a lot of precision and the proper equipment. Speaking of equipment, there are now several home kits on the market that include a lamp and polish.
- Acrylic and adhesive. This is the oldest method, and it has a proven track record when it comes to strength and durability. Acrylic is very popular with our neighbours to the south, and it’s becoming increasingly popular here. Art-wise it provides a better choice and is slightly less expensive. Acrylic nails once had a bad reputation because the strong adhesives used to affix them were considered harmful. Today, dangerous adhesives have been banned from the beauty industry and now nails can be applied safely and effectively.
When you don’t want them anymore
Fake nails generally have a lifespan of around three weeks. After that, it’s time to change or remove them. Here is an important piece of advice: you should never remove an artificial nail by trying to pull it off or pry it off with anything sharp. It could hurt, or worse, harm your nail and nail bed. Use a product that’s suitable for removing fake nails.
Why wait? Go have some fun with fake nails.
