Different Types of Fake Nails
Picture this: you have a meeting at 2 PM and a party at 7 PM. And wearing the same nails to both can make you a real killjoy!
So, now may be a good time to introduce you to the world of fake nails! You must have heard of them, but may not know how to pick the right one. And then there are some who may haven’t heard about them yet. But don’t worry, as we’ve got your back with this guide. Dive in!
Why Opt For Artificial Nail Extensions?
Fake nails are what you add to your nails to make them look prettier. Unlike conventional nail polish, they require minimal care and last up to 2 to 3 weeks.
The most significant advantage that fake nails offer you is versatility. You can either have them look simple with a few designs or go over the top and make them bright and colorful. Their length can be customized as well, so why bother growing your nails when you can achieve the same look sooner?
Now, you may be wondering which fake nail option would be right for you? In the following sections, we will help you answer that.
5 Types Of Fake Nails
1. Acrylic Nails
Are you an avid fan of art and would like to experiment with art on your nails? Then acrylic nails may be the right option for you. They use two components to form a paste: a polymer powder and a liquid monomer.
Once the paste forms, you can apply it to your nails and mold it into any shape and size you’d like. The paste then hardens and gives your nails more length and thickness.
When compared to other artificial nails, acrylic nails are better when it comes to nail strength and versatility of designs.
Acrylic nails also go under your skin. We know it doesn’t sound very safe, but that’s actually not the case. They settle under your natural cuticle and bond with the help of some strong glue. This also makes them much more durable, so they can last up to 6 to 8 weeks.
Acrylic nails can be put on quickly, especially when you need a touch-up, as the bottom of your nails will be exposed when they grow out, pushing the acrylic further above.
However, it would be best to keep in mind that one shouldn’t opt for acrylic nails frequently as they can weaken the nail bed in the long run. Take a break every 3 to 6 months to let your natural fingernails heal for healthy nails.
2. Full Cover Nails
These artificial nails are the most readily available fake nails on the market. They sit on your natural nail bed and are attached with the help of nail glue. These nails come in various shapes and sizes.
Full cover nails do not last as long as acrylics do- they last for only up to two weeks, after which you’ll need to get them redone. To remove the fake nail, it is soaked in a solution that weakens the glue, thus enabling easy removal of the nail.
These artificial nails are the easiest ones to do and take around 15 minutes to fully apply. People taking a break from acrylic nails usually opt for full cover nails. These nails also give time and room for your natural nails to grow, after which you can opt for a different type of artificial nail.
3. Gel Nails
Gel nails have been gaining tremendous popularity recently and they are one of the most sought-after options. These typically use a gel-based nail polish that cures and stabilizes when exposed to UV light. The UV light also makes the gel nail polish dry a lot faster.
Moreover, gel nails are more long-lasting when compared to other artificial nails, which contributes to their popularity.
The best part about a gel manicure is that it can also be done on any nail, whether long or short. Even if you have the shortest nail, you can still have gel nails applied to your natural nail. These nails can last up to 2 weeks if you maintain them well, and maintaining gel nails is a relatively easy task.
However, make sure not to remove the nails on your own, especially if you are inexperienced, as they should be handled by a licensed nail technician at a nail salon. Otherwise, removing them incorrectly can end up damaging your cuticles severely.
In case you do plan on taking them off yourself, make sure you have all the necessary tools and supplies. Tin foil, acetone (nail polish remover), cotton balls, and a nail file are a few things you should have handy when taking off gel nail polish. But don’t scrape or file your nails excessively, as they can damage your natural nail strength.
4. Nail Wraps
If you like to experiment with your nails and need something easy to start with, nail wraps can come in handy. With easy application, these nails top others when it comes to beginner-friendly artificial nails. They can be made with silk, paper, linen, mesh, or fiberglass.
Nail wraps are often very thin and can be applied to natural or artificial nails like gel and acrylic. They are great for adding extra pizzazz to your nails and strengthening them while doing so.
Fiberglass wrap nail polishes, in particular, are ideal if you’d like to promote your nail growth without having them plain and exposed. They do not dehydrate your nails and cause little to no damage to your nail bed and cuticles.
Remember how a break was recommended after the use of acrylic? Nail wraps are a great way to take that break without leaving your entire nail looking boring. The silk wrap, much like the fiberglass wraps, leaves room for your natural nails to grow and strengthen.
5. Powder Dip Nails
A type of artificial nail you must have come across often, either through social media platforms or your nail technician, are powder dip nails. These nails, also known as SNS nails, have various benefits and are incredibly durable.
The process of getting powder dip nails is relatively simple. All you have to do is first apply a base coat and dip your finger in the colored nail powder of your choice. Once your nail is fully coated, use a top coat to seal and secure the powder. You can brush the powder on top of other designs on your nails.
The number of times you dip your nail in the powder will depend on how opaque you would want your nail to be. So, the more times you dip your nail in, the more opaque the coating will be. Be sure to add the base coat after each layer, or else the powder will have no base to stick to.
Powder dip nails are considered a hybrid between gel and acrylic nails. They give you the durability that acrylic provides with the flexibility of gel manicures.
Another great benefit of this artificial nail type is that it doesn’t need to be cured using UV light, which can harm your skin in the long run. They last the longest, for up to a month without being dull or chipping. Additionally, the removal of these nails is pretty easy.
FAQs
1. Which Is The Healthiest Artificial Nail Type?
A common question is which type of artificial nail is the healthiest and causes minimal damage to your nails? The winner would be gel nails. They use little to zero harsh chemicals and do not damage the strength of your natural nails. These nails also tend to cause no damage to your cuticles.
Removing gel nails is also an easy task. The removal of artificial nails can be harmful to your natural nails. Gel nails, however, can be removed without disrupting your natural nail bed.
2. Does Nail Glue Affect Your Nail?
The answer to this lies in the amount of nail glue you use. If you’re someone who uses nail glue only occasionally, chances are it would not have much effect on your natural nails in the long run. However, if you tend to use nail glue frequently, it can be pretty damaging.
Nail glues use many harsh chemicals to ensure adhesions for extended periods. Constant use of these chemicals on your natural nails can end up making them lose their strength and become very brittle.
If you use nail glue, it is advised to let your natural nails breathe for a while before using them again.
Conclusion
What did we tell you? Feeling like an expert, aren’t you? Now go and impress that crush of yours! If you haven’t, check out our article about “indecisiveness.”
The good news is, you won’t have to wait till your hair ends up graying for you to be able to rock long nails finally. Instead, a trip to your nearest nail salon or beauty store will do the job. Now, this is called progress in human evolution!
