Let's Talk About Nails BABY!
Hey loves coming to you with and amazing post about NAILS! (eek so excited). Lately all I seem to see and hear people talk about is there nails. Now days there are so many different ways you can get you nail extensions 1. Acrylic nails, 2. Fiberglass or silk nail wraps or 3. Gel nails.
In this post I will be talking about the pros and cons, the up keep, the removal and materials. Lets get Started.
Acrylic Nails
Acrylics are the oldest form of nail extension in the modern beauty industry, and have long since been a staple due their staying power. The acrylic itself is a mixture of liquid monomer and a powder polymer, which when combined form a hard protective layer that is sculpted over the natural nail.
Acrylic nail extensions will only become hard when exposed to air, and when this happens and the process is complete the nails become a strong and glossy base that is a fantastic for color application.
The procedure is a multi-step process that usually involves preparing the natural nail by cleaning, shaping, buffing and cuticle work, before then applying artificial tips to add length (if required) and the acrylic on top.
PROS OF ACRYLIC NAILS
- Acrylic nails are very strong and durable and can last a long time.
- You can soak off acrylic nails at home without the help of a professional.
- Generally cheaper than gel nail application.
- Can be fixed without the help of a nail technician.
- Great for adding length to short nails.
CONS OF ACRYLIC NAILS
- Can result in damage to the nail bed, as the natural nail is unable to breathe beneath the acrylic. When acrylics are removed the nail beneath is often very weak and brittle.
- Can sometimes look more artificial than gel nails.
- The application of acrylic nails does involve chemicals and fumes so pregnant women are advised to avoid this treatment.
UPKEEP AND LONGEVITY
The life of acrylic nail extensions varies greatly from person to person and is dependent upon numerous factors. For example, an individual who carries out manual labor or is required to use their hands constantly in their job will probably find that their nails do not last as long as someone who has an office based typing role which does not subject the nails to much stress or trauma.
However, generally speaking most salons recommend that you have your acrylics either touched up with infills or removed every three to four weeks.
More information about the infill process can be found below.
REMOVING ACRYLIC NAILS
Whilst it is recommended that you have your acrylics removed by the nail technician who applied them – if you take your time and purchase the right materials it is possible to remove them yourself at home.
HOW TO REMOVE ACRYLIC NAILS
Many nail technicians will either remove your acrylics free of charge, or will have special offers available which include a soak off in the overall price. Incorrectly removed acrylics may result in nail trauma and could leave the nail beds in very poor and weak condition, so where possible we would always advise you to visit a professional who will carry out the final treatment.
However, if you really cannot make it to the salon to have your nails removed, you can remove them yourself at home by following the steps below.
MATERIALS
- an old towel
- a flannel or cloth
- a glass bowl
- petroleum jelly
- a bottle of nail polish remover which contains acetone
- nail file and buffer
- cuticle oil.
Step one
Protect the surface you will be working from with the old towel.
Step two
Pour the bottle of nail polish remover into the glass bowl.
Step three
Coat the skin on your fingertips and your cuticles with a liberal helping of petroleum jelly – this is to protect the skin and cuticles from drying out as acetone is extremely dehydrating on the skin.
Step four
Soak your fingers in the acetone for approximately 15-30 minutes. You will know when the acetone is beginning to work because the acrylic on your nails will start to turn ‘gummy’. When this happens take a cloth or flannel dipped in acetone to remove the sticky top layer and pop the hands back into the acetone again to soften the next layer. Repeat this process until all of the acrylic has dissolved and you are left with only your natural nails.
Step five
Once the acrylic has dissolved, remove your hands from the acetone and wash them thoroughly with a moisturizing hand wash. Once you have done this trim your nails to the desired length and buff them gently until you have achieved the shape you want. At this stage you can also then softly buff any remaining glue from the surface of the natural nail. Finish with some cuticle oil.
If soaking your nails off at home do not become impatient and pull the last bits of product off – this will result in nail trauma and will weaken the nail bed. Simply keep repeating step four until all acrylic has dissolved. Also be careful not to over buff the nail, as again this will weaken the nail bed.
Gel nails
WHAT ARE GEL NAILS?
Gel is a special mixture that is applied either on top of an artificial nail extension, or directly onto the natural nail bed to strengthen the nail and promote natural growth. The gel is usually applied in very fine layers, with the nail technician ‘curing’ or ‘sealing’ the gel with a UV light between each layer so that the finished result is hard but still flexible with a natural looking glossy finish which is both instantly dry and chip resistant.
Whilst gel can be applied on top of an artificial extension to add length, they are particularly good for individuals who have very short, weak or bitten nails because they allow the nail to strengthen and grow below the layer of gel.
PROS OF GEL NAILS
- Gel does not cause damage to the natural nail and can be used to strengthen, protect and promote growth in the natural nail.
- Gel is odor-less unlike some acrylic or liquid powder nail systems. Gel is also more flexible.
- Gel is considered to be a safer and more environmentally friendly option to acrylics.
CONS OF GEL NAILS
- Some individuals may find that their gel nails are less durable than acrylics and therefore do not last as long.
- Most gel nail variations must be cured using a UV light meaning that they are difficult to fix at home.
- Some gel nails will need to be filed off as opposed to being soaked off, which can be time consuming.
GEL NAILS REMOVAL
Gel nails should always be removed by a nail technician (preferably who applied your gels in the first place), and under no circumstances should you attempt to remove your gels at home. There are various different gel systems in use today, some of which need to be buffed off and others that must be soaked off.
As a client, you can’t be sure what gel removal system is appropriate for your nails and what will leave them in good condition – which is why this step should be left to the professional.
Fiberglass or silk nail wraps
Another alternative to having acrylics or gels is to have fiberglass or silk wraps applied. This process involves cutting pieces of fiberglass or silk to fit the nail bed or tip, before sealing them into position using resin or glue. Both options are no longer as popular as they used to be now that there are a variety of other cheaper and more convenient extension and overlay systems on offer, however they are a great alternative for clients who are allergic to the chemicals used in the acrylic or gel process.
Infill’s
After around 2-3 weeks you may need to return to your technician or salon for a ‘maintenance’ appointment or ‘infills’.
The infill process will generally involve your technician filing out the re-growth area flush to the nail so that product (the relevant gel or acrylic system) can be reapplied, filed, buffed, coated and oiled so that the nails look as good as new once again.
Please note, if you have had gel nails applied, bear in mind that some systems are not suitable for infills and will have to be removed completely and reapplied.
Nail overlays
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NAIL OVERLAYS AND NAIL EXTENSIONS?
Whilst nail extensions involve applying an artificial tip to the end of the nail to add length, nail overlays involve the application of the acrylic, gel or the desired system directly to the natural nail.
Overlays can also be applied to toenails.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF NAIL OVERLAYS?
Overlays will provide an extra layer of protection that may make the nails less prone to breakages and splits. Overlays are particularly good for either individuals who have trouble growing out their natural nails, or for nail biters who have short and brittle nails as a result of their habit.
TYPES OF NAIL OVERLAYS
Nail overlays are available in all of the same systems as extensions. Gel, acrylic, fiberglass or silk etc. The only difference is the artificial tip to add length will not be applied.
Many nail technicians also offer branded nail extension and overlay treatments, meaning that the system they are using has been developed by a particular company and only those who have undertaken specific training are able to carry out the treatment. Branded extension and overlay systems include the following:
- Bio Sculpture
- Shellac™
- Gelish®.
Nail Designs
Last but not least the DESIGN. When I go my my nail salon I like to go all out, expressing my inner diva, I love to show it in my nails, so here are a few pictures (not mine of course) to show what a beautiful nails are flouting in the world .
Thanks for reading XOXO
Ally
