Many people choose artificial nails over keeping their real ones manicured. They are stronger and can keep polish on for a longer time.
There are lots of reasons why women get artificial nails. They can provide women with the long manicured nails that they never had. Some people just have a hard time growing out their own nails; this can be due to wear and tear,
too active of a lifestyle, poor nutrition or just weak nails. With the simplicity of artificial nails, you can have nice nails whether your `real` nails grow or not.
Many women love the idea that they can control just how their nails look. There is no more having to drink eight glasses of milk a day, or constantly filing away at the nails, hoping they will grow and look healthy. With artificial nails there is no more need for that! You just go to the salon, have them put on and leave...it`s really that easy!
There are a few different types of artificial nails to choose from. Some people prefer one over the other because of the kind of activities they are involved in. For example someone who plays sports, might opt for a stronger artificial nail.
The first type is called a sculptured nail. It uses acrylic, gel or fibre glass that is applied to nails. The substance is lengthened and sculpted over metal or foil. It can then be placed over the entire nail`s surface.
Acrylic is the strongest type of artificial nail to get and it can last the longest. The only downside is that it has to be filled every two to three weeks, if it is not up to date, it will look artificial as your nail begins to grow out. It is also very thick, so when your own natural nail begins to grow, a gap will appear letting everyone know your secret.
Silk, linen, fibre and wraps are the last types of artificial nails. They are designed to the specific shape and glued to the nail plate. They can actually strengthen the tip of natural nails as they help them grow out without being damaged.
Silk nails are really flexible but pretty fragile, so not recommended for anyone playing sports or taking care of animals or kids!
Linen is the strongest but can appear thick looking and is non-transparent. That means that if there is no polish on the nails, people will be able to see where your real nail starts and your fake one ends.
Fibreglass is natural looking and strong. Gel acrylic nails look the best even with no polish on. You can actually go around with bare nails and no one will be able to tell the difference. They still have to be filled every two to three weeks.
At the salon, putting on any type of artificial nails takes about an hour from start to finish. A UV light works at the end to dry the nail glue and hold everything in place. The nail salon is a very potent smelling place, usually the nail technicians are in masks and you might find the smell very strong at first. It is advised that only professionals take off artificial nails, as to not damage your real nails underneath.
When you`re applying and changing polish at home, it is also recommended that you use a non-acetone polish on the nails or it might dissolve the fake nails and ruin the real ones underneath. Some people even carry glue around in their purse in case a nail begins to lift.
