Saturday, January 23, 2010

What's the difference between these nails?

What's the difference between acrylic, gel, crystals, and solar nails? I have acrylics to help me from biting my nails, but I was wondering the difference between them all. I've heard that a silk wrap is best for your nails, but I can't afford that right now. Anyone have a clue???What's the difference between these nails?
Acrylic Nails


Acrylic nails are the strongest and last the longest of all the nail overlays. But, if it's not done well, these nails can look thick and very artificial. Find a manicurist who is an expert at applying acrylic nails, and you can get a very thin, natural-looking nail. They usually need to be filled in every two to three weeks as your nails grow, but depending on how hard you are on your nails, you may need to see the manicurist sooner to avoid nail loosening, which can lead to mildew if water gets trapped underneath. And, if a professional removes them properly, the acrylic nails should cause little weakening to the nail plate. One factor that might make you choose acrylic: It is the most commonly-used artificial nail; if you travel a great deal, it will be easier for you to find a place to repair or fill in your manicure.





Silk, Linen and Fiber Wraps


Wraps are pieces of silk, linen or fiberglass that have been cut to the desired shape and glued to the nail plate. This adds strength, and sometimes length, to the nail. Though done on natural nails, wraps are most commonly used to strengthen tips. Silk is the most natural-looking wrap and provides a lot of flexibility, but it is often too delicate for those with an active lifestyle. Linen is stronger, but it is not transparent and appears quite thick. Fiberglass is the best of both worlds, since it provides the natural look of silk and the strength of linen.





Gel Nails


Once, these nails were made of dental porcelain gel-powder. Now, manicurists use a Mylar form to sculpt your nail, and then cure, or set, it under an ultraviolet light. Because of this process, gel nails may need to be filled in less often than acrylic nails, though fill-ins are still necessary, and a professional must remove the tips





Solar Nails


Solar nails are similar to a French manicure and applied in a two-step process. The white tip of the nail is applied first, followed by the application of the pink part of the nail. Solar nails are chip-free and long lasting, needing to be refilled every three weeks. Benefits of the solar nails are that they do not turn colors or turn to gel when under the lamps of a tanning bed. Plus, they do not need to dry, which makes them more convenient.

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