by Jennifer Arnold

Created on: September 04, 2008

Keeping your artificial nails up is not only necessary them looking good but for your heath as well. For many wearing false or artificial nails is a way of life. They have become accustom to having the durability and length, however if they are not careful, careless up keep can lead to major problems. But let's not put the cart before the horse here. Before we get into how to keep an artificial nail looking good lets first discuss choosing the artificial nail that will be best for you. Oh yes, there is a choice.

Artificial nails come in many different formulas and applications. It is important to think about your lifestyle before choosing what kind of artificial nail to have put on. If you have a rugged lifestyle, silk wrapped extensions probably won't be the best choice for you. Then again if you don't work a lot with your hands a thin gel nail might be the best choice. Lets first review the artificial nail options and their benefits and downfalls.

Silk or fiberglass wrap - is the oldest in the book. Benefits are that it is very thin and durable. Basically a strip of silk fabric or fiberglass is glued to the nail. This is a great choice for anyone who is allergic to acrylic. The downfall of this nail is that is so thin it is not good for anyone who uses their hands daily. The glue can also show hairline cracks where the nail had been bummed or hit. Fiberglass is stronger than the silk.

Acrylic wrap (dipped) - This wrap system is stronger than other wrap systems yet still thin having the same benefits as a traditional wrap. This nail is created when a glue is spread on the nail and then dipped in or sprinkled over with acrylic powder. The downfalls are much the same as the traditional wrap system, but the main one is the cracking is much more noticeable and the entire nail can "pop" off.

Acrylic This is the second oldest and most popular form of artificial nails. The key to its benefits and popularity is the rigid toughness of the acrylic. An acid based primer drills microscopic holes into the nail bed as a reservoir for the acrylic to flow into before setting. This creates a locking system that keeps the nail securely fashioned to the natural nail. This nail is great for anyone who works with their hands daily and can withstand most conditions you would put it though. It is created by mixings a polymer plastic powder with a catalyst that sets the powder into a hardened plastic. The main downfall of a acrylic nail is its potential to cause damage to the natural

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>