Do you wish you had long, well-groomed nails instead of nails that are brittle or chip easily? Or would you like your nails to be fun and express your character? The answer may be artificial nails. Artificial nails come in a dazzling array of shapes, sizes, and colors from long and crazy to modest and sophisticated.

Artificial nails are cut and applied to your specifications. They come in different types. Though they rarely chip or break, artificial nails require careful application and regular maintenance. There are also some hazards to watch for.

Selecting Artificial Nails

There are several types of artificial nails, such as acrylic, gel, and silk wraps.

Acrylic Nails

Acrylic nails are a mixture of monomer and polymer, which are a liquid and a powder. The most common acrylic nails are known as “solar nails,” which look like a French manicure. Acrylic nails are very hardy and don’t tend to break or chip. They are removed with acetonitrile. This chemical can irritate your respiratory system.

Gel Nails

Gel nails are very natural looking. They are applied over the natural nail as a sort of thick paint. They are not as durable as acrylic nails.

Others

Silk wraps are artificial nails made of silk that are cut to the desired shape and then glue to the nail plate. There are also linen wraps that are applied like silk wraps.

Applying Artificial Nails

Visit a reputable salon with certified technicians to apply your artificial nails. If you want to apply artificial nails at home, follow the directions carefully to ensure you put them on safely.

Maintaining Artificial Nails

You need to touch up artificial nails every two weeks or more, depending on the artificial nail type, to account for your natural nail growth. As your nails grow, a space develops between the artificial nail and the cuticle, where moisture or bacteria can lodge.

Hazards of Artificial Nails

There are some hazards to having artificial nails, but you can also avoid them:

·    You may have an allergic reaction to the artificial nail materials. You may need to experiment with different artificial nail types.

·    The chemical acetonitrile used to remove acrylic nails may irritate your respiratory system. You may want to use another type of artificial nail.

·    Bacteria, dirt, moisture, and fungi can lodge between the natural and artificial nail. Cleanse nails before applying artificial nails. Also have them touched up regularly to avoid a gap developing between the natural and artificial nail.

If you break an artificial nail, be sure to clean the nail area thoroughly to avoid infection. Even though you have to learn to care for artificial nails, they are an easy accessory. After deciding what artificial nails you want to use, apply them and have fun!

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