Killer nails are an incredible confidence booster, and—let's just say it—they're also super fun. Professional, glamorous, flirty, artsy, or bedazzled, your nails are a special way to feel pampered, express yourself, and complete your look.
But not all nails are created equally, and you’re not alone if you’re frustrated by the length, strength, or shape of your own natural nails. If you find that your own nails aren't quite living up to the nail trends you want to pull off, perhaps it's time to consider applying fake nails.
But with so many options out there, how do you know which type to select?
Whether you're a manicure junkie who's tried them all or a first-timer just scratching the surface of the fake nail scene (pun intended), this post will walk you through the different types of fake nails out there as well as their pros and cons.
What Are Fake Nails?
Artificial nails are—well—any nails that aren't real.
Gel, acrylic, and dip nails are fake nails that are applied by a professional nail technician and generally have to be removed by one as well. We'll explore the differences between them in a moment, but it's fair to say that they're all permanent nail solutions that bond to your natural nails and can last for weeks at a time.
Press-on nails are fake nails that can be applied at home as well as at a salon. They are quicker to apply, less permanent, and easier to remove than the other three types of fake nails.
When it comes to fake nails, several factors will dictate which type you select. Among other things, you'll have to consider your timeline, budget, and the condition of your natural nails.
Let's jump in and take a closer look at each type of fake nail:
Acrylic Nails
Fun fact: The materials used for acrylic nails actually grew out of dental technology.
To create them, powder and liquid monomers are combined into a blob which is shaped onto your natural nails. After air drying, acrylic nails are buffed to the desired shape before a shiny topcoat is applied.
Acrylic nails typically last about three weeks before they need to be removed or filled. This necessitates frequent salon visits (which can be costly) and can also be tough on your natural nails. Removal of acrylic nails involves strong chemicals like acetone, but on the plus side, they're super durable and customizable.
Gel Nails
Gel nails are applied in layers from a small pot of goop. Exposure to UV light between each layer is what causes them to harden up. In fact, gel nails are the hardest and least porous of all the fake nail options. Depending on your lifestyle, this may be a pro or a con. If you want extra-long nails, gel extensions are a great way to go!
Like acrylic nails, a gel manicure must be applied at a salon. Unlike acrylics, they’re not soaked for removal. Instead, they must be filed off. A professional nail tech should be able to remove gel nails without damaging your natural nails but watch closely just to be sure.
Dip Nails
Dip nails use much the same technology as acrylic nails, but the powder is sprinkled directly onto your nail after the glue is applied. They are quicker and easier to apply than acrylics or gels, and they’re also softer and more flexible than other extension methods (again, this could be a pro or a con depending on your needs and lifestyle).
Like acrylic nails, dip nails are usually removed by a soak in chemicals.
Press-On Nails
Press-on nails may look similar to other types of fake nails, but they're in a whole different universe than the other three we just explored.
In the past, they may have been overlooked as tacky or outdated, but a recent and trendy resurgence has brought press-ons back into vogue in a major way.
Press-on nails are those fake nail sets you may have seen at the drugstore. They come in endless shapes, colours, and styles. Plus, they include a variety of widths to fit perfectly over your natural nail beds.
Press-on nails are applied with just a drop or two of nail glue. While they can often last for up to a week, they’re straightforward to remove with a soak; sometimes, even just warm water and soap will do the trick.
Great for your wallet as well as if you want to change up your look on a regular basis, press-on nails may not be as advantageous if you're looking for a durable and permanent nail solution. That being said, if your real nails need some recovery after gels, acrylics, or dips, press-ons will do the trick.
Selecting the Right Fake Nails
At AiNails, we love fake nails and believe that all the options out there are worth trying. The right nail for you will depend on your budget, timeline, and the look you want to achieve.
If you've got a larger budget to work with, acrylics are durable, and you can leave all the work to the professionals. If you prefer to change up your look every few days, press-ons might be the way to go.
Try out a few options and see what suits you best!
But no matter what, remember one very important thing:
Applied and removed properly, fake nails should not damage your natural nails. But that isn’t always the case if your nail technician is careless or doesn’t maintain high standards. Always ask questions and watch your nail tech closely. A professional and high-quality salon should be hygienic, helpful, and supportive of all your inquiries and wishes.
At AiNails, we pride ourselves on keeping your nails truly healthy and exceeding your expectations every single time you visit.
AiNails Winnipeg
Whether you're opting for fake nails or just a simple manicure for your own nails, AiNails in Winnipeg is committed to providing outstanding and professional service that’s coupled with top-quality products.
Before you search for any random "nail salon near me", phone AiNails to book your appointment instead. We look forward to serving you at a location near you!
Posted on: Tue, 11/01/2022 - 09:32