By Ifueko Diagbare

There are several types of artificial nails. No matter which nail type you choose, the first session will always take some time, since the manicurist must file the whole natural nail and lay some adhesive to tighten the wrapper or the artificial nail tips to the size and the shape of the nail. Then, in both cases maintenance is needed, although acrylic ones are more durable.   Below, we have compiied the following items to explain their main features and differences:

Wraps: These consist, basically, of tissue that wraps the nail with very strong resins. The most common ones are called silk or fibreglass. They only differ in the type of tissue used. Silk nails show the texture of the material, so they must always be varnished in colour, covering or disguising them properly. In general terms, after wrapping the nail, artificial nail tips are added to enlarge them.
When wrappers are not correctly applied, they tend to lift up; especially if the manicurist used thick adhesives or resins, or put too many layers. However, if they are properly applied, they last and give good results.

Lola Young

Acrylic nails: The natural nail is covered up with acrylic border that adheres to it. Plastic or acrylic nail tips and extensions usually have a natural colour, though some of them come polished and decorated. Their use is very common for special occasions.
Artificial gel nails: These are another type of acrylic artificial nails, applied directly on your natural nails and hardened with the aid of UV light. As acrylic nail tips sometimes look too thick, gel nails are getting more and more popular. Apart from being lighter, there is no unpleasant odour while wearing them.

Artificial Nail Tips

These come in packs with clear instructions and are usually inexpensive. You can apply them at home, especially if you have the ability to manicure yourself, since it takes a little time and precision. However, as they are quite thick they rarely look natural, though if you apply them well they can look very nice. Some artificial nail tips come with beautiful designs, others come polished in two colors and glitter or just polished in one color. Some others have a natural color such as white, or transparent, which allows for giving them any style.
However, no matter the nail type chosen, in terms of artificial nail supply, many options are available. Some of them are really artistic: e.g., crystal or acrylic rhinestones, various types of glitter, and stickers. They all come in packs, in a great diversity of colors.