Nail extensions trace their origins back to the 1950s when an unknown dentist accidentally damaged his nail and attempted to repair it using a paper form and acrylic, a material then used for making dental prosthetics. Today, the truth of this story remains uncertain, but it marks the beginning of a new era in cosmetology—the era of nail extensions.
Nail extensions can be created using various materials: gel, acrylic, silk, linen, and even crystal. The choice of material determines the technique used for the extension as well as its final cost. Currently, acrylic and gel are the most popular options. During the extension process, so-called tips—plastic nail extensions—or special paper forms with a Teflon coating are used. The type of nail extension is determined by the technician based on the condition of the nails, their shape, and the client’s preferences. Let’s take a closer look at each material.
Acrylic is a durable material that is ideal for those who lead an active lifestyle and have naturally strong and healthy nails. Acrylic can last up to four months, making it a popular choice for toenail extensions, as these nails do not require frequent touch-ups. Acrylic can even be applied to very short nails and is easy to repair. However, it is not suitable for individuals undergoing antibiotic treatment or chemotherapy, as the body produces acetone during these treatments, which can cause acrylic nails to lift. Additionally, acrylic nails lose their shine when exposed to acetone-based products. The material has a distinct odor that lingers until the nails harden, which occurs in the open air.
On the other hand, gel is better suited for people with thin and brittle nails, as it is a softer material. Gel is nearly indistinguishable from natural nails, adheres well, and maintains its shine. The gel extension process is more labor-intensive and requires a special ultraviolet lamp to cure the gel. If you have particularly thin nails, the gel application may cause discomfort or even burns due to the heat generated during the curing process.
If you decide to get nail extensions, it’s essential to consider your personal preferences, any allergies to products, and the recommendations of a specialist who can help you choose the most suitable material for your nail plate. Nail extensions are strictly prohibited during pregnancy.
The nail extension process consists of several stages:
1. The shiny surface layer of the nail is removed, and the nails are treated with an antiseptic.
2. Tips are selected and attached to the nail, after which the material is applied.
3. Once the nail is prepared, it is degreased and filed to achieve its final shape. A topcoat is then applied to provide smoothness and a natural shine. The modeling of all nails takes about 2-3 hours.
4. After modeling, nail polish is applied. Interestingly, polish adheres much better and lasts longer on artificial nails than on natural ones.
In addition to the extensions themselves, nail design is also performed.
Aquarium Design. This style is very popular among fashionistas. It gets its name from its appearance: this design creates the illusion that the artwork is encased in glass. Various materials are used in aquarium design, including foil, rhinestones, dried flowers, gels, and paints. A design is applied to the extended nails, which is then covered again with material.
Artistic Painting. This can be done on both extended and natural nails. A design is painted onto the nail using needles, brushes, and special paints. The designs can range from small figures to full-fledged paintings.
There is also 3D Nail Design. This can be achieved in two ways: either all decorative elements are sculpted separately and then assembled and attached to the nail, or a design is created directly on the nail using acrylic powder and gel, giving the design a three-dimensional effect. Another popular trend is Nail Piercing. This is done on artificial nails using a special drill, with rings, chains, and various pendants used as embellishments.
Artificial nails can be worn for a long time, provided regular maintenance and quality application are performed. Your natural nails will not be damaged; in fact, they may become stronger and smoother. However, much depends on the quality of the removal process for the artificial nails.
When removing acrylic nails, the free edge is first trimmed, and then the nails are soaked in a special solution that dissolves the acrylic. For gel nails, specialized tools and files are used, and the procedure should be performed by an experienced technician. If a gel nail breaks, it must be completely removed, unlike acrylic nails. Do not attempt to remove extended nails on your own, as this can severely damage your natural nails, leading to thinning of the nail plate. Also, remember that when having nails removed at a salon, your nails will be treated with a special restorative product. After the removal of artificial nails, your natural nails will require intensive care, so it’s advisable to consult with a technician about using special products.
Once you have beautiful, long nails, remember that they require careful handling and timely maintenance. Avoid subjecting your nails to heavy mechanical stress, do not trim or file them with metal files, and definitely steer clear of open flames!