Touched by an Angel Salon’s Guide on Acrylic Nails

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How to choose the right types of acrylic nails for you

There are many ways to show off beautiful and elegant nails. Thanks to the fact that there are different types of acrylic and artificial nails, among which you can choose depending on your interests. Some examples of these are: porcelain, acrylic, SNS and gel nails. Today we tell you how to choose the nails that best suit your lifestyle.

Acrylic nails are popular not only because of their appearance, but also because of how strong and resistant they are. They allow you to carry out your daily activities without fear of splintering or breaking; in addition to providing the best style to your hands.

Types of acrylic and artificial nails

The types of acrylic nails that exist are artificial nail options that are derived from similar chemical components. That is, there is only one type of acrylic nails but there are several types of false nails. Some of them are:

  • Acrylic or porcelain nails.
  • Gel nails.
  • Sculptured nails
  • Nail wrapping
  • SNS or the Signature Nail System
  • Silk nails

Each type of acrylic nails has its strengths and weaknesses; each time manufacturers strive to give them the appearance of natural nails, with the resistance and elegance that these materials allow. It is clear that all of them require maintenance so that they look fresh and natural over time.

  • Nail types: Acrylic nails

Acrylic nails, also known as porcelain nails, are extensions of the nail made from acrylic. An exceptionally clear and colorless rigid thermoplastic, which can be pigmented to a myriad of colors. You can also leave it without pigment to produce a completely transparent sheet. This is the most suitable material for nails as it is free from many corrosive substances. Its weather resistance makes it the ideal material for a wide variety of applications.

To learn more about the type of nails that best suit you, sign up for our Diploma in Manicure where you will receive all the advice and support from our experts and teachers at every moment.

Did you know that acrylic has many applications? It is used in different fields, thanks to its great resistance to impact, if compared to glass it is up to ten times higher. It perfectly withstands the elements and ultraviolet rays. In addition, it is an excellent thermal and acoustic insulator.

Of all the types of artificial nails, acrylic nails have been around for years; and are applied using a liquid monomer mixed with a powdered polymer, the purpose of which is to create a hard protective nail that conforms to natural nails. Acrylic is liquid when placed on the nail and hardens when exposed to air. From this you can find styles such as: ballerina finish, Stiletto finish, Baby Boomer style, among others.

1. How to maintain this type of acrylic nails?

Over time the nails grow with the acrylics, therefore, every two or three weeks you will have to return to the salon to have them filled. The practitioner should gently sand the acrylic edge closest to the nail bed and then fill in the empty area between the nail bed and the existing acrylic nail.

2. How to remove acrylic nails?

When you consider that it is time to remove this type of acrylic nails, you should go to a manicure professional who will facilitate this process. Read more about how to remove acrylic nails.

● Nail types: Gel nails

Gel sculpted nails are another alternative to show off an always beautiful manicure.  Relatively new to the market. These are made with a gel, polygel or fiberglass gel; material that dries under a UV or LED lamp. These types of acrylic nails are as strong as porcelain nails, but they offer a more natural look.

Fiberglass is a material made of extremely fine interwoven glass filaments. It is highly resistant to heat and chemicals, and an excellent electrical insulator. Several layers of gel should be applied to obtain the desired thickness and length; it hardens when exposed to ultraviolet light.

Did you know that porcelain and acrylic nails were the first to be used? The gels for the construction of nails appeared in 1985 and were a great advance for the time, due to the quality they have of being odorless, an advantage when working , especially if you work in an aesthetic center.

1. Why choose gel nails?

If you are looking for your false nails to look natural, gel nails are the best option, as they will give you a little less duration, but a totally natural look. You also won’t have to continually maintain them and they will be much easier to remove compared to some others.

It might interest you: styles to create natural acrylic nails.

2. How to keep gel nails in perfect condition?

Like acrylics, gels grow with the nails and need to be refilled every two to three weeks. To do this, you just have to gently sand the edge of the gel closest to the nail bed and then fill in the empty area, between the nail bed and the existing gel nail.

3. How to remove this type of false nails?

To remove gel nails you can do so by dipping them in nail polish remover. There are also other methods that involve nail polish remover that can loosen any type of false nail.

There is a new nail method or SNS that consists of dipping the nails in a powdered polish. Also known as the dipping technique and among its advantages is that it offers a manicure without aggressive chemicals and without the need to use drying lamps. On the side of the duration it has nothing to envy to acrylic or gel nails, as they remain in perfect condition for up to three weeks.

How to make nails with the dipping technique?

The first step in doing this type of acrylic nail is to lightly buff the nails so that the dip powder adheres well. Then you apply a foundation and dip it into a dipping powder to prepare it. Afterwards, you introduce them into the enamel powder of the chosen color, eliminating the excess powder with a few light touches. The operation is normally repeated to ensure complete coverage; Finally, an enamel is applied that hardens them, provides a layer of shine and the cuticles are nourished with essential oils.

With this type of acrylic nails, it is possible to have a “natural nail” since it is made with fiberglass gel or acrylic material so that it lengthens and sculpts the nails with the desired appearance. They allow bitten nails to be restored and rebuilt or simply to show off longer nails, these need to be “filled in” regularly to maintain their “natural” appearance and last longer.

Sculptured nails are a perfect option for those women who want to have a perfect and long-lasting manicure. Learn about some acrylic nail designs that you can learn to do.

Silk nails are cloth wraps that are glued in place to strengthen weak nails and prevent them from growing cracked. Some wraps are made from silk, some from linen, and some from paper or fiberglass. The manicurist will be able to adjust the material to the shape of your nail, hold it in place, and then apply glue. This type of false nail is designed to be temporary, so the adhesives will loosen in two to three weeks, or sooner if you don’t protect them.

Nail tips are of the acrylic type that are attached to the natural nail to extend its length, they also last seven to ten days.

Learn more about the many benefits of acrylic and artificial nails in our Diploma in Manicure. You will get the full support and every moment of our experts and teachers to become 100% professional.

What kind of artificial nails is better?

Gel and acrylic nails work similarly, except acrylic or porcelain nails are harder on the natural nail. On the other hand, the gel nail can strengthen the shorter ones. Acrylic nails can sometimes look less natural, especially if they are applied incorrectly.

Gel nails look more natural, because they are a type of thick nail polish that makes them stronger. But of the three types of false nails, the SNS or dipping system is the most popular for several reasons:

  • They make nails look natural and thinner than gel or acrylic nails.
  • They are strong but light.
  • You can put them on quickly. It is easy to apply and it will take less time to file the nail.

How to choose the right type of acrylic nails for you?

Durability is obviously something you should consider for your lifestyle and preferences when choosing the type of acrylic and false nails. Some women prefer gel nails, others SNS, and others acrylic. Keep in mind:

Your lifestyle is a factor that should be reflected when choosing the right type of acrylic nail for you . For example, if your job requires your hands to be in water for a long time, gel may be better than porcelain. The gel adheres to the natural nail like a polish and the water does not affect it as much as acrylic.

Budget, time and maintenance also influence the choice. Check with your manicurist what price each of them has and define the costs required for maintenance and completion.