Types of Artificial Nails

It seems that there are very few people who actually know what Gel / Acrylic / Silk etc. really is, how they are applied or even how they look & wear! Well, I've cleared that all up once and for all!Porcelain Nails: The term "Porcelain Nails" was the original name given to Acrylic Nails, and it's use was discontinued when one of it's ingredients called MMA (methyl methacrylate) was banned in the late 70's (click there for more information.) Since then the Porcelain System which no longer contains MMA has been re-introduced, and is regaining popularity. Unlike it's predecessor, it has been designed to minimise damage to the nail plate and enhance natural nail growth. There is a distinct difference between the current Porcelain Nail System and Acrylic Nails of today, in that it has been processed further to create a finer powder, and has a finely ground, glass-like material (known as glass-glaze) and pink silica incorporated into the Porcelain powder, which gives it a beautiful glossy, natural-looking finish, whilst retaining the strength and durability associated with Acrylic. Speculation has it that some salons offer "Porcelain Nails" as simply Acrylic Nails with a Gel top-coat. This is NOT the true Porcelain Nail system, and does not have the same look, or wearing characteristics!

Acrylic Nails, like Porcelain Nails, are probably the strongest and last the longest of the various systems. Unfortunately, if the system is not applied correctly, they can look very thick and artificial. The misconception that the Acrylic Nails System itself is more damaging than other systems on the market is simply untrue! Some people who have had Acrylic Nails complain of the damage done by nail technicians using an incorrect / antiquated filing technique, which can leave the client bleeding, or over-filing has left almost no natural nail, and burns or "hot spots" are left in the nail bed, which can be very painful. The Acrylic Nail System is not at fault here, but in fact the technician applying it!

Gel Nails: Gel nails are made up of a thick viscosity gel acrylic. It is a one-part system in which the Gel is applied, and then 'cured' or 'set' under ultraviolet light. Although Gel and Acrylic are both actually acrylic, the molecular structure is different, the application procedures and curing methods are different, and hence they apply and wear differently. They tend to be quite soft, and a lot of people complain of discolouration of the nails within a few days. Acrylic-Gel nails, where Gel is applied over Acrylic, does not make your nails "Gel Nails."

Silk, Linen and Fibre Wraps: Pieces of silk, linen or fibreglass are cut into shape and glued onto the nail plate. Silk is the most natural-looking, and quite flexible, but is also not very strong, and may not be suited to active people. Linen is stronger, but doesn't look very natural, and tends to appear thick. Of the three, fibreglass is probably the better option, since it has the natural look of silk, with the strength of linen.