Acrylic Nail - Removing Acrylic Nail

Artificial Nail - Acrylic Nail

Artificial nail is one of the latest invention in nail grooming. We are attracted to acrylic nails because of its length. And the unique designs that nail technicians can imprint on artificial nails will make them look even more beautiful.

Although acrylic nails are very popular, it does have downsides. There are four reasons why I don't favor artificial nails. First of all, you can always spot acrylic nails. Your nails can look beautiful and are the envy of many eyes, but people can always tell they're not your real nails. Second, the industrial strength glue, adhesive, sealants, and other chemicals that are used can damage your real nails - making your real nails look dry, cracked, and unpleasant. Third, if there are water that are trapped under your artificial nails, your real nails can develop fungal infections. And lastly, the process of removing acrylic nail can be time consuming and tedious.

Types of Artificial Nail

It is better to try and keep your real nails strong and healthy - healthy nails will look beautiful in any color. But if you must use artificial nails, below is an artificial nail guide that will help you to distinguish the difference between the types of fake nails.

There are 5 types of artificial nails: wraps, acrylics, porcelain, gels, and tips.

Wraps: Wraps are made of silk, linen, or fiberglass that have been cut into the required shape. This fabric mesh is held in place with an adhesive, then a sealant is applied on top to help keep out moisture and to make sure they stay in place. Silk wraps are the most natural looking, but it can be too delicate if you have an active lifestyle. Linen is stronger than silk, but it can appear thick. Fiberglass offers both the natural look of silk and the strength of linen.

Acrylics Nails: Powder and liquid are mixed together to form a plastic paste. The paste is smoothes onto your natural nail, where it hardens (at room temperature). Of all artificial nails, acrylic nails are the strongest and longest lasting. If you have acrylic nails, as your nail grow, you will need to refill them every 2 to 3 weeks. But if you are rough with your nails, to avoid your fake nails from lifting, you may need to visit your manicurist more often.

Porcelain: Porcelain nails are similar to acrylics nails, except the powder contains a finely ground, glass like material.

Gel Nails: Gel nails are layers of resin that are applied to your natural nail where it harden to form a solid nail. All gel nails harden when exposed to light, but there are different kinds of gels. With the original formula, gel nails harden when exposed to ultraviolet light, with the newer version, gel nail harden under ordinary room lighting - white light.

Tips: Nail tips are nail extensions. These plastic nail tips vary in length and can cover the entire nail. Most often, nail tips are applied halfway up your nail through the tip. Nail glue is used to adhere the plastic nail tips to your natural nail. Then, acrylics, wraps, or gels may be added on top to strengthen and smooth the nails. Your nails are then sanded and filed into desired shape and length.

Removing Fake Nails - How to Remove Acrylic Nails

When you want to remove your artificial nails, it's best to be done at a salon. But if you prefer to remove the fake nails yourself, you need to make sure you have lots of time and be very patient to make the process as easy and as not damaging as possible.

1. First, clip your nails. The shorter you clip them, the less artificial nail there is for you to remove.

2. Take some aluminum foil and cut it into squares.

3. Soak a cotton ball with acetone or nail polish remover that contains acetone (more gentle nail polish remover that does not contain acetone will not work)

4. Place the cotton ball that is saturated with acetone onto your nail and cover it tightly with the foil.

5. Repeat step 3 and 4 for all 10 nails. I recommend one hand at a time because it will be hard to try and remove acrylics nails with your fingers wrap in aluminum foil.

6. Do not peek or open the foil for at least 20 minutes - if you peek, the acrylic will begin to harden so be patient.

7. One finger at a time, remove the foil. With a clean orange wood stick, scrape the acrylic off. You can repeat if there are traces of acrylic remains.

Acetone are very drying so after you removed artificial nails, make sure to massage some olive oil or a heavy hand cream into your nails and the surrounding skin.