Artificial nails are also called acrylic nails because these aren't naturally grown on the top of our fingers.
If you cannot grow your own fingernails, you can resort to using acrylic nails and enjoy good looking nails for special occasions or even daily wear.
These nails give unnatural length to short and brittle nails. They are glued on to your natural nails and can give a stunning effect as they come in a variety of designs and patterns.
How acrylic nails are made: Often, women wear these acrylic nails to prevent themselves from biting their nails. With acrylic nails this is possible since they are strong, impossible to chew and are created by mixing a powder and a liquid called Ethyl Methacrylate (EMA). When mixed together, they form a thick mix that can be easily applied to the finger tips and color your natural nails.
Applying acrylic nails at a salon: These nails can be applied at home or at a salon, though it can be very time-consuming. Before you opt for this, speak to your friends or family for their opinions. Next, make a booking at the salon but not before you check that the salon has put up its licenses clearly for everyone to see; that it is a clean place; and that their staff washes their hands before starting work with you and that the ventilation is good. Expect to spend $20-$100, depending on the technique used, kind of application, training and quality of polishing on the nails. You will have to go back to the salon every two weeks. Each session could last an hour or more.
Applying it at home: You will have to practice a lot at home before you can get anywhere near a professional's expertise. Before you begin, check that you have these tools of the trade: a nail brush, a buffer, liquid and powder acrylic and acrylic clippers.
How to apply acrylic nails: Clean your nails, dry them, and push the cuticles back. Apply fitting tips where your natural nail ends. Next, mix the powder and liquid and drop a small bead of the mix on to the nail from the brush. Keep doing this until a natural curve appears. Now, trim your nails to the length you choose to have. If there is any excess powder or nail dust, brush it off now. You may choose to buff your nails now. Your acrylic nails are ready.
Caring for your nails: By caring for your nails, you can make them last longer and look better. If you take the best care of them, you will not have to replace them often, making investing in them cost-effective.
Taking them off: If you want to take off your acrylic nails, don't resort to snapping them off because this can harm your natural nail that's growing below it. Instead, have it removed by a specialist or soak your nails in acetone. To protect your cuticles and fingers, apply a coating of Vaseline, and then soak them in acetone for 30 minutes. After this, they will come off naturally.
