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Artificial Nails
Artificial nails are an incredibly popular trend, allowing every woman the opportunity to sport the perfect looking nail.
If this is your desire and you know very little about it, this is
your chance to read more about the different types of
artificial nails currently available. | |
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There are several types of artificial fingernails including acrylic,
gel, sculptured and wrap fingernails.
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Acrylic Nails
Acrylic nails are currently the most popular type of artificial fingernail. These artificial fingernails are created by combining a powdered acrylic product, called a polymer, with a liquid acrylic product, called a monomer.
An acrylic brush is used to apply the mixture to the natural fingernail, where it hardens in just a few minutes.
Acrylic nails are the strongest, thickest, and most durable of the artificial fingernails. However, acrylic nails that are incorrectly applied can look thick and fake. |
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Gel Nails
Artificial fingernails can also be made from gel. Most gel nails use a "light cured" gel consisting of pre-mixed polymers and monomers.
This special gel is first brushed onto the surface of the natural nail. The gel is then set, or "cured," under an ultraviolet light.
"No-light" gels, an alternative to the light cured type, are slowly gaining in popularity. These gel nails are cured by brushing or spraying a gel activator onto the nails or by dipping the fingernails into water.
Artificial fingernails made from gel tend to be more natural looking than acrylic nails, but are also less strong and less durable. |
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Sculptured Nails
Sculptured nails are another popular type of artificial fingernail. These nails are applied to the natural fingernail with an acrylic or a fibreglass gel, and lengthened and sculpted over metal or foil to produce the desired shape and length. Sculptured nails generally last longer than other types of artificial fingernails, but must be filled in on a regular basis in order to keep a natural appearance.
Wrap Nails
The final, least common type of artificial fingernail is the wrap. Wrap nails are small, thin pieces of silk, fibreglass, or linen which have been cut to a desired shape and glued or bonded to the surface of the natural fingernail. |
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Because wraps are the softest of the artificial fingernails, they are also the least durable. However, because they are so thin, smooth, and lightweight, wraps are usually considered to be the most natural looking of all the artificial fingernails.
Of course you don't need to leave it there! You can now create some wonderful nail art to decorate your beautiful nails! |
A fun way to brighten up your everyday look or accessorize a special occasion outfit, there are a variety of nail art designs available, ranging from subtle and understated to funky and outrageous.
The more intricate designs are best left to a professional but it is possible to create simple nail art at home. |
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There are many different methods you can use to come up with nail art designs. Many beginners like to copy from pictures they have found on the internet or in nail art books. |
Using stick-on nail art jewels is another great way to jazz up a simple nail art motif. Tiny stickers can make it easier to create more elaborate designs.
Some larger nail salons also offer classes for people interested in learning how to do their own nail art. However, even people with minimal artistic talent can learn to freehand geometric shapes or floral designs. |
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While most nail art designs are created simply using various colours of nail polish, you can add sparkle to your designs by mixing glitter into one or more of the polish colours before painting your nails. |
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