Thinking about getting nail tips rather than full-on false nails but not all too sure if they’d be right for you? When it comes to nail tips, there are a whole lot of things to consider and ask about, the most pressing being:

Should I get gel nail tips or acrylic nail tips?

The two most popular choices when it comes to nail tips are whether or not to get gel tips, or acrylic tips. Both are fantastic choices, though acrylics are stronger and tend to last longer than gel nails. However, if you aren’t particularly “hard” on your hands, gel nails will look more natural and are odorless. You also have the option of applying gel nail tips over artificial nails if you need to extend those for any reason and do not wish to “re-do” your entire false nail.

Are nail wraps the same as nail tips?

Wraps are a bit different from nail tips as they are generally used to just strengthen the natural nail, though they can be used to add length as well. A nail wrap is made of silk, fiberglass, linen, fabric, or even paper. It is cut to the correct size, glued onto your natural or even fake nail, and then glue is again applied overtop of the nail wrap to add strength.

Nail wraps are also sometimes glued over nail tips to add extra strength to the tips.

What’s better: nail wraps or nail tips?

It really comes down to what you are looking for when it comes to the appearance of your nails. Nail tips, usually made of gel or acrylic, offer different benefits. As previously mentioned, acrylics are durable and very strong, making them the longest lasting of the nail tips. Gel nails look the most natural and are also fairly durable, but they will need to be replaced before your acrylic tips and they tend to be more expensive than acrylics. Fiberglass nail wraps are easy to apply, fast, and are best if you are looking to repair any broken nails (whether real or fake).

So what’s the difference between gel and fiberglass?

Fiberglass can be applied far more quickly in comparison to a gel nail. Gel nails immediately look natural once applied, however, whereas fiberglass nail tips need to be buffed to obtain a natural “sheen”.

Is it easier to develop nail fungus if I use nail tips?

Nail fungus is unfortunately quite common no matter if you are having fake full nails or nail tips applied. The best thing to do is to use preventative techniques to stop the fungus from growing in the first place. Before you have your fake nails applied, wash your hands thoroughly and for at least 30 seconds with an anti-bacterial soap, and then cut, file, and buff the surface of your nails before applying the fake nails. Routine proper maintenance of your nail tips will also help prevent nail fungus.

You can also purchase a nail antiseptic which can be used on your nail tips to prevent fungus while your nail extensions are glued to your fingertips.