Gone are the days when acrylic nails were the sole option for any woman out there who was looking to have the long, glamorous nails that she could not grow on her own! These days, a number of different materials and techniques are used to give you the artificial nails you have always dreamed of! We will start with the first mentioned type of artificial nails, the acrylics:

Acrylic Nails

Acrylic nails, despite being the “classic” choice is still also the most popular due to how strong and durable these nails can be. Nail polish also bonds to acrylic nails better than almost any other type of artificial nail out there (including gel nails) which makes it a popular choice amongst women.

Be sure that if you do have acrylic artificial nails that you seek out a professional with a lot of experience. Artificial nails, if applied improperly, will look thick and obviously fake. Also be prepared to have your nails filled (this may cost $5 to $15 USD) every 2-3 weeks time.

Gel Nails

Gels are the second most popular choice amongst the artificial nails as gel nails are actually “sculpted” to your nail. Some gel nails are “set” by use of a UV light and others are not, but the effect is that gel is form fitted to your own natural finger nail and is then cut and filed to the length you desire.

The benefit to gel nails over acrylics is that they do tend to look more natural, but expect a hire price tag with gel artificial nails. Nail polish will also not last as long (though gel nails are so natural you can go without nail polish) and they tend to break more easily.

Sculptured Nails

Sculptured nails can be created by using either acrylic, gel, or fiberglass. The material that is chosen is then lengthened, shaped and sculpted over metal or foil to help give your nail some length. Sometimes a plastic nail tip is also applied to your finger tip and either acrylic, gel, fiberglass or silk is then laid over the nail, giving it a more “natural” appearance.

These nails do not look nearly as real as gel nails do, but they are relatively durable (depending on the material chosen). Be sure to ask your nail technician just what materials he or she offers if you are interested in having your nails sculpted as this will change the way you are to treat your nails and just how durable they will be.

Fibre, Linen and Silk Wraps

Wraps are made of either of the three title materials that are cut to the selected shape of the wearer. Once they are shaped, the fibre, linen or silk wraps are then glued directly to your natural nail plate.

Nail wraps are not typically used as an extension to the nail, but rather a “repair” or strengthening tactic. Wraps are most commonly applied to nails to help strengthen any nail tips that may be threatening to come off prematurely.