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7 Types of Nail Extensions and How To Choose
Nail extensions are growing in popularity, and many people love to get quality manicures to have more natural-looking nails. One of the popular nail art styles is the use of nail extensions to create long nails despite your nail structure.
There are different types of nail extensions available in the market, so how do you find which is best for you? Here are 8 kinds of nail extension molds to consider before going to the nail salon to achieve more beautiful nails.
What Are the Types of Nail Extensions?
Acrylic Nail Extensions
Acrylic nail extensions are one of the most popular kinds of nail extensions. Acrylic nails are from a base of monomer liquid mixed with a polymer powder. The gel is then applied onto your natural nail and should last up to 4 weeks.
It is easy to spot nail extensions that are made with acrylic. If you are the type of person who likes extreme nail lengths, acrylic extension is the way to go!
The most popular designs would be ombre nails and deep French smile lines on long nails using an acrylic polish.
Advantages of Acrylic Nails
- Acrylic nails are suitable for people with weak and broken nails. They tend to strengthen natural nails due to their strong bond.
- This type of nail extension is good for people who have bitten nails and chipped corners as acrylic is very hard to chew off.
- Most nail technicians have a lot of experience in applying and removing these nails.
- Acrylic extensions last longer than gel nails.
Disadvantages of Acrylic Nails
- If not removed properly, they can damage your natural nails underneath, resulting in broken nails.
- Since this is one of the available nail enhancements at the salon, they tend to look fake. A talented nail technician can apply your acrylics as close to their natural appearance.
Hard Gel Nail Extensions
Gel nail extensions are also called natural nail overlays as a gel polish manicure can penetrate naturally to the nails. Hard gels resemble a very thick varnish as the application involves a layer of thick transparent gel on your nail. Unlike acrylic, hard gel nail extensions allow for a more natural long nail since it is thinner and more flexible.
Hard gels can be done on forms or on tips. The curing process can cause temporary heat spikes. These require the usage of LED or UV light exposure to set effectively so the color gel polish can be dried quickly.
Advantages of Hard Gel Nails
- The nail tech can customize the gel polish design on their desired shape of nails. Some prefer square-shaped ones.
- There is a variety of gel polishes to choose from.
- Gels don’t have a strong smell.
Disadvantages of Hard Gel Nails
- The smell of hard gel nails is like a strong nail varnish, so some people may find it uncomfortable.
- A UV/LED lamp is required to build a nail fast.
Polygel or Acrygels Extensions
Polygel is one of the new ways of extending nails. It combines the advantages of both acrylic and gel extensions. Polygel can be used to build nail extensions, strengthen your natural nails, or fix a broken nail while serving as a natural nail overlay. A nail tech can also draw a nail art using nail polish on your long nails.
Advantages of Acrygels
- Acrygels are light and natural-looking.
- Just like acrylic and gels, Acrygels are strong and flexible.
- Polygel doesn’t get damaged by acetone or any household chemicals.
Disadvantages of Acrygels
- There are limited Acrygel brands available in the market.
- Acrygels are not as strong as acrylic.
- A UV/LED lamp is required. Acrygels do not harden until you cure them in the UV/LED lamp.
- Acrygels may produce heat spikes when curing.
Express Nails
The fastest way to get an extension, express nails are created by applying a gel onto the tip and slightly pressing it onto the nail. It is cured under UV/LED lamp.
The gel is applied to make the tip stick onto the nails, unlike plastic nail extensions that use nail glue.
Advantages of Express Nails
- Easy to do
- It is easy to remove with acetone.
Disadvantages of Express Nails
- It does not last as long as other extensions.
- A UV/LED lamp is required.
Fiberglass Nail Extension
Fiberglass nail extensions are used together with hard gel. They are used to create square nails which are durable and thin.
Advantages of Fiberglass Nails
- It is natural-looking and durable.
Disadvantages of Fiberglass Nails
- The desired shape is hard to achieve.
- It is not suitable for people with an active lifestyle.
Silk Wrap
Silk is a ‘teabag’ method of fixing a broken nail. It can be used to strengthen nails or provide additional length. The silk is glued on the nail with resin and then activated with a spray.
Advantages of Silk Nails
- It provides strength to nails.
- It is thin and natural-looking.
Disadvantages of Silk Nails
- Silk wrap is only used for short extensions or broken nail fixes.
- It is not suitable for people with an active lifestyle.
Dip Powder
Dip powder is a coating that can be used for short extensions. It is hard to build on the nail bed and correct structure using this, so it is recommended as a natural nail overlay rather than creating nail extensions. It consists of powder, resin, and an activator.
The professional nail technician dips your nail in the acrylic powder, allowing you to create a stunning manicure without the need for gel polish or nail varnish.
Advantages of Dip Powder
- Easy to do
- It is easy to remove with acetone.
- It may not require the use of a UV/LED lamp.
Disadvantages of Dip Powder
- It needs multiple layers to make the nail thick.
- It is not suitable for long nail extensions.
Recommended Product
Beetles Gel Nail Kit
Get started with your nail extensions at home with the Beetles Gel Nail Kit, complete with everything you need to personalize your nails in different shapes, colors, and art!
Final Note
Nail extensions are growing in popularity as more and more individuals are asking for them. The good news is, they don’t have to cost a lot of money, nor do you have to wait until a special occasion to get them done — you can wear them every day if you want to.
While it might not be necessary to choose one particular extension over another, understanding the differences of these different nail extension techniques will help you make a more educated decision.
Nail extensions have been on the market for years and they constantly evolve. So, you can always find something new to try in the future!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are gel extensions better than acrylic extensions?
A gel extension is a healthier alternative for nails than acrylic as it is less likely to cause damage to the nails. Although it is more expensive than acrylic, gels are more comfortable and can be removed easily.
Can I remove my nail extensions at home?
It’s safe to say that removing gel extensions is not something most of us will ever have to do. If you find yourself struggling with your extensions after using them for some time, you can remove them with acetone or an extension removal kit.
There are also several ways to remove nail extensions at home. But it is still best to have regular nail appointments at your local salon to avoid future damage.
