|
|
Enhancing your nails
 Nail
enhancement is a broad term that encompasses several methods of augmenting your
natural nail. Actually, in some instances, enhancements have less to do with
enhancement and more to do with making eye-catching additions, hence the
commonly used term "fake nails". Women Fitness offers you information about the
following nail enhancements:
Note: If you get nail enhancements, you'll be returning to the salon every 2 to
6 weeks- depending on your nail's growth and how you take care of them- for a
"touch-up". This is for getting your nails' newly grown area enhanced so
that it matches the rest of the nail.
Wraps
Nail wraps use sheets of fiberglass, linen, or silk to add a strong, protective
layer to the nail, which in turn helps nails grow longer without breaking. To
create nail wraps, your nail technician takes small pieces of fabric mesh and
sticks them to your nails with an adhesive typically one of those nail glues
that reminds everyone of super glue. After buffing the enhancement a bit to
create a smooth surface, your nail technician applies a sealant to help keep out
moisture and discourage the wrap from lifting.
Acrylic nails
To create acrylic nails, a nail technician mixes together two ingredients called
powdered polymer and liquid monomer. When combined, the powder and liquid react
to form a plastic-like paste. This paste is smoothed onto the nail, where it
hardens, at room temperature. Acrylic nails are a good choice for anyone who
wants long nails that are virtually indestructible.
 If you are sensitive, you should avoid acrylic or porcelain nails. The monomer
used in acrylic and porcelain nails is an irritant that can cause allergic
reactions in people with sensitive skin.
Porcelain nails
Porcelain nails are similar to acrylic nails, except that they use a finely
ground, glasslike material in the powder. They are applied just like acrylic
nails and are good for creating a hearty, long
nail. The
finish is a bit more natural-looking than acrylic nails, making them a better
choice for those of you who like to wear pale, sheer nail colors.
Gel nails
Gel nails, or gel systems as they are also called, are a newer type of nail
enhancement that are created by applying layers of resin to the nail; these
layers combine and harden to form a solid nail. Depending on the formula a
particular nail technician uses, nails are hardened with an ultraviolet light or
under ordinary room lighting. Gel nails are among the most natural-looking of
the nail enhancements – something to keep in mind if you want nails that look
like your own, only longer and stronger.
Using nail tips
 Nail tips are one of the oldest forms of nail enhancements. Preformed plastic
nail shapes are applied to the natural nail plate with nail glue. Sometimes they
cover the nail from the cuticle to the end, but more frequently they are applied
midway down the nail plate. To get a smoother finish, some nail technicians may
apply acrylics, gel, or wraps over either the natural "untipped" nail or both
the natural nail and the newly affixed nail tip. The entire shape is then sanded
and filed into the length and shape you want.
You can buy
nail
enhancement kits to do yourself. However, because of the chemicals involved
in their application, the best option is to visit a nail technician.
Nail art
Perhaps you're someone who loves to express herself through her appearance. For
you, a shockingly bright, colored nail isn't enough. You want to set yourself
apart from the manicured crowd. From the sound of it, you are a nail art kind of
girl. Nail art is not so much a way to augment nails' length as it is a way to
enhance their appearance.
There are several ways you can dress your nails up. Transfers much like the
transfers you got from cereal boxes, and stuck on windows or your own body as a
child- are an easy way to add
 decoration to your nails. Most nail salons have a
selection of seasonal designs, such as snowflakes, as well as standard designs,
such as roses. These are embedded in slightly sticky nail varnish. When
nail varnish
is dry, a layer of top coat keeps transfers secure.
Decorative nails
Nail jewelry can be expensive 14-karat gold, but it is usually made of
cheaper silver or gold-colored metals. Most nail jewelry comes in simple
designs, such as initials, stars, and hearts; it is applied just like nail
transfers. For those of you with very long nails, there is another type of nail
jewelry: earrings for nails. If you're interested, your nail technician will
actually pierce one of your nails and install a stud or a small hoop. Nail
detailing, sometimes simply called nail art, uses extra-fine paintbrushes and
several colors of nail varnish, which your nail technician uses to paint scenes
onto the nail. The finished product depends greatly on your nail technician's
skill as a fine artist.
Many dermatologists feel it is important to take several
2-week to 1-month "rests" a year from nail enhancements. As, nail
enhancements trap the natural nail underneath, causing the nail plate to
atrophy. Rests allow the weakened natural nail to grow stronger.
|
Remember:
-
Having the right tools makes home nail care easy.
-
It's not difficult to give yourself a
manicure
or a pedicure.
-
Many nail-product ingredients are strong allergens. Always read the
labels!
-
When visiting a salon, pay attention to its hygiene practices.
-
If you can't grow your own nails, you could try nail enhancements.
-
For the adventurous, nail art and jewelry are an option.
Related Links
|
|
|
|
|
