A big bonus.įalse nails come in two types extensions and overlays. Gels also cause much less damage to your natural nails than extensions. Whilst gels aren’t as long lasting and tend to be more expensive than acrylics, they are strong, more flexible and odourless.

Gel coatings are set in just one or two minutes when exposed to UV light. This formula hardens after around 20-30 seconds of being exposed to air and continues to cure for a further 15 minutes. Great for anyone with nails lacking in natural wow factor.Īcrylics are the oldest form of artificial nail and use a polymer powder called polymethyl methacrylate which is mixed with a liquid monomer called ethyl methacrylate. Overlays skip the extension step with acrylic or gel being applied directly onto your natural nails and shaped by hand or by using ‘forms’, before being buffed to create that glossy effect. These are glued on to your own nails and overlaid with acrylic or gel to secure and finish. Nail extensions, also known as tips, are made from lightweight plastic and are cut to the shape of your nail. Which you choose depends on whether you want additional length or strengthening and long lasting colour. HOW DOES IT WORK?įalse nails come in two types extensions and overlays. Did you know that long nails have been a sign of wealth in Asian cultures since as early as the Ming dynasty? Or that a male dentist patented false nails as a way to repair a broken nail that was getting in the way of his work in the 50’s? Probably not,but you will know that extensions can make your nails look longer, stronger and far more glamourous.

Gel overlay on real nails