What types of Artificial Nails are available?
The artificial nails are not a replacement, but an extension for natural nails. There are two main approaches to creating artificial nailstips and forms. Tips are made of lightweight plastic plates that are “nail”-shaped. They are glued on the end of the natural nail and acrylic is then applied over the entire nail. Forms are fitted over the nail and then an artificial nail is molded out of acrylic and the form is removed and then properly shaped and buffed to a shine. There are several popular techniques that can be used to create longer, better-looking nail enhancements. One popular material commonly called “acrylics” is a mixture of a polymer powder and a liquid monomer (e.g. ethylmethacrylate). The mixture starts to harden in 30-40 seconds after application and continues to cure to final hardness typically for more than an hour. Powder and liquid acrylics can be removed in 20 minutes using a variety of solvents (usually acetone is used). Another material, commonly called “UV gel” (
