Know Your Nail Systems: Fabric Overlays And Nail Extensions

With nails fast becoming the ultimate statement accessory women are opting for professional artificial nail treatments to ensure that their talons are kept immaculately preened and polished to perfection at all times. However, with such an array of artificial extensions to choose from, deciding which nail system will best suit your individual needs can be overwhelming for even the most devoted beauty addicts.

Over the next few days I will be explaining the advantages and, disadvantages of a variety of nail extensions to help to determine the best system for you.
Today we take a look at fabric overlays and nail extensions.




Fabric Method: A variety of fabric can be mixed with a specialized glue to reinforce the natural nail. Alternatively, the same mixture can be used to secure false tips to the natural nail and as a result, successfully create an extension.
This particular method requires the fabric to be cut to size and eased into position over a layer of glue applied to the natural nail. The cuticle area is always avoided and extra layers can be built before being buffed smooth until a transparent finish is achieved. 

Fabric Facts: Materials such as fibreglass and silk are often mixed with a resin glue to produce a strong overlay over natural nails or, extensions.
The strength and resilience of the nail structure created is determined by the thickness and openness of the fabric mesh. A thick, coarser open mesh material will set harder and stronger as it is able to hold more resin.

Fibreglass: Fibreglass produces the most natural looking nails and is the thickest, strongest material. It is broken down by the resin and as a result, the detail of the mesh can not be seen once the product hardens.
Silk: As silk is the thinnest material it can be seen through the resin and is therefore not as natural in effect. This particular material is mainly used for repairing the natural nail. 

Advantages:

• Fabric nails of a fibreglass material have the most natural appearance. 
• This particular method of nail extension is extremely strong and flexible.
• As there is less trauma to the natural nail, fabric overlays and nail extensions can be worn for longer periods of time.
• The fabric system is extremely light and thin and can effectively be used to match odd broken nails.
• As fewer chemical substances are used during the extension process, fabric overlays and extensions is the least harmful system to the natural nails.
• Fabric overlays are suitable for clients with weak and brittle nails.

Disadvantages:

• Due to the time involved and materials used, fabric overlays and extensions can be expensive.
• As regular nail biters only have a relatively small area of natural nail plate available, the fabric overlay system can not be used on this particular client.
• Like all artificial nail systems, fabric overlays and extensions can be seen as high maintenance. Clients are required to return every 2-3 weeks as the nail grows to have the area closest the the cuticle buffed. This will successfully blend the fabric material with the natural nail to ensure that the extensions remain looking as natural as possible.

A full set of fibreglass nail extensions will take approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.