Know Your Nail Systems: Acrylics

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 acrylics.






Acrylic Method: This particular form of nail extension involves using a liquid and powder acrylic mixture to build up the artificial nail over a nail form or, plastic tip. Occasionally, an abrasive drill is also used to successfully smooth down the hardened compound to the correct thickness and shape. Artificial acrylic nails are extremely strong and resilient and are perfect for withstanding normal wear and tear. 

Advantages:

• This particular nail system is very strong.
• Nails have a natural appearance.
• Only a small area of natural nail is required to ensure that the artificial nail is firmly attached.
• Acrylics are extremely flexible and resilient. 
• Providing that the nail bed is not exposed and there are no signs of infection, acrylic nails can be used to successfully disguise bitten nails.
• This method of nail extension can be adapted to the natural nail to suit any shape and size accordingly.
• Acrylic nails will last 2-3 months with regular infills and the correct maintenance.

Disadvantages: 

• Due to the treatment time, products and maintenance required, acrylic nails can be more expensive than temporary methods of nail extensions.
• This particular nail system can weaken the natural nail.
• As infill treatments are required every 2-3 weeks after the initial application, acrylic nails are often seen as high maintenance.
• Both the client and technician can find the pungent smell associated with acrylic treatment products unpleasant.
• Artificial acrylic nail extensions can easily cause trauma to weak nails as they are extremely heavy in comparison to other nail systems.
• As acrylic nails are porous this not only allows natural moisture to escape but can penetrate the artificial nail resulting in a fungal infection.
• This particular nail system can become discoloured (turn yellow) if exposure to UV is prolonged.

The treatment time for the application of a full set of acrylic nails will take approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.