Artificial Nails
ACRYLIC
Acrylic is the most common and popular of all artificial nails.
Process
- Powdered and liquid acrylics are mixed and applied with a brush over the whole natural nail bed. A “tip” can be created to add length.
- Hardens for shaping in minutes. (completely hardens in 24-48 hours).
- Nail polish
- Fill every 2 weeks
Benefits
- Strongest
- Long Lasting
- Durable
Drawbacks
- Thicker than natural nail – look artificial
- Nail loosening or lifting from hard use or overgrow can result in mildew or fungal infections
Average Time/Cost
- Natural nail – 60 minutes – $55-$60
- With tips – 90 minutes – $65-$70
- Add French – $60-$70
- Fill (every 2 weeks) – 60 minutes – $45
- Fill (every 3 weeks) – 60 minutes – $55
- Removal – 30 minutes – $30
- Repairs are extra
U.V. GEL and BIO GEL
Includes
- Gel Mix applied over nail bed and tips.
- Set/cured under ultraviolet light or by brushing/spraying a gel activator onto nails and then dipping in water.
- Nail Polish
- Fill every 2-3 weeks
Benefits
- Non-toxic product. Organically based
- High Gloss
- Flexible
- Durable
Drawbacks
- Natural nail can be damaged if try and remove it yourself
- Not as strong or long lasting as other artificial nails.
Average Time/Cost
- Natural Nail Only: 60 minutes – $55
- With Tips: 90 minutes – $70
- French: extra
- Fill (2-3 weeks): 60 minutes – $45
- Fill (4+ weeks): 90 minutes – $70
- Repairs are extra
SOLAR
Process
- Only applied to natural nail bed
- White, pink or neutral product creates a natural looking nail
- Buffed for shine, no nail polish added
- Fill every 3 weeks
Benefits
- Application takes less time.
- Won’t lift off
- Don’t chip or break
- Helps strengthen natural nail
- No ‘yellowing’ from tanning sessions
Drawbacks
- Expensive and not offered at all salons
- Have to ensure specific brand being used not a substitute.
Average Time/Cost
- On nail bed: 45 minutes – $100+
- Removal: 30 minutes – $50
SILK, LINEN, FIBRE GLASS
Process
- Glue applied over nail and a layer of silk, linen or fibreglass cut to the desired shape is applied and then more glue is applied with an activator and allowed to harden
- Nail Polish
- Fill every 2 weeks max
- Glue Fill alternates with Glue and Wrap Fill
Benefits
- Silk is most natural looking, very flexible
- Linen is stronger
- Fibreglass is best as it has the natural look of silk and strength of linen.
Drawbacks
- Silk is too delicate for an active lifestyle
- Linen is not transparent and thickness makes it look artificial
Average Time/Cost
- On natural nail: 60 minutes – $55
- With Tips: 90 minutes – $70
- Fill: 60 minutes – $45
- Removal: 60 minutes – $70
SCULPTURED
Process
- A piece of plastic or a metal/foil form is used to create the tip and then acrylic, gel or wrap is used to create the shape
- Eventually just the overlay on natural nail
- Nail Polish
- Fill every 2-3 weeks
Benefits
- Last longer than all other types of artificial nails
- Benefits of acrylic, gel or wrap
Drawbacks
- Drawbacks of acrylic, gel or wrap
Average Time/Cost
- With Acrylic Gel or Wraps: 90 minutes – $70
- Removal: 60 minutes – $60-$70