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Which girl has not dreamed of long nails? For many years, the procedure of nail extension has been invariably popular. Without a doubt, the whole point is in the merits of this type of manicure – it allows you to transform even the shortest and naturally brittle nails. Despite the fact that the extension is most often performed in the salon, if desired, it can be done at home. Step-by-step instructions for beginners with expert advice – in our material.
Types of nail extension
Nail extension is an artificial increase in their length. The selected material is applied to the surface of the nail, which hardens under the influence of LED lamps and ultraviolet light. There are different types of nail extensions:
1. Acrylic nail extension
Acrylic is the first material that was used in the beauty industry for nail extensions. This extension technique appeared in 1970 and came to the industry from dentistry. Acrylic is a durable and flexible synthetic material that allows you to create beautiful designs.1.
2. Gel nail extension
Gel is a soft “jelly” that only hardens when exposed to UV light and LED light. The gels are non-toxic and safe. This type of extension allows you to get a natural effect, the nail plate is thin and flexible.
3. Acrygel nail extension
Acrygel is a material that is a cross between acrylic and gel. Its advantage is the combination of strength and flexibility. The material does not spread on the nails and does not get on the skin, so it is very convenient to work with it.
What you need for nail extension
If you decide to build nails at home, then you should carefully prepare. In order to get a good result, you need to take care of purchasing all the necessary tools and materials in advance.
1. UV+LED lamp
With its help, the material freezes. For acrylic extensions, it is not needed (it hardens in air), but for gel and biogel extensions, it is necessary – without it, the material will not fix on the nails.
2. Extension gels
Base and top gel required. The base one allows you to create a model of the future length of the nail. Top gel is used as a topcoat for shine and fixing the result.
3. Files with an abrasiveness of 100-180 grit, designed for sawdust gel polish
With the help of them, the shape of an artificial nail is created. Files 240 grit make it possible to file a natural nail before extension. In addition, grinders and buffs (a kind of files) are needed to prepare the nail plate for gel and gel polish.
Extension nails care
Extended nails require special care. Shortly before the procedure, it is necessary to abandon certain beauty rituals.
1. Care before building
Before you build up your nails, discard hand cream, do not apply oils to the cuticle area. These funds prevent the adhesion of the nail plate to the coating.
2. Care after building
During the day after the build-up, it is not recommended to visit the bath and sauna. The nails are not yet strong and temperature changes can ruin the coating. It is better to wash the promise with gloves, this will prolong the glossy effect of the coating.
Popular questions and answers
Answers Maria Fedotova, nail service master, founder of the Zefirka beauty studio, SMM specialist and consultant in the beauty industry:
1) Extended nails are more durable and plastic, they are difficult to break.
2) With the help of extensions, you can increase the length of the nails and create an aesthetic shape.
3) The procedure allows you to align the nail plate and helps to unlearn the habit of biting your nails.
4) You can make a complex design, for example, a folding jacket.
Cons:
1) At first, extended nails can cause some inconvenience, for example, when lifting small objects.
2) At home, the procedure for removing extended nails can be difficult, since they are removed only by filing.
3) It takes more time than gel polish.
Sources of
- Krumkachev V. V., Kaleshuk N. S., Shikalov R. Yu. Nail injuries induced by nail service procedures. Clinical dermatology and venereology. 2018;17(4):135-141. https://doi.org/10.17116/klinderma201817041135