Many women request acrylic fingernails to be put on their nails after or as part of a nice manicure. Acrylic nails can give a nice, groomed, polished look, especially when the pink and white - or french manicure - design style is selected.
Dear Bethany,
A friend of mine is always going to get acrylic nails put on her fingernails. They look really pretty, and she wants me to go get mine done, but I'm kind of nervous. I don't know anything about what acrylic nails are or how their put on or anything. How does it work?
- Natural Nails in N. Carolina
Dear Natural,
One of the newest trends in nail care and style is acrylic nails. These nails come is a number of designs and colors catered to the customer’s tastes. The nails are commonly applied for a special occasion, but many women opt to use acrylic nails as part of their regular beauty routine. Applying the nails is a wonderful way to lengthen and strengthen short, brittle nails.
Some people use the nails to deter themselves from biting their nails. Nail biting is a difficulty habit to break. Artificial nails are a wonderful deterrent for the habit because the nails are quite strong and nearly impossible to chew. For this reason, many people choose to maintain acrylic nails on a regular basis. This prevents the splitting and breakage commonly found in natural nails. The bi-weekly maintenance for artificial nails is less trouble than maintaining natural nails.
Many nail technicians suggest that acrylic nails should be cared for as if they were natural nails. It is a good idea to avoid exposing the nails to water for an extended period of time. The water can seep in between the acrylic and the natural nail, causing damage and possible infection. Wearing rubber gloves when washing dishes is recommended, but aside from that, artificial nail wearers can go about their usual routines without worry, especially if the nails are applied using quality materials.
The acrylic nails that are created by mixing a powder with a liquid. Nail artist literally paint and shape the nails into place using this mixture. The liquid recommended by most professional nail technicians is Ethyl Methacrylate, or EMA. Ethyl Methacrylate is a little more expensive than its alternative, Methyl Methacrylate or MMA. Methyl Methacrylate is commonly used because it is more cost-effective. However, MMA is linked to a number of harmful side effects, including skin irritations and irregular nail growth. Most nail artisans urge customers to choose Ethyl Methacrylate because of its superior quality. Excellent materials and proper nail care insures consumers that their nails will enhance their hands with style and safety.
Once care and maintenance are in place, a regular acrylic nail customer can concentrate on nail color, design and trends. One of the classic nail color combinations is found in the French manicure. This design is simply a natural nail color accompanied by white tips. This is a popular option for many women because the colors compliment any outfit. Some customers are a little more daring and want to play with color. Nail artists create a plethora of designs ranging from stars to teddy bears.
In addition to color, many customers choose to add a little sparkle. Nail artists and technicians offer inserts that can be imbedded right into the acrylic. Popular choices include tiny gems and stickers that come in a large range of shapes, designs and colors. A very popular current trend is nail piercing. A nail technician pierces the nail with a piece of jewelry. This procedure would be nearly impossible on natural nails.
A typical nail application service takes about an hour. Maintenance visits to the nail salon usually run about twenty minutes. The process is relatively brief and inexpensive. Acrylic nails are a cost-effective, easily maintained enhancement to a person’s grooming routine.
Additional Resources:
Mayo Clinic's Article on Health Aspects of Acrylic Nails
Hooked on Nails - Acrylic Information
Other Health & Beauty Questions Answered:
JustAskBethany.com > health & beauty > acrylic nails 16 |
|