A wide variety of artificial nails exist, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Which type is right for you? Here’s a look at 8 different types of fake nails and their pros and cons.
Types of Fake Nails
There are numerous decisions to be made when it comes to nails. First, you must decide whether to go with artificial or natural nails. Artificial nails can be either fake nails or extensions.
Numerous fake nail options are available, each offering unique benefits and drawbacks. Here is a look at the most popular types of fake nails:
1. Acrylic Nails
Acrylic nails are the most popular type of fake nail. They are made from a mixture of liquid monomer and powder polymer. Acrylic nails are strong and durable and can be shaped into any style.
Pros:
- Relatively cheaper than other types of fake nails
- Available in a multitude of colors and designs.
- Easy to apply and remove
- Lasts up to several weeks with proper care
- Can help protect natural nails from damage
Cons:
- The acrylic can damage your natural nails if not applied or removed properly
- Requires regular fills every 2-3 weeks to maintain a polished look
- Can be difficult to remove without damaging your natural nails
- The chemicals used in acrylic nails may be harmful
- May cause allergic reactions in some people
2. Gel Nails
Gel nails are made from a mixture of gel and acrylic powder. Gel nails are thinner and more flexible than acrylic nails and provide a natural-looking shine.
Pros:
- Gel nails look natural and are not as harsh as acrylics.
- They are less likely to chip and break than regular nail polish.
- Gel nails can last up to two weeks without chipping or peeling.
- They are available in a variety of colors and styles.
- Gel nails are easy to remove with acetone.
Cons:
- Gel nails can be expensive, especially if you get them done at a salon.
- They require UV light to cure, which can be harmful to your skin.
- Gel nails can be difficult to remove if you don’t have the right tools or products.
- If not done properly, gel nails can damage your natural nails.
- Gel nails can take longer to apply than regular nail polish.
3. Silk Wraps
Silk wraps are made from a thin layer of silk that is applied to the nail bed. Silk wraps provide a natural look and feel and can be applied quickly and easily.
Pros:
- Silk wraps create a smooth, polished look.
- They are simple to customize and can be worn casually or formally.
- Silk wraps provide a high comfort level and are suitable for extended wear.
- They are versatile and can be used in many different ways.
- Silk wraps are affordable and easy to find.
Cons:
- Silk wraps can be slippery and difficult to keep in place.
- They can crease easily and may need to be re-touched often.
- Silk wraps can be too hot for some people to wear in the summer months.
- They can be delicate and may require special care when washing.
- Some people may be allergic to silk.
4. Fiberglass Nails
A layer of fiberglass is applied to the nail bed to create fiberglass nails. Fiberglass nails are strong and durable but can be difficult to remove.
Pros:
- They are much thinner than acrylic nails, so they look more natural.
- They are less damaging to your natural nails.
- They offer enhanced comfort and reduced weight.
- They are easier to remove than acrylic nails.
- You can get a variety of colors and designs with fiberglass nails.
Cons:
- They are not as strong as acrylic nails, so they may not last as long.
- They can be more expensive than acrylic nails.
- The color may fade over time.
- You may need to get them refilled more often than acrylic nails.
- They may not be available at all salons.
5. Porcelain Nails
The nail bed is coated with porcelain powder to create porcelain nails. Porcelain nails provide a natural look and feel but can be difficult to remove.
Pros:
- They are strong and durable.
- They look natural.
- They are easy to care for.
- They last long.
- They are less likely to chip than other types of nails.
Cons:
- They can be expensive.
- They can be difficult to remove.
- The color may not be uniform.
- They may turn yellow over time.
- If they are not done properly, an infection can be contracted.
6. Solar Nails
Solar nails are made from a mixture of acrylic powder and gel. Solar nails provide a natural look and feel but can be difficult to remove. Solar nails require regular maintenance, as they can turn yellow over time.
Solar nails are a type of fake nail that is made from a mixture of acrylic and powder. It is said to give a natural look and feel to the nails. Solar nails can last up to six weeks without chipping or breaking.
There are many pros to having solar nails, such as:
Pros:
- They give your nails a natural look and feel.
- They are very durable and can last up to six weeks without chipping or breaking.
- They are easy to apply and remove.
- They are relatively inexpensive.
- There is no need to use harsh chemicals or solvents when removing them.
However, there are also some cons to having solar nails, such as:
Cons:
- There is a risk of the nails being damaged if they are not applied correctly.
- If the nails are not removed properly, they can cause damage to the natural nail bed.
7. Tips
Tips are pre-formed artificial nail shapes that are glued or taped to the natural nail bed. A wide range of tips are available, varying in sizes, shapes, and colors, allowing for creating any desired fake nail style.
Applying and removing tips is a breeze, but they lack the same level of durability as other varieties of faux nails.
Pros:
- They can help you save money.
- They can help you live a healthier lifestyle.
- They can help improve your productivity.
- They can improve your communication skills.
- They can help you better understand a situation.
Cons:
- They can be time-consuming to research and implement.
- They may not always work in your favor.
- You may have to change your entire routine to follow them.
- Some people may not like receiving tips from others.
- Tips may not always be accurate or reliable.
8. Glue-on Nails
Glue-on nails are artificial nails that are glued directly to the natural nail bed using adhesive glue. Glue-on nails offer endless possibilities for creating different styles of fake nails, as they come in various sizes, shapes, and colors.
Glue-on nails are easy to apply but difficult to remove and may damage the natural nail bed if not removed correctly.
Pros:
- They are quick and easy to put on.
- They last for a long time.
- They are very strong.
- They look natural.
- You can get them in any color.
Cons:
- They are hard to remove.
- They can damage your nails.
- They can fall off.
- They are expensive.
- You have to be careful not to get them wet.
What types of fake nails are best?
Acrylic nails are a popular choice because they are solid and durable. They can remain chip-free and crack-free for six weeks.
Gel nails are another popular option. They are similar to acrylic nails but use a gel instead of a liquid to create a stronger bond. Gel nails can last up to two weeks without chipping or cracking.
Shellac nails are a newer type of fake nail. They are made with a gel and then cured with UV light. Shellac nails can last up to four weeks without chipping or cracking.
What type of fake nails are healthiest?
If the condition of your natural nails is a concern, select artificial nails that are composed of natural substances. These types of fake nails will not damage your natural nails as much as synthetic ones.
If you want fake nails that look stylish and chic, go for fake pointed nails. Pointed fake nails are very trendy right now, and they can add a touch of glamour to any outfit. Just be careful not to snag them on anything!
Which is better, acrylic or gel nails?
Acrylic nails are made from a mixture of liquid monomer and powder polymer. They are strong and durable but can sometimes look artificial. Gel nails are made from a gel that is cured by UV light. They are more natural looking than acrylics but not as strong.
If you want natural-looking fake nails, the gel is the way to go. If you need something stronger, like if you work with your hands a lot, then acrylic is the better option.
What type of fake nail lasts the longest?
Acrylic nails are the most popular choice. They actually don’t last as long as gel nails. Gel nails are made with a UV light-activated formula that bonds the nail to the gel, creating a stronger and more durable bond.
As a result, gel nails can last up to two weeks longer than acrylics. So if you’re looking for fake nails that will last, go for gel.
