NAIL EXTENSIONS

Greetings of the day,

Hello Ladies,

How's your self-isolation going? Well, the quarantine period is the best time when one can showcase their creativity, not on bed but on the home desk. One should spend time with their loved ones, cook some delicious food and do some self-care at the same time. Refer to my earlier posts for some nail care tips and nail art tutorials. If you face any difficulty while doing the nail arts or while doing self manicure, comment in the respective post. 

This post is about nail extensions. Nail extensions are often endorsed by celebrities (my personal favourite is Kylie Jenner's). I was going through some articles and I came across the fact that nail extensions are a thing of past than a recent discovery. The ancient Chinese considered long nails as a status symbol. They believed that the wearer can afford to keep long nails since they have no laborious chores or task to do. They used to maintain their long nails by nail guards made up of wood, tortoiseshell, gold or precious stones. The Chinese were the first to introduce nail polish using egg whites and beeswax. The following picture is of Dowager Empress Cixi who is wearing six inches long nails.

Source: Wikipedia

At present, even though a lot of people crave to have long nails, some of us are not fortunate enough to have healthy and gorgeous nails. I am one amongst this category, am prone to nail biting out of anxiety. Other reasons for not being able to grow out your nails could be breakage, brittle or splittable nails. For us, nail extensions act as saviour. Although beginner kits are available in market, one often prefers to visit a salon to get nail extension. There are certain things one should know before booking the next appointment. Do you know the difference between various nail manicures/extensions available or are you confused to choose one? If, then continue reading. 

Acrylic Nail Extensions: 

In order for them to be applied, the natural nail bed is filed down to create a rough surface. An acrylic nail is then made out by mixing monomer liquid with a polymer powder, a paste is formed which is glued onto your natural nails and tips. The nail technician usually fashions them into tips to achieve a more natural look. After this, each nail is shaped and painted with a polish. This paste hardens over time and can last upto 3 to 4 weeks. If you are a nail biter or if you want more length or you want to change the shape of your nails, then acrylic mani is the one for you.

Source: Google Images

Pros:

• Uniformity in length and shape.
• You don't have to worry about side effects as such.
• Long-lasting, they last longer than gel nails.

Cons:

• High maintenance.
• Dealing with the chemical odor while getting them done.
• Can damage your natural nails.
• Expensive.

Price: At salon, acrylic nail extension starts at around Rs 2500 for full set and Rs 1400 for refills. On the contrary, acrylic nail extension kits are starts from Rs 400.

Removal: The removal of acrylic nails can be time consuming. The process involves trimming of tips, filing off the polish, soaking of nails in acetone and buffing. 

Suggestion: Moisturize your nails, cuticles, and skin to keep them hydrated. Use olive oil or body oil or a moisturizing lotion.

Gel Nail Extensions:

These are also known as gel overlays. Whether you have naturally long or short nails or would like to get tips glued, gel manicures are for everyone. The technician starts off by applying a base coat that primes your nails for the gel. Then the gel polish is secured under a UV light. After each coat, your hands are placed under the UV lamp for 30 seconds. The process ends with a glossy topcoat and one minute light exposure. Gel manicures promise chip-free, ultra-glossy nails for up to two weeks.

Source: Google Images

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight, hence no discomfort.
• No odor.
• No damage caused to natural nail. They protect and helps natural nails to grow.
• Appear more natural.

Cons:

• Bit Expensive.
• Not long lasting, only upto 14 days.
• Removal could be time consuming
• Exposure to UV rays

Price: At salon, gel nail extension starts at around Rs 3000 for full set and Rs 1500 for refills.

Removal: Gel polish can be difficult to remove. The process involves soaking of nails in acetone and buffing off the polish, which can make the nails weak and dry.

Suggestion: Before getting a mani do apply a sunscreen, as your hand shall be exposed to UV rays. After removal, keep your hands moisturized and wear gloves while doing chores.

Polygels:

Polygel nails are a newcomer to the beauty industry. Polygel is somewhat in between acrylic and gel manicure. It is made up by combining good qualities of acrylic and gels, leaving out all the bad stuff. Polygel can be applied as an overlay on your natural nails, or as a nail enhancement. It is cured under a UV light. 

Source: Google Images

Pros:

• Not so expensive
• A lot lighter than both gel and acrylic nails.
•  Has much lighter fragrance, which is great for people that like the look of acrylics but can’t stand the smell.
• Polygel is available in a range of colours. A gel polish can also be applied over the top if you fancy something different.

Cons:.

• Removal requires buffing, excess or incorrect method can cause damage to natural nails.
• Exposure to UV rays

Price: Polygel kits are available at a cost of Rs 2000-3000 approx. A single poly gel tube costs around Rs 800.

Removal: In terms of removing Polygel nails, the polish is buffed off rather than soaked off. However, the remaining polish can be soaked after if needed. 

Suggestion: Use a sunscreen before getting a manicure, as this too involves exposure to UV rays.

Fiberglass Nail Extensions:

These are also known as silk extension or silk nail wraps. Fiberglass is a synthetic material that is stronger than silk. Either of the material is cut to fit the nail bed or the tip and sealed using a resin or glue. The adhesive material sets when an activator is sprayed on it. This nail extension approach is not as popular as acrylic and gel nail extensions. These could last more than 14 days, if maintenance is done.

Source: Google Images

Pros:

• Ideal for those suffering allergies to chemicals used in acrylic or gel extensions.
• Natural appearance
• Easy removal
• Odorless

Cons:

• Not sturdy and prone to chipping
• Most expensive
• Not suitable for people with damaged or irregular shaped nails.

Price: At salon, fiberglass nail extension starts at around Rs 3500 for full set and Rs 2000 for maintenance. Fiberglass nail extension kits could cost somewhere Rs 1000-1200.

Removal: The process involves soaking of nails in acetone and buffing off the melted fabric.

Shellac:

Shellac is not a type of nail extension. I have included this in my post, just for information. Shellac is a patented nail product by the Creative Nail Design Company (CND). It is a hybrid of gel and a regular nail polish. As it is similar to a polish, it can’t be used to extend your nails. However, it does a great job at adding strength and durability. Shellac also happens to be a lot less damaging to natural nails when compared to gels or acrylics. These could last upto 2 weeks.

Source: Google Images

Pros:

• Long-staying.
• No drying time.
• Does not chip, peel, or fade.
• Free of formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP.

Cons:

• UV exposure.
• Not meant for brittle or thin nails.

Price: At salon, shellac manicure starts at around Rs 1500  this includes a base coat, color coat, top coat and labour. Shellac manicure kit can be bought online at a cost of Rs. 2000-3000.

Removal: Shellac can be removed using DIY foils or the soaking method. In th DIY foil method, a cotton ball is soaked in acetone and placed directly on top of the nail. Followed by wrapping each finger with a small piece of foil and leaving it for 10 to 15 minutes. The remains are pushed using an orange stick. Whereas soaking method can be time consuming but it really works wonders.

Suggestion: While buying a shellac or getting it done in a salon, check whether the product belongs to CND. Any other is an imitation.

The difference between shellac and gel is that a shellac is a type of permanent nail polish (half gel-half polish), while gel polish is basically a gel in the form of polish. Secondly, shellac is faster and easier to remove than gel nails.

Summary: How do decide which one to choose?

• If you are a nail biter and desire longer nails, acrylics are best for you.
• If you want stronger nails and a long-lasting mani, gel or Shellac is the way to go as it will give you chip-free and durable nails.
• Shellac works best if you want the most natural finish and if you are happy with the shape and size of your natural nails.
• If you lead a busy lifestyle and want low maintenance, strong and beautiful nails then polygel is a great option.

Few more suggestions:

1. Avoid using your nail extension as a tool. 
2. Use gloves, when you work with harsh chemicals such as detergents.
3. Leave the removal process for the professional, do not try at home if you are a beginner.
4. Moisturize your hands and use cuticle oil often.
5. Visit your nail tech, if you face any kind of pain. If it hurts then possibly the extensions were either applied in a hurry or in an improper manner.
6. If you think you can easily do the mani process at home, buy a nail extension kit, they usually cost between Rs. 500 - Rs 15000.
7. I personally prefer using press on nails, they are so convenient to use. You just have to stick the dual side glue sticker and then press the fake nails. You can easily buy them from Club Factory, Shein or Amazon. Let me know in the comment section below, if you need a tutorial for how to apply press on nails.

Recommendations for nail salons in Mumbai:

• Nail Spa Da Favola, Goregaon Oberoi Mall.
• Tip and Toe The Nail Club, Malad Infinity Mall.
• Niah Wellness, Ghatkopar East.
• La Bella Nail Studio, Andheri West.
• Bling Dry Bar Nail Spa & Salon, Bandra West.

It's often said suburban nail salons provides the best service and manicures. 

P.s. The above has been written by reading several advices of professional nail technicians all over the world. The suggestions are given according to my personal experience and knowledge.

Thankyou,

Take Care and Be Safe,

Keep Reading.