Artificial nails: are they right for you?

Can’t stand the cracking, splitting and breaking any longer? It could be time to try on some fake nails for size

Artificial nails are a good option if you bite your nails or have trouble growing them. Some women try fake ones strictly to kick their habit, while others simply want beautiful, low maintenance nails that can endure the wear and tear of daily tasks.

If applied and removed correctly, artificial nails will do little damage to your natural nails, but they won't make them healthier. Nail expert Deborah Lippmann, says: ‘Applying artificial nails is like colouring your hair – once you start, it can be a lifetime commitment. When you stop, your nails will look the same as before, just as your hair will go back to its normal shade if you stop colouring it.’

Artificial nails aren’t like a regular manicure that you get occasionally. As Lippman explains, ‘You need to have the artificial ones touched up every few weeks to prevent nail lift-off.’ This occurs when the nail glue weakens and the artificial nails peel off from your natural nails. There is another reason to see your manicurist regularly: if water gets trapped under your fake nails, your real nails can develop a fungal infection and turn green. You’ll also need regular manicurist appointments to fill in the artificial nails as they grow out with your natural ones. If you want to have them taken off, the safest, easiest way is to go to the salon, have them soaked and then gently removed by a manicurist.

Although artificial nails vary there is no ‘best’ type. Talk to your manicurist to find out what type he or she prefers, or find someone who’s an expert in applying the type of nail you want. Here are the most common types:

Sculptured Nails

In this process, acrylic, gel or fibreglass is applied to your natural nails, and the material is lengthened and sculpted over small pieces of metal or foil. Alternatively, a plastic nail tip can be applied with glue, then gel, fibreglass, silk or acrylic can be laid over the entire nail. As the natural nail grows out, your manicurist will fill in the base and file down the artificial tip. Eventually, you will end up with just the overlay on your natural nail.