Nail it down: are artificial nails for you?

Acrylic Nails
These are the strongest and last the longest of all nail overlays. But, if they are not applied properly, they can look thick and very fake. Find a manicurist who is an expert at applying acrylic nails, and he or she can make them look thin and natural. They usually need to be filled in every two to three weeks as your nails grow, but if you are hard on them, you may need to see the manicurist more often to avoid nail loosening. This will also lead to mildew if water gets trapped underneath. If a professional removes them, the acrylic nails should cause little weakening to the nail plate. One factor that might make you choose acrylic: It’s the most commonly-used artificial nail; if you travel frequently, it will be easier for you to find a place to repair or fill in your manicure.

Silk, Linen and Fibre Wraps
Wraps are pieces of silk, linen or fibreglass that have been cut to a desired shape and glued to the nail plate. This adds strength, and sometimes length, to the nail. Also though applied on top of natural nails, wraps are most commonly used to strengthen tips. Silk is the most natural-looking wrap and provides a lot of flexibility, but it is often too delicate for those with an active lifestyle. Linen is stronger, but not transparent and appears quite thick. Fibreglass provides the best of both worlds since it gives the natural look of silk and the strength of linen.

Gel Nails
Once, these nails were made of dental porcelain gel-powder. Now, manicurists use a Mylar form to sculpt your nail, and then cure – or set – it under an ultraviolet light. Because of this process, gel nails may need to be filled in less often than acrylic ones, although fill-ins are still necessary, and a professional must remove the tips. This type of artificial nail may not be ideal for those who type a lot, as constant contact with a keyboard can cause the gel seal around the nail to crack and break.