Read This if You Insist of Using Artificial Nails

from hands and feet

Many are not too keen on artificial nails for two reasons. First, you can always spot them, just as you can easily spot a toupee. Second, the industrial-strength glues, sealants, adhesives, and chemicals involved not only can cause your real nails to suffer and leave them looking dry, cracked, and sickly but also can cause fungal infections. Once your nails start to look bad, you won't want to expose them, and then you're caught up in a cycle of acrylic addiction. Why not work on keeping your real nails strong and healthy instead? But if you must use them, here's what you need to know.

There are five types of artificial nails:

• Wraps. These do the least damage. Made of fiberglass, linen, or silk, they're applied with a fabric mesh that is held in place by an adhesive. A sealant is put on top to make sure they stay in place.
• Acrylics. Powder and liquid are mixed together to form a plastic paste. The paste is applied to the nail, where it hardens.
• Porcelain. These are similar to acrylics, except that the powder contains a finely ground glasslike material.
• Gels. Layers of resin are applied to the nail and harden when exposed to light.
• Tips. These plastic nail bits can cover the entire nail, but most often they're applied halfway up the nail through the tip. They're glued into place with nail glue. Acrylics, gels, or wraps are often added on top as an extra bolstering layer, then filed into shape.