All nail extension methods: overview of techniques and necessary materials

Your nails can be greatly improved with nail extensions, which give them strength, length, and a polished appearance. You’re in the right place if you’re new to the world of nail extensions or are simply interested in learning more about the various techniques available. The most widely used methods will be demonstrated in this article, along with a breakdown of each so you can select the one that best suits your requirements.

There are several options to think about, ranging from traditional acrylics to fashionable gel extensions. Depending on your preferences and style, each technique offers a different set of benefits with its own special materials and process. We’ll go over the fundamentals of each technique, what supplies you’ll need, and how they stack up against one another.

Making an informed decision will be made easier if you are aware of these various approaches, regardless of whether you are searching for a more permanent fix or a more quick fix. Explore the specifics to discover which nail extension method might become your new favorite for stunning nails.

Acrylic nail extension system

The earliest and least expensive approach is the acrylic system. A milling machine and a UV lamp are not needed for it. Acrylic powder and polymerization liquid, sometimes referred to as liquid or monomer, make up the system.

Acrylic takes on the desired shape and hardens in the air when these two elements come into contact. It needs to be arranged swiftly and meticulously because of this. There will be some skill and dexterity involved in this. To grasp the technological process and the subtleties of working with the material, beginners should practice laying out acrylic forms rather than on their hands.

There are three basic shades of the powder: white, beige, and pink. During polymerization, white powder turns translucent and is utilized as the primary or foundation layer. The camouflage layer requires pink or beige powder, which becomes correspondingly shaded during polymerization.

Working with the system in well-ventilated rooms or with an exhaust hood is advised due to the strong specific smell of the monomer or liquid used in the polymerization of acrylic powder. Because of the possibility of vapor intoxication, it is not advised for pregnant women to use acrylic for extensions.

Acetone and other solvents should not come into contact with acrylic while it is being worn as this may alter the texture and shape. For this reason, people who frequently come into contact with water, detergents, or other chemicals are not advised to use acrylic for extensions.

Because acrylic is sensitive to acetone and other solvents, varnish can cause it to turn yellow. Therefore, it is preferable to create a base coat if a colored design is intended. It will prevent stains from getting on artificial nails.

Regrown acrylic nails can be readily fixed; if there are no obvious delaminations, there’s no need to remove the entire nail. It is sufficient to add a new layer, file down the length, and thicken the material. When used again, this greatly reduces the amount of time and materials needed.

In the event that the artificial material needs to be entirely removed, acrylic nails are cut off without filing. This is accomplished with the aid of an acrylic nail remover liquid. On average, the correction process takes thirty to fifty minutes.

The artificial material frequently peels off the nail plate as a result of pterygium, cuticle particles, impacts, bruises, or other unintentional loads. The resulting cracks and grooves can then harbor the growth of bacteria or fungi. For this reason, in the event of a minor detachment, it is crucial to see a specialist for correction or to see a doctor right away if there is a serious injury to the nail.

Corrective modeling should be done once every three weeks at the highest intensity. The length increases to the point where the bending zones, apex, and upper highest point shift and require the greatest strengthening during this time. The displacement causes the nail to "peck," increasing the possibility of injury and detachment.

Acrylic is generally a cheap, safe, and long-lasting building material. It can take the form of liquid or regular, on forms as well as on tips. In summary:

Advantages

• Availability of the material, cost-effectiveness
• Durability, durability
• Service life – 10-21 days until the next correction
• The possibility of extension without a lamp and a milling cutter, unlike gel
• Ease and cost-effectiveness in correction and repair
• Easy to remove, you only need a special solvent

Cons

• Strong specific smell of monomer
• Fast polymerization, which requires a certain level of beginner skill
• Sensitivity to water, acetone and chemical. household substances
• Less flexibility of acrylic compared to gel, which leads to delamination and injuries under unexpected loads
• Not recommended for pregnant women and those prone to allergic reactions to household chemicals
• The technology requires the use of an acid primer, unlike the gel technology, where an acid-free option is acceptable
• It is necessary to use special clamps to form the arch, which requires additional skills for beginners

Gel extensions

Another polymer used for extensions is gel. Because it doesn’t have a strong smell and can be applied using an acid-free primer, it is thought to be safer and more environmentally friendly than acrylic.

Pregnant women can extend their gel nails.

Artificial nails can now look more natural thanks to gel technology. The plate is more flexible and thinner. The gel has a consistency similar to an extremely thick varnish.

The method involves using a brush to apply gel to a specific form or tip that is then glued or attached to the nail. The material is dried under a lamp for two minutes, or as directed by the manufacturer. Apply the second layer next, let it dry, then use filing to adjust the thickness and shape.

One, two, and three-component systems are employed in gel technology:

• Three-component consists of a base, camouflage color and finishing transparent gel with additional shine.
• Two-component set – base translucent and camouflage pink or beige gel.
• One-component – translucent gel that acts as a base and the main camouflage layer.

An LED, hybrid, or ultraviolet lamp is required for gel extension. Additionally, a milling cutter or other device with attachments is required for removal.

After 10 to 20 days, gel nails need to be corrected. A perfectly manicured hand lasts for about ten days on average. Up to three weeks are possible for some people to wear it.

To eliminate and rectify the gel, a milling cutter is employed. With the exception of a thin coating of the base layer, which is applied over the new material, the material is nearly entirely removed during correction.

Unlike acrylic, which needs an acidic primer, the material requires an acid-free primer to adhere to the natural surface.

Advantages

• Safety, eco-friendliness of the material
• Ease of use, aesthetics
• Durability, durability and comparative flexibility of the artificial plate
• Use of a safer acid-free primer, unlike acrylic, where an acidic one is required
• The gel polymerizes in a UV or LED lamp, which gives an unlimited amount of time to create the shape
• Less sensitivity to acetone and household chemicals

Cons

• A lamp is required for extension
• A milling cutter with attachments is required to remove or correct
• With active use, the service life of nails is shorter by 5-7 days compared to acrylic. However, with careful wear, the period can also be extended to three weeks.

Extension and strengthening with biogel

Biogel is a polymer that hardens under a UV or LED lamp, much like regular gel for extending hair. Because of its flexibility and springiness, it is impossible to extend long nails with it. It can be used for chipped corner correction, brittle nail plate strengthening, and short nail extension.

Because it’s based on mulberry resin, there’s a myth that it’s more environmentally friendly and useful. This is a common misunderstanding. Like gel and acrylic, biogel is a polymer.

Biogel is safe for pregnant women to use as an extension because it doesn’t smell and isn’t toxic. Experts primarily use it for short-term extensions, to level and strengthen the nail plate following regular extensions, to treat brittle nails, as a substitute for gel polish base, or in place of gel polish altogether. The tips are sealed and biolaminated using biogel.

Primer and base are not necessary when applying biogel. curls in a lamp for two minutes on average. Applyable to lower forms; suitable for both liquid and tip use. eliminated using a unique liquid.

Advantages

• Safe, environmentally friendly, suitable for pregnant women
• Easy to use
• Possibility of aesthetic correction of a thin, brittle and overdried nail plate
• Easily removed with a special liquid

Cons

• Used with a drying lamp, you will need one
• It is impossible to extend long nails due to the increased flexibility of the material

Extension techniques: forms, tips, liquid tips

When combined with blanks or template forms, all of the aforementioned materials are used for extension. Nail extensions are possible:

• On paper disposable lower forms
• On tips or upper forms
• On liquid tips, reusable

The process of nail extension involves adhering the synthetic material to the natural nail surface. This can be accomplished by cutting as much of your own length as you can, filing the top to remove any shine, priming with an acidic or non-acid primer, and then building up the artificial material.

Lower forms

Paper stencils that are disposable that are affixed to the nail from below; the chosen material is then applied to the stencils to outline the shape and length. It will take longer to build up than the upper tips. Building up your own nails is inconvenient and requires skill.

When working with acrylic, the lower forms are preferred because they make it easy to form an arch with a clip-clamp. We had a detailed discussion with an expert about the extension on the lower forms.

Upper forms

Pre-made stencils in transparent or matte finishes. chosen taking into account the nail’s width and form. bonded using a unique glue. After adhering, the length is cut off, and the tip is extended using the chosen material. Working with tips has several benefits, including quick extension and simple plate structure and shape correction.

Liquid reusable tips

Suggested for gel and biogel manipulation. composed of plastic, silicone, and flexibility. The reason liquid tips get their name is because they apply liquid gel to the inside of the form, press it against the nail, and let it dry under a lamp. Subsequently, the form is eliminated, and the material is filed to the required thickness and dimensions. First, you have to choose the tips based on the width of each nail. The tip’s precise fit against your nail in the cuticle area is also crucial.

Concerning fiberglass nail extensions:

What is fiberglass, how to use it, how to work with extensions step-by-step, and nail correction and repair

Regarding the application of gel powder to tips in extension:

If you are a novice, the version of the system for extension that you use will depend on whether a milling machine, a lamp, and the material meet environmental friendliness requirements. We hope that the analysis of well-liked systems will assist you in choosing. If you have any questions, please write to us.

Main page about nail extensions – All technologies and individual questions in detail.

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One comment on “All the ways to extend nails: an overview of techniques and necessary materials”

Irina

Method	Materials Needed
Acrylic Extensions	Acrylic powder, liquid monomer, primer, base coat, top coat
Gel Extensions	UV/LED gel, base coat, top coat, UV/LED lamp
Polygel Extensions	Polygel, base coat, top coat, UV/LED lamp
Silk/Fiberglass Extensions	Sculpting material (silk/fiberglass), resin, top coat
Dip Powder Extensions	Dip powder, base coat, activator, top coat

In conclusion, your lifestyle and personal preferences play a major role in selecting the best nail extension technique. Whether using dip powder, gel, or acrylic, each method has advantages and disadvantages of its own. Because acrylic nails are known to last, they’re a fantastic option for people who require strong, long-lasting extensions. Conversely, gel nails offer a more natural appearance and flexibility, making them potentially more comfortable for daily use.

Due to their durability and ease of application, dip powder nails are a popular choice. Compared to acrylics, they tend to be quicker to apply and less harsh on your natural nails. To be ready and get the best results, it’s critical to take into account the supplies and equipment required for each technique. For example, gel nails require UV or LED lamps to cure, while acrylic nails require a particular set of brushes and powders.

The nail extension technique that best suits your maintenance schedule and personal style will win out in the end. Whether you choose the sturdy acrylics, the flexible gels, or the quick and simple dip powders, knowing how to use each method will help you make an informed choice and maintain the gorgeous look of your nails.

To get the look you want with nail extensions, selecting the appropriate method and supplies is essential. A basic introduction to the many nail extension techniques—from acrylics and gels to polygel and dip powders—is given in this article. You will obtain a comprehensive grasp of how to create stunning, long-lasting nails that suit your tastes and way of life by dissecting each technique and enumerating the necessary supplies.

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