Your nails work like a canvas on which you can create nail designs and make them a tiny piece of art. This is possible with nail extensions, which is not a new concept but has become increasingly innovative in recent years.
Today, several types of nail extensions have been introduced in the beauty industry. From minimalist to bold, every extension design adds personality and represents your unique style. However, which one stands out for you depends on your selection of various types of nail extensions.
If you are stuck in your busy schedule and can’t take time out for visiting a nail salon, then apply your favourite nail extension at home like a pro. It seems challenging, but it isn’t; it just requires awareness of how to choose the right one between different types of nail extensions.
This detailed article offers a deeper understanding of the various types of nail extensions, allowing you to try them at home with ease.
Also Read: 8 French Tip Nail Designs Ideas for a Fresh, Trendy, and Totally Chic Look
Key Insights of Types of Nail Extensions
A quick overview of this article about different types of nail extensions is below:
| Types of Nail Extensions | Key Points |
| Arcylic Nails | Strong, long-lasting, and versatile, but may cause irritation and have a strong smell due to the chemicals used. |
| Gel X Nails | Offer a natural, glossy look and are lightweight but require proper application and can’t be refilled like acrylics. |
| Arcygel or Polygel Nails | Combine acrylic strength and gel flexibility, offering long-lasting, customizable results, but can dehydrate nails and are costly. |
| Dip-Powder Nails | Easy to apply, odorless, and natural-looking, but may cause allergies and appear bulky if overapplied. |
How to Choose the Right One Between Various Types of Nail Extensions
Before heading towards exploring different types of nail extensions, one must know how to choose the right one among them with the tips below:
Your Lifestyle
Choose a nail extension that matches your style and daily life routine. For a natural look, opt for a shorter length. If you desire a glamorous appearance, opt for a longer length.
Health of Natural Nails
Focus on your natural nails; choose soft gel nails if they are weak or damaged. But if they are healthy and strong, they can tolerate acrylic and polygel nail extensions.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Some extensions require regular refills, keeping you stuck in visiting salons; however, choosing low-maintenance nail extensions is an ideal alternative.
Focus on the Budget
Before choosing between different nail extension types, focus on selecting one that fits your budget and offers the same durability as an expensive one.
Sensitivity Concerns
The nail extensions with a strong odor can sometimes cause allergic reactions, so choose the one that doesn’t trigger skin reactions.
Also Read: What is a Pedicure and Manicure? Meaning, Differences, Benefits & More
Let’s Explore Types of Nail Extensions
Is it challenging to make time for a visit to a nail salon? Then do not worry, you can apply nail extensions at home. Experimenting with different types of nail extensions allows you to show your creativity on your nails while maintaining their health.
Here are some nail extension types that are explained in detail. It helps you to choose the right one that matches your preferences, and you can easily apply it at home without creating a mess.
Acrylic Nails
Acrylic nails are one of the most versatile and popular types of nail extensions. A mixture of liquid monomer powder polymer is used in these extensions, which forms into a paste when applied to your nails. No UV lamp required, as these extensions are air-dry and can be sculpted to the desired shape.
Benefits
Here are the advantages of acrylic nails:
- Known for durability, less prone to chipping and breaking.
- Allow a wide range of designs, shapes, and lengths.
- Budget-friendly as compared to different types of nail extensions.
Challenges
Some key points that must be considered before having acrylic nails:
- Liquid monomer powder has a distinctive odor that might irritate some clients.
- The chemical used in acrylic can sometimes lead to skin irritation.
Acrylics are easy to remove; simply soak your nails in acetone for about 15-20 minutes, then gently scrape them with a cuticle pusher.
Gel X Nails
Among different nail extension types, Gel X is the most innovative, providing a smoother and natural appearance with full coverage. These extensions are applied using a soft gel and nail tips, and then set under a UV lamp. It offers a variety of customization options, including shapes, lengths, and designs.
Benefits
The Gel X extensions serve the following key benefits:
- Its strength and durability give you the freedom of movement.
- Its glossy, clean look gives your nails an elegant visual appeal.
- These extensions are lightweight, which is healthier for nail buds.
Challenges
Below are some key aspects that you must know before applying Gel X:
- These extensions can’t be filled like acrylic to extend their life.
- An improper application can cause the extension to lift or detach completely.
Like acrylics, Gel X is also easy to remove by soaking in acetone; however, there is no need to scrape, as it becomes soft and dissolves on its own.
Also Read: Gel X vs Acrylic: Is Gel X Better than Acrylic?
Arcygel or Polygel Nails
Arcygel, also known as polygel, is a hybrid choice and a trendy option among nail extension types, as it combines the flexibility of gel with the strength of acrylics. It’s easy to apply as it comes in tubes and is used to sculpt or extend nails. Its texture can be molded according to your desired length and shape, then cured under a UV lamp to extend its usability for 2-4 weeks.
Benefits
The pros of Arcygel nails are below:
- It is lighter than standard acrylics and gives a natural, sophisticated look.
- It stays for a long time by filling the gap at the cuticle.
- Its thick texture provides more time to shape and customize.
Challenges
The downsides of arcygel extensions include:
- These extensions can cause the natural nails to become dehydrated and fragile.
- It is costly compared to traditional acrylics and gels.
It is also easy to remove without acetone by soaking your nails in a mixture of soap, hot water, and oil for 15-20 minutes.
Dip-Powder Nails
Among the various types of nail extensions, dip nail extensions are popular due to their straightforward application. A sticky or super-glued liquid is applied to the nail, and then fingers are dipped into the acrylic powder. This step is repeated to add more strength and thickness to the nails.
Benefits
The dip-powder nails bring the following benefits:
- This extension comes with various customization options to create unique designs.
- These extensions are odorless and require no UV lamp for curing.
- It resembles natural nails, especially after being professionally shaped and buffed.
Challenges
Here are some cons of dip nail extensions:
- It can cause allergic reactions due to the bonding agents used in dip powder.
- If powder is applied heavily, it gives a thick and bulky appearance.
Easy to remove by wrapping the nails with cotton that has been swabbed in acetone, and then wrapping with foil for 15-20 minutes.
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Press-On Extensions
Press-on is an artificial type of nail extension that is made up of acrylic, applied on the top of your natural nails with glue or adhesives. These extensions offer a variety of shapes, lengths, and designs. Most of the press-ons are pre-designed, which saves time on designing and painting after application.
Benefits
This nail extension type has the following key advantages:
- Depending on the type of press-on, it can stay up to a week if properly applied.
- Saves your time from visiting the salon and can be applied easily without tools.
- It is a high-quality and cost-effective solution to expensive nail extensions.
Challenges
Here are some downsides of press-on nails:
- Incorrect application and removal can damage or weaken the natural nail.
- Lower-quality press-on nails give an unnatural appearance.
Nail Tips and Adhesives
Nail tips are premolded, plastic extensions used to add length and shape, which are glued to the nail plate with nail adhesives. These adhesives are specifically designed for the strong bonding of nail tips to natural nails. With a careful application, it gives a seamless and natural appearance.
Benefits
Below are the pros of this healthy nail extension:
- Nail tips are ideal for those who have brittle and short nails, as they add instant length.
- High-quality nail tips are durable and last for a long time without chipping.
- Many adhesives are formulated with water resistance, providing reliable adhesion.
Challenges
Some cons of nail tips and adhesives are below:
- Adhesives can cause allergic reactions, including itching and swelling around the nails.
- If there’s a gap between nail tips and natural nails, bacteria and dirt can get trapped.
Apply Nail Extensions Flawlessly at Home
Nail extensions are trendy as they highlight styles and preferences, but now you are not limited to nail salons for getting these extensions. From acrylic to dip-powder nails, you can get your desired extension at home by yourself with the help of the right application techniques.
The different types of nail extensions you come across are a reflection of your style. It’s essential to select the right nail extension that lasts for a long time without damaging natural nails, such as Gel X extensions, which provide full coverage with a glossy finish.
If you are willing to take a professional nail home service, then contact Mauve Beauty Salon to get your desired nail extension type in the comfort of your home. We are known for providing out-of-class home parlour service in Dubai, ensuring that we deliver safe and satisfying beauty treatments at your doorstep.
FAQs
How to apply healthy nail extensions?
Start by sanitizing your hands, push back cuticles, buff nails lightly, apply dehydrator and primer, attach nail tips with glue, apply builder gel or acrylic, in the last cure, file, and seal.
How many types of nail extensions?
There are seven common types of nail extensions, but the most trendy are acrylic, gel, polygel, and dip-powder nail extensions.
Which nail extension is easy to apply at home?
Gel X and dip-powder nail extensions are easy to apply at home, as these two offer durable and easiest application technique.
Which nail extensions are difficult to apply at home by yourself?
Hard gel and fiberglass extensions are considered challenging, as they can be difficult to apply at home.
Do nail extensions damage the natural surface of the nail?
Yes, extensions can damage the natural surface if they are not applied and removed properly.
