Well-groomed hands with long nails and an original manicure without wasting time – this is what women dream of. Nature has not blessed everyone with perfect nails from birth. Extended nails come to the rescue. The first representatives of the fair half of humanity to come up with such an invention were Hollywood stars, and specifically Greta Garbo. Her nails left much to be desired, peeling and breaking. Therefore, the inventive film star came up with the idea of cutting out her nails from film, painting them with a varnish of a suitable color and gluing them on top of her family ones. The result was always great: an amazingly beautiful and bright manicure, and the time spent was only an hour. In a word, read, look at photos and learn interesting information about nail extensions.
Almost all the ladies liked the idea, but here’s the problem: the life of film nails did not exceed three hours, and the search began for more “long-lasting” materials. One of the most popular technologies came from dentistry in the sixties. Its author is Henry Rea, a dentist who did acrylic nails for his wife. The inventor used dental acrylic. Modern technologies work with much more resistant materials. And among the extension techniques, gel, acrylic and silk nails are especially distinguished. All these nail art can be done at home and with your own hands without any problems.
Gel extensions.
This technology uses gel, a special material that hardens under the influence of ultraviolet light. You can create such nails using tips and forms. Tips are special plastic blanks glued to the free edge of the nail. Forms are stencils made of paper, metal or plastic, hooked under the free edge of the nail. If the client wants to get long nails, then extensions will be required using forms or tips; if it is necessary to focus on the healthy appearance and natural shine of natural nails, then applying gel to them and adjusting them to an amazing look is enough.
Nails made using this technology look indistinguishable from real ones, their structure is very similar to the structure of the native plate, and the nails themselves are transparent, with a natural shine and do not require special varnish coating. Irritation of the skin adjacent to the nail is excluded, since the technology does not use any allergenic materials. In addition, beautiful designs will give your nails additional attractiveness. With the help of gels, the surface of the nail is leveled and receives additional exposure to ultraviolet light, which kills fungal bacteria. The second name for the gel is self-leveling resin, which is why gel nails are also called resin nails. There are extension techniques based on one-, two- and three-phase gels. These technologies differ slightly from each other. Gel is a fairly durable material, but it also requires careful handling. For example, it is important to beware of direct blows, which can cause the nail to crack and require replacement.
Gel nails are more fragile than real nails and are much thicker. They do not need temperature changes, as cracking is possible. It is impossible to repair an already cracked nail; it needs to be completely replaced. But such a nail will have to be removed with the help of a specialist. Often such nails are called reinforced concrete, and the removal procedure itself is not at all pleasant, and also very lengthy. It is worth using gel technology for those who have rather soft and thin nails to strengthen them, and gels provide a glossy surface that remains even after repeated use of varnishes.
There are also some more nuances: as your nail grows, the gel needs to be corrected, since the border becomes too noticeable and damage to the nail is possible from a shift in the center of gravity. To avoid this and give the native nail a rest, correction will be required. Don't chase a fashionable shape and length if it doesn't suit your chosen lifestyle. So, for athletes, long nails will most likely be a hindrance, as well as for office workers working at a keyboard. Stiletto nails are a nuisance, not a fashionable design. So why do such an extension, which is a complete inconvenience?
Often craftsmen use mixed technology, gel and acrylic. Its result is a compromise that provides stronger adhesion of the extended nail to the natural one and protection from negative external influences. But acrylic technology is still used more often than gel technology, as it allows for more convenient modeling and easier removal.
Trendy shades for extended nails
For extended nails, as well as for short ones, there is a huge range of colors of varnishes. Bright, deep colors look great on extended nails. Girls love to paint their nails with cherry, marsala, and wine shades.
Bright red shades are also very popular. An interesting combination of orange and red colors, raspberry and scarlet shades.
If you don’t like the colors of berries, then shades of coffee and chocolate will suit you. Rich greens, blues and purples are also worth trying. They visually make the extended nails elegant. Nails of these colors look quite restrained.
If you love pastel colors, try pink and blue palettes. They are quite popular and go well together. They can be used for ombre manicure. Smooth wave-like transitions of shades turn out incredibly beautiful.
Turquoise and green nail polish will top the lists of the most trendy colors. Shades of lavender, cream, salmon and gray will be in fashion.
By the way, the choice of color is not the most important thing when performing a manicure for extended nails. It will be more important to choose the right combinations of shades, design solutions, images and additional decoration.
Features of care.
Nail extensions should not be done while taking courses of antibiotics or chemotherapy to avoid rejection. A temporary ban is the presence of fungal infections of the nail. If you choose a wedding manicure, then it should be done two to three days before or after the extension procedure, so as not to damage the cuticle. After extensions, you will have to carry out household chores with gloves to protect your nails, protect them from impacts, and do not scrape or open lids with their help. Regular correction will be required every three weeks so as not to disturb the nail architecture. In this case, no additional effort will be required, and the procedure will be less unpleasant. Avoid any contact with acetone and acetone-containing liquids. It is highly recommended to use lotions and hand creams, and lubricate the cuticles with special oil. It is important to file extended nails not with an iron file, but with a finely abrasive file.
Black French nail extensions
As often happens, due to the popularity of the classic French manicure, its antipode, the black French manicure, also found its admirers. It should be noted that night-colored nail extensions really look very luxurious and expensive. This manicure will be an excellent addition to a woman’s look at a gala dinner or an important business meeting, emphasizing the sophistication and sense of style of its owner. A minimal amount of decor can make black nail art look truly chic. Take a look at the photos to see for yourself.
Causes of nails falling off.
Despite the use of high-quality materials, nails may peel off. Complete detachment is explained by the presence of vegetative, hormonal and more serious diseases, as well as the consequences of vitamin deficiency. The cause of nail falling off can also be increased humidity of the hands, pregnancy, potent medications, in short, any change in the body can cause a rejection reaction. You should not chase cheap procedures: such savings can be expensive later. Experienced nail technicians use only high-quality materials and do not file their nails, preserving their natural grooves.
Getting used to long nails is a gradual process. Therefore, you shouldn’t switch from short to long straight away; it’s better to stay at a medium length, gradually increasing it, so as to experience less inconvenience. The individual color of nails varies from person to person, so masters use camouflage gels to disguise the extensions to create an even color over the entire surface of the nail. To obtain an effective design, colored gel is used.
Design ideas: patterns and prints
The most popular prints this season are animalistic and also graphic. However, no one canceled the classics - floral, lace and similar patterns. Leopard print nails extended with tips and forms are shown in the photo. This pattern can be made on all plates for the most extravagant women, as well as on one, as an accent. Colors can be natural or creative.
Leopard print nails
Graphic patterns are most often made using local and contrasting colors - red, black, white, gray, etc. The design is suitable for absolutely any occasion. Usually this is the choice of not very romantic people. Rather, on the contrary - practical, decisive and self-confident ladies. Samples of nails with graphic designs of gel or acrylic extensions are presented below.
Graphic patterns
In conclusion, we will post photographs representing options for the classic and familiar design of extended nails. These can be floral motifs, the lace design mentioned above, abstractions, etc.
Lace design Patterns on nails
Acrylic technology.
This method of extension came from dentistry. Its principle has not changed since the sixties, only the materials have been improved. Acrylic nails have increased strength, which is why they are chosen by business ladies whose time is calculated in seconds and does not have time for an unscheduled visit to a specialist for corrections. There are no problems with wearing even when doing the work as a beginner. Such nails can be easily removed, are elastic and subject to deformation. An additional advantage is excellent protection of the nail from negative factors. Acrylic is also chosen by those who want a creative and original design. The disadvantage is that the acrylic nail breaks along with the original one, which is very painful.
The procedure cannot be performed by those who are allergic to the materials used, as well as in the presence of the same indications as for other extension procedures. First, it is important for the master to prepare the nails by polishing them. Then comes the fastening of forms or tips. After this, the application of acrylic begins. In this case, the master immediately gives the nail the selected length, shape and bend. No special drying methods are needed; acrylic dries naturally in five minutes. After that, it remains to give them their final shape. These nails have no shine, but you can polish them and achieve shine.
After two weeks or a month, correction is necessary so as not to lose the nail at the slightest damage. The procedure lasts two hours and gives the nails a neat and natural look. Acrylic nails are easy to remove: you just need to remove the free edge and dip your fingers in a special solution. Natural nails should rest after removal before applying new extensions. Acrylic nails are easy to care for. It is important not to use them as opening tools, try to avoid impacts, and do not use acetone-containing nail polish removers.
American nail design photo
6. Photo design
This is the fastest and most economical design. For this design, a decal is used. You can also make your own picture from photographs, which is covered with a layer of acrylic or gel.
Silk extension.
Silk, linen, fiberglass are materials that allow you to grow your nails. Fiberglass glows under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, which is why it is chosen by nightclub lovers. Silk nails do not flake or break off. Moreover, they cannot be distinguished from their relatives. And the price of the procedure is lower than similar ones. But the lifespan of a silk nail is also shorter. The procedure is used infrequently. Its essence is to lay fabric between layers of gel. This silk adheres firmly to the tip, increasing the strength of the nail. Even with the most extreme length, such nails can be decorated with rhinestones and stones without fear. Silk is not visible under the gel, especially if the nail is covered with colored varnish.
You can decide on silk extensions if you do not want to do the usual procedure, but if you need to strengthen and straighten your nails. This extension is also suitable for injured nails, when conventional methods are excluded. With a very developed nail fold and a miniature nail bed, silk extensions are also indicated. It is done if you are allergic to acrylic and have a habit of biting your nails or if your nails are brittle. Silk nails are extended only using tips. First, the natural nail must be prepared: degreased, filed off and trimmed. Then a special glue is applied to the nails, a piece of silk is placed on it, the fabric is smoothed over the surface of the nail with an orange peel, and the excess is cut off with scissors. After these steps, an activator gel is applied, sanded and a design is made.
The advantage of silk extensions is that such nails do not require filing. A special solvent is needed. Extended nails simply save women from the long process of getting their hands in order. The duration of the procedure will not take more than four hours in the most advanced cases, and the result is always excellent. If you follow all the recommendations, your nail extensions will serve you faithfully, without causing any inconvenience and delighting the owner and those around you with their beauty.
Fashionable creative manicure 2014: varnishes of unusual shades
Special attention should be paid to varnishes of unusual shades. Last season, as you might have noticed, berry and caramel shades were fashionable. Today, stylists strongly recommend paying special attention to colors such as blue, orange, yellow, light green, purple and green. Moreover, such bright shades will be welcomed on the nails of not only young girls, but also quite mature women.
Those who like to shock the public are invited to pay attention to the neon, so-called acid shades, which will be visible almost a kilometer away. However, of course, such a manicure is absolutely not suitable for a business meeting or going to the office.
Author: Katerina Sergeenko
Lunar manicure
For any young lady, well-groomed hands are considered an extremely important factor. But the rapid change in fashion makes it almost impossible to keep up with the latest trends. According to statistics, in 2018, nail service professionals regularly give their clients beautiful manicures, the design of which is in the shape of a crescent, which is known for its sharp separation of colors in the shape of a month, this type of nail design is called - Moon manicure .
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In 2022, a manicure with a beautiful, mysterious name “lunar” will be one of the options for the popular traditional French manicure. But in this case, the crescent shape is at the base of the nail. When applying a lunar manicure, it is imperative to ensure that all the “smiles” are absolutely identical. If you can’t draw it yourself, then using stencils for French patterns is quite suitable.
Lunar manicure 2022, photo:
Gel polish design
Manicure with gel polish, popular over the past few years, will not lose its relevance in the new year. The emergence of new nail design techniques has significantly expanded the functionality of gel polish, or, as it is also called, shellac. Since such a coating not only fixes the finished manicure, but also simplifies the application of various patterns and designs on the nails, it will be especially relevant for business women who do not have a lot of time for frequent manicure corrections.
In the new season, shellac, which can last on nails for up to 2.5 weeks, will complement French manicures, designs made with adhesive tape, and slider manicures. The last option is considered the easiest to do on your own, since it is done very quickly and does not require absolutely any experience in creating images. This is a nail design that will last for a long time.
Fashionable nail length
The main feature of nail design in the new season is naturalness. This manicure requires short nails that do not interfere with everyday activities. Therefore, now women who, due to their professional duties, cannot afford long nails, will also look fashionable and stylish. In addition, other representatives of the fair sex will also appreciate the benefits of this length, since short nails are less likely to break, and accordingly, caring for them is much easier.
Recent fashion shows have made it clear that hands, even impeccably well-groomed hands, can only be fashionable if the nails are cut short. This means either that the nail does not “overhang” the edge of the finger, or that the length of the protrusion beyond the edge is no more than 3 mm.
When performing a French manicure, stylists recommend leaving a free edge of no more than 4 mm, and even better, cutting your nails very short, thus bringing the appearance of your hands as close as possible to the natural one. These recommendations apply to both natural and extended nails.
