Fiberglass nails are making a comeback. It's not surprising as they create a natural-looking manicure with less wear and tear on nails. Even though few salons offer this service, it's possible to do them at home. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about fiberglass nails.
Are Fiberglass Nails Better than Acrylics?
One of the reasons for the growing popularity of fiberglass nails is they are less damaging to natural nails than acrylics and don’t require as much skill to apply. They are also much easier to remove.
However, fiberglass nails won’t last as long as acrylics. Another drawback is that they cannot be used to build an arch on flat nails. But you can use clamps to mold the tips into a curved shape.
Are Fiberglass Nails Better than Silk Wraps?
Regarding strength and durability, fiberglass nails are more robust than their silk counterparts. This makes them ideal for those looking for a middle ground between lightweight extensions and long-lasting wear.
How Long Do Fiberglass Nails Last?
Once applied, these nail extensions last about two weeks. You should also be aware that fiberglass nails may chip, lift, or even grow mold if exposed to water frequently. It's wise to wear rubber gloves if you'll be doing the dishes or similar activities.
What Are the Advantages of Fiberglass Nails?
Fiberglass nails don’t require a nail lamp to cure because the resin air dries. Moreover, the adhesive is low-odor and more pleasant to work with the pungent fumes of acrylics.
Once the fiberglass nails are dry, they can be shaped with a nail file – there’s no need for a drill. Then they can be painted with either acrylic or gel polish in an infinite variety of styles and designs. On the other hand, they can be left alone with just a top coat and can pass for a natural nail.
When it's time for removal, a few minutes soak in acetone will take off fiberglass nails. There’s no need for lots of grinding.
How to Apply Fiberglass Nails
To get professional results when applying fiberglass nails, follow these steps:
- First, it's crucial to check the fiberglass wrap sizes against your natural nails to ensure a proper match. Do this before anything else.
- The next step is to prepare your nails by trimming, shaping, and lightly buffing them to remove the shine. Remove any existing polish, oils, or debris. Then cleanse the nail surface with a nail wipe or rubbing alcohol to eliminate any remaining residue.
- When your nails are prepared, it's time to apply the resin. Apply a thin layer of resin to the nail surface, ensuring even coverage. Next, press the fiberglass wrap into place before the adhesive base dries, ensuring there are no wrinkles or air bubbles and the wrap isn't crooked.
- Once the wrap is secure, trim the fiberglass to the desired length. Use sharp scissors.
- Next, apply additional resin to protect the fiberglass from damage and create a smooth finish. Create a gentle curve with nail-shaping tweezers or clips while the resin dries. This technique creates a natural-looking shape and adds structural strength to your nails.
- Once the resin or gel has dried completely, file the nail enhancement to refine its shape and smooth any rough edges. (This will take little time as the resin sets in seconds.)
- Finally, paint your fiberglass nails with your choice of nail polish and apply cuticle oil and moisturizer for a salon finish.
Although the nails dry rapidly, a complete cure may take 24 to 48 hours. Try to protect your hands from excess moisture during that time.
24K Gold Nail & Cuticle Oil
Insta-worthy photos of the best nail designs have one thing in common: healthy cuticles. The secret is cuticle oil. It seals in moisture and leaves behind a professional-looking shine.
Our favorite cuticle oil is made by Lavis. It's available in natural scents like jasmine, honeysuckle, and lavender. Each is infused with real gold and hyaluronic acid, the world's best moisturizer.
Are Fiberglass Nails Safe?
Any nail enhancement could weaken the natural nails if not applied and removed correctly. On the bright side, fiberglass nails require minimum preparation before application. There's no need for acidic primers or excessive filing. Furthermore, they are easy to remove with an acetone-based polish remover in a few minutes. The most significant risk is water exposure. If moisture gets trapped between the fiberglass and the nail, fungus may flourish there.
What’s the Easiest Alternative to Fiberglass Nails?
Without a doubt, press-on nails are the quickest, most straightforward alternative to fiberglass wraps. Most brands come with adhesive in the box, allowing you to choose between double-sided sticky tape or nail glue depending on how durable a manicure you desire.
What's more, you can paint press-on nails like fiberglass nails. The only downside is that the typical press-ons aren't transparent and don't look like natural nails, unlike fiberglass wraps.
The next easiest solution would be soft gels. They are available as transparent nail extensions or clear covers.
What Is the Best Kind of Polish for Fiberglass Nails?
For maximum artistic flexibility and durability, we recommend gel polish. We love the new Lavis luxury gels:
Lavis Luxury Gel
As a rule, gel polish is known for its dazzling shine and impressive durability. But this attractive collection goes the extra mile. First, the creamy consistency is a pleasure to apply. Nail novices find it fun to use, and pros are impressed with how it flows onto the nail without bubbling and cures without shrinking. Moreover, the formula is both non-toxic and cruelty-free.
Conclusion
It's time to try something new on your nails. Fiberglass nails provide natural-looking results and a lightweight, durable manicure without causing damage. They are a low-odor, fast-drying, and relatively easy-to-use alternative to acrylics.
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