Wouldn't it be wonderful to have long, strong nails? Acrylics would do the job, but they are noticeably thicker than natural nails. Soft gel extensions are straightforward to use if you have a nail lamp to cure the adhesive. The same goes for hard gel overlays. What if we told you there's a way to reinforce your nails and still have them look natural? A method that could even repair a broken nail in moments. Let's talk about how to use silk wraps to boost the strength of your nails and make them beautiful.
What Are Silk Wraps?
The name is a little misleading because, nowadays, silk wraps are made of other types of fabric. They might be fiberglass, linen, or synthetic fibers. These materials add strength, flexibility, and durability without adding bulk. They are glued to the nails with a special transparent resin. The result is a manicure that resists breaking and splitting without feeling heavy.
A Brief History of Silk Wraps for the True Nail Enthusiast
The 1920s were a time of great innovation. Nail polish was invented, and so were silk wraps—sort of. At the time, women repaired broken nails with glue and strips of coffee filters and tea bags.
The 1950s saw the rise of the Juliette Manicure. Juliet Marglen invented a natural nail enhancement kit with thin material sheets packaged in a matchbook. This design was improved upon in the 1970s. By then, Carol Cullen Page had a patent on “Nalepaper” with precut tissue strips to fold over nail tips to strengthen them. These techniques tended to be a little messy, and the adhesive had a strong odor.
Linen nail wraps appeared in the 1980s. Around the same time, Harper's Bazaar recommended silk wraps as a way for women to grow longer, healthier nails. Two other inventors debuted a fiberglass system. Then, a nail tech named Becky Lynn started selling self-adhesive weaves for nails because she could no longer use acrylics.
Even though silk wraps aren't the most popular nail enhancement nowadays, they are still going strong, making up around 20% of the typical salon’s business.
Can Silk Wraps Be Painted or Embellished?
Silk wraps can be used alone with a top coat or enhanced with other nail treatments. They can also be painted with various types of polish and decorated.
Why Get Silk Wraps?
Since silk wraps do not contain acrylates, they could be a suitable option for someone allergic to those ingredients found in acrylic and gel nail products, including the monomers and polymers used to create artificial nail extensions. However, while the wraps may not contain acrylates, the adhesive or resin used to attach them to the natural nail may contain components that could trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Individuals with known allergies must review the ingredients and consider conducting a patch test before complete application.
Moreover, you might try silk wraps for other reasons like:
- Weak or brittle nails: Silk wraps provide added strength and support to prevent further damage.
- Nail repair: They provide a temporary solution while the natural nail grows out.
- Nail extensions: If you prefer a lightweight option and aren’t seeking an extreme length, wraps offer a subtle enhancement while providing strength and durability.
- Nail protection: People who use their hands for work or activities that cause nail damage, such as gardening or sports, can benefit from the protective layer provided by silk wraps.
- Nail growth support: They are ideal for those who struggle with growing their nails out due to breakage, peeling, or splitting.
- Cosmetic reasons: Silk wraps can be used for cosmetic purposes, such as creating a smooth surface for nail art.
Overall, silk wraps are a versatile nail enhancement option suitable for various needs.
How to Apply Silk Wraps
Start with clean, dry nails as you would for any other kind of nail treatment. Ensure that the cuticles are pushed out of the way. Buff the nail surface gently to remove the shine and wipe off debris and oil with alcohol.
Next, cut the wraps to fit each nail (or only large enough to do a repair). When in doubt, leave a little excess fabric, as you can trim it after placement. After that, apply a thin layer of adhesive to the nails.
Use tweezers to place the silk wrap and smooth out bubbles. Make sure every wrinkle is eliminated to avoid lifting later. Trim the extra fabric if needed.
Reapply the adhesive. If you're using resin, you’ll need to spray on an accelerator to help it dry.
Wait until the glue is completely dry. If you're unsure, tap it with a fingernail or the handle of a nail art brush, and it should click.
Buff the surface to remove rough edges or excess adhesive. Then, paint with polish and apply a clear top coat to seal and protect the silk wrap. Finish with cuticle oil to moisturize the nail and surrounding skin.
How to Keep Your Silk-Wrapped Nails in Top Condition
First, avoid activities that stress the nails, such as nail-biting or long soaks in water. Reapply the top coat every few days to maintain the strength and durability of the silk wraps. If the wraps lift or become damaged, you can remove them with nail polish remover and replace them following the same process.
We recommend using a high-quality, non-toxic for best results. LDS Nail Lacquer is 9-free, cruelty-free, and vegan.
LDS Nail Lacquer
Alternatives to Silk Wraps for Nails
There are other ways to boost nail strength besides using silk wraps. For example, regular applications of nail hardener polish can gradually make fingernails and toenails more durable. Nevertheless, it can’t repair or lengthen them.
LDS Gel Strengthener
Hard gel overlays create a protective layer over the natural nail, similar to acrylics, but with a different application process. Dip powder manicures are quite durable and strong, as are acrylics. Even gel polish can provide some reinforcement to natural nails.
Builder Gel
On the downside, most of these applications have harsher removal processes than silk wraps do. The wraps can be soaked off in acetone, similar to nail polish, without the need for drilling.
Conclusion
Experience how strong and natural your nails feel when you use silk wraps. Not only that, but wraps are handy for quick nail repairs and straightforward to manage without special tools.
Find the perfect color for your new silk-wrapped nails among our best-selling polishes. Remember, we offer free shipping on purchases over $75, so you can spend more money where it matters most.