Acrylic Nails vs. Nail Wraps: Which is Right for You?

Question
I currently have acrylic tips. My natural nail is almost grown out underneath. What is the difference between getting my nails filled every 1-2 weeks and getting a wrap?

Answer
Wraps are just another type of nail enhancement service. In very simple terms, it involves gluing fabric to your nail. The resins-- aka, nail glue-- used vary greatly from very thin and watery to very thick and gel-like. They can be brushed on, painted on, or squirted on with bottles that have very tiny nozzles. The fabrics are usually silk or fiberglass mesh. Silk is very popular because it is thin, light weight, and once it is saturated with the resin it becomes very invisible. Also, many people opt for wraps because they think they are "more natural" and think that since silk is a natural fiber that it is "better." Fiberglass is actually slightly stronger, but even after it is saturated with the resin it still tends to reflect light, making it more visible on the nail.

When done well, wraps are VERY thin and absolutely gorgeous. They look very much like a natural nail. However, they are also very thin, which often means they break very much like a natural nail.

Also, cyanoacrylate resin (the stuff nail glues and Crazy Glue is made of) does not have the complex cross-linking structures that acrylic and gel products do-- over time resin breaks down in water, it becomes brittle and the product clouds up, losing it's clarity and thus, it's ability to blend into the natural nail and look invisible.

I find many people who have become accustomed to wearing acrylic or UV Gel products have a tough time getting used to wraps because they have gotten used to wearing a product that affords them to be a little less dainty with their hands. Acrylic and gels can take a couple hits before they break, but wraps won't.

You'll still have to have your wraps filled every 2-3 weeks, and you'll want to have them replaced entirely every few months in order to stay ahead of product breakdown.

Now. All that having been said, the only way you'll know for sure if you'll like wraps, is to have them done. They really can be beautiful and many people love them. Give it a try! If they turn out not to be for you, switch back.