QuestionQUESTION: I am confused about the different types of manicures available and what would be the best type for my nails. I only like the french manicure look. I have extremely thin nails and although I have had extended silk wraps (for length), silk wrapped tips, and acrlyics at one time or another (all with the french manicure finish) I found that the extended silk wraps seemed to stay on my nails longer than any other process, but the white part chipped or faded almost immediately. Sometimes within the first 24 hours. The acylic nails kept their color but popped off within a week (and I got them done by a very reliable technician) and the silk wrapped tips didn't last much longer but the color did. One of my technicians told me it's because my nails are much too thin to hold the weight of the acylics or the tips. Is there a process that combines the extended silk wraps with the permanent color of the other processes? If so, what is it called? Thanks for any advice you can give me (and sorry this is so long-winded). Maggie
ANSWER: OK, I am sure you went to what you felt was a reliable tech, but I don't personally feel that he/she gave you reliable information.
It makes no difference how thin or thick your nails are, as a matter of fact, having enhancements, no matter the type, can be very good for PROTECTING thin nails!
Now lets have a quick terminology lesson:
We will from here on out, use professional terminology ;)
what you are referring to as manicure types, is what a pro calls "Enhancements." Extended silk wraps and wrapped tips are the same thing, it's all the same product in its basest form. They are actually the LEAST durable type of enhancement. Acrylic is what should be referred to as "Liquid and Powder enhancements." The only thing missing is "UV Gel enhancements," which is a great alternative for those that have worn silk wraps, they are thing and ultra light, and rarely lift when done correctly.
UV Gel is what I would actually recommend for you based on the info you have given me, but I do want you to know that if a liquid and powder enhancement "popped" off, it might not be YOU, but the way your tech prepped your nail plate. If it isn't prepped properly, the enhancement won't adhere. Did it come off in pieces? or in one big whole piece? If the lifting started at the cuticle line, then it is definitely the fault of the tech, not you, even your own chemistry.
And I like long winded, it helps me answer more fully lol.
Shoot me an e-mail for a Brisa Gel referral in your area if you are interested. :)
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you for your prompt and very informative response. In answer to your question about where the lifting started, it was almost exclusively at the cuticle line (on the sides of the nailbeds more so than the tops). What I did not make clear in my initial question was that by "extended wraps" I meant that the tech applied only a silk wrap with no tip, but extended it past my very short nails. Put on top of the wrap were 3 different applications (a powder, glue from a tube and liquid brushed on glue). I will definitely request the UV gel enhancements on my next visit but could you explain the process futher? Is this an acrlyic process or a silk wrap process. Thanks again for your help.
AnswerIf the lifting was at the cuticle line, as you say, then the tech is not performing proper prep. Proper prep involves the full removal of dead tissue around the cuticle area, using a cuticle remover liquid containing sodium hydroxide. It should be pushed back gently, then washed away, then the nailplate should only have the shine removed with a 240 grit abrasive, once over the nail in the direction of nail growth.
And as I also said, UV Gel, Liquid and Powder, and Silk wrap resins/glues/adhesives are ALL the same thing- acrylic.
UV Gel in its HIGHEST QUALITY form is odorless, completely clear, and as light as wearing nail polish. When it's done correctly and with high quality products, it will not crack, yellow, or otherwise breakdown.
It is a clear, thick, and sticky liquid that does in fact resemble gel, only smoother, with no bubbles. It is applied in smooth strokes with a brush, much like polish. Each layer must be cured under a UV lamp designed to go with the system being used.
You should NOT experience any pain, including heat spikes- if you do, then your nail has been damaged, or the tech is applying the gel too thickly.
The process you described to me with the silk wraps with the powder sounds alot like powder dip acrylic to me, which look pretty right at first, but don't hold up well in the long term.
Woo now I'm getting long winded lol. And I understood what you meant by extended wraps, its a pain in the butt to do them lol, and I avoided them because of the high chance of the resin touching the skin- Never ever EVER let the tech touch your skin with uncured product!! It puts you at risk of developing an allergy or sensitivity to these products!!
OK I am off the soapbox lol, let me know if i can be of further assistance ;)
