QuestionWhat is the difference between silk wraps, pink n white, acrylics, and solar nails other than price? I've had acrylics for about 2 yrs and always wondered what the others were but they kind of expensive and when I asked the nail tech I couldn't understand their accent. The just always say " you look pretty very pretty with solar tips" and since that is normally the most expensive I dont believe them. Please help.
AnswerHI!
I'll do my best to make this as clear for you as possible.
First of all... they are all 'acrylics'.
- Silk wraps are when a 'resin' (thin viscosity/runny glue) is applied to the nail, then a piece of fiberglass/linen/silk is laid on top of that. Then more resin is applied, then an activator to make it harden.
- "pink & white" refers to the 'look' and NOT the type of product used. Otherwise known as the french manicure where clear or pink acrylic (OR UV GEL) is used on the nail plate (pink area) and white acrylic (OR UV GEL) is applied to the tip that extends past the end of the finger.
- Standard 'Acrylics' also known as "L&P" (L=liquid, P=powder) are applied as follows. A brush is dipped into a liquid. Then the same brush is dragged along the surface of a jar of powder, creating a 'ball' at the end of the brush. This is then patted smooth onto the nail. Within a few moments, it hardens. (although, acrylic takes up to 24-48hrs to harden completely and may scratch or dent).
-"Solar Nails" are actually a 'brand' of product of a particular kind of HIGH quality acrylic known as "Creative"
which is this company here: http://www.creativenails.com/
Unless the jars are labelled 'Creative' with the creative logo, then you are NOT getting 'solar nails'.
NSS (means Non Standard Salons) aka Discount salons which are often run by Asians (but not always) will frequently scam the public, telling them that Solar is prettier or better, and charging them more BUT using the same substandard acrylic that they use for their regular nails.
This site will also tell you about different kinds of enhancements: http://www.hooked-on-nails.com/
- UV Gel nails are exactly what they sound like. The product is 'gel', much like a hair gel, the thickish runny, gooey substance. Powder is NEVER ever used for UV Gel nails. The gel is applied by a brush, then hands are placed under a a special UV lamp (similar in concept to tanning beds, but MUCH lower UV output) and the gel hardens.
Another scam by NSS salons is to offer UV Gel nails at a higher price, while claiming that they are safer. BUT they will again, apply the same substandard acrylic, and no gel is used. Only a UV sealant to prevent the cheap acrylic from yellowing.
PLEASE see this page on my own site to protect yourself from any possibly permanent damage you might be subjecting yourself to: http://ongles-chez-victoria.tripod.com/victoriasnails/id18.html
NSS salons are using illegal toxic products to produce artificial nails and endangering consumers.
Please note: there should be NO price difference between solar nails, pink & white or UV Gel nails. IF the product is a quality product, then they should ALL cost the same. The difference lies in the method of application (in some cases)
I hope that this has helped.
Please feel free to ask more questions.
Some more tips:
- If your tech is hurting you, get up and LEAVE. Enhancements are NOT supposed to hurt. it is NOT normal to be in pain.
- If you tech wants to use a drill on your natural nail or to remove your cuticle, get up and LEAVE. You are exposing yourself to permanent damage and/or infection.
- Ask your technician what brand of acrylic they are using. If they dont answer you, get up and leave.
- Ask for the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), and if they can't produce it, get up and LEAVE.
- If they pretend not to understand you, and fail to answer your questions, get up and LEAVE.
Good luck and good nail health.
Please dont be discouraged, there ARE good nail technicians to be found.
