Putting On Nail Tips
Nail tips which are supplied preformed to the correct shape are attached to
your own nails using a nail adhesive. They are regularly attached about half-way
along the length of your nails.
To achieve a smoother, more realistic finish, some salons might also apply
acrylic gels or wraps over either your natural nail or over both your natural
nail and the false tip in addition. The entire finished shape is then filed
to the finished length and shape you require.
It is possible to fit nail tips yourself, and nail enhancement kits do contain
them, but due to the various chemicals and materials required, it will be much
simpler to have them fitted by a salon professional. The following description
explains the fundamentals of the process.
1. Before commencing, the natural nail surface is buffed lightly to remove
the shine and the outer tip is filed into the correct shape.
2. A drop of nail adhesive is applied to the nail tip whilst holding it at
a 45 deg angle with the tip against the outer edge of your own nail. Then the
nail tip is slid back and pressed down into position. It is then held it in
position for a few seconds until it is held securely by the adhesive.
3. The seam between the tip and your natural nail is then blended in and filled
with acrylic gel.
4. The acrylic gel is then smoothed with a brush while still wet so that no
ripples remain and the surface is smooth.
5. The nails are then dried using a special ultraviolet lamp, or very occasionally
under the heat from a normal light.
6. To finish, the nails are buffed and filed as you require. Then apply a
base coat varnish, some polish and a top coat.
Note that all nail enhancements will need filling every two to four weeks,
depending upon how quickly your nails grow. This means filling in the area
in front of the cuticle to blend in with the existing acrylic fill.