It is undeniable that a set of good-looking nails can make you feel more poised and beautiful Unfortunately, your natural nails can be brittle and more prone to chips and cracks. Getting professional nail extensions will help you get great looking nails that are also easier to maintain.
History of nail extensions
To most individuals, nail extensions are seemingly a modern development. However, women have used them since the ancient Egyptian times. During that age, longer nails were seen as a sign of status and wealth in various cultures – notably the Asian cultures – and people crafted extensions out of materials like bones, gold, and ivory. Since then, nail extensions have evolved considerably.
In the year 1954, Fred Slack, a dentist, broke his fingernail at work and with an aim of disguising it, he invented the first ever-artificial nail out of the materials he used to strengthen and rebuild teeth. After the makeshift discovery was successful, he worked with his brother Tom to develop the concept and patented the successful version. They later started the Patti Nails company.
Today, the market offers a variety of nail extensions, overlay services and techniques for individuals who want to strengthen their natural nails and enhance the appearance. However, all of them are based on the concept of dentist Fred Slacks.
Why choose to get nail extensions?
With nail extensions you will have a variety of designs to choose from. You can choose nails that cover your entire nails or use them to extend the ends of your nails. Depending on how you want your nails painted, the nail extensions will look like your very own nails. If you are among the many women who struggle with biting their nails, you will never worry because nail extensions are durable and hard to bite and chew. You can, therefore, use them to protect your weak nails, particularly if your nails are naturally unhealthy and break or chip easily.
What are the different types of nail extensions?
There is a wide range of nail extensions, overlay techniques and services to choose from. Before making a decision, consider the following three main types of nail extensions:
1 – Acrylic nails
Acrylics are the oldest type of nail extension and are a popular choice. The acrylic is a mixture of powder polymer and a liquid monomer, which forms a very hard protective layer that our technicians will sculpt over your natural nails. The nail extensions only become hard after you expose them to the air. After the exposure and after the application process ends, the nails acquire a stronger and glossy base, which is fantastic for application of colours.
The application procedure involves several steps, which mostly include preparing your nails, shaping them, buffing them and cuticle work. After the processes, our technicians will apply artificial tips on the ends to increase the length. They also apply acrylic on the top before finally finishing with the colour and design of your choice.
2 – Hard gel and UV gel nails
Gels are special mixtures that our technicians apply directly onto your nail extensions, or onto your nail beds to promote natural growth and to strengthen your nails. They have to apply the gel in fine layers and have to cure and seal it with UV light between layers so that the result is hard and flexible with a natural looking glossy finish that is chip resistant.
Even though the gel is predominantly applied onto artificial extensions to elongate them, they are also ideal for women with shorter, bitten or weak nails because they allow the nails to grow and strengthen under the layers.
3 – Fiberglass nails
Also known as silk nail wraps, fiberglass nails are a good alternative to gel and acrylic nails. The process of fiberglass nails application starts with cutting pieces of the fiberglass to make nail beds or tips and sealing them into place with glue or resin. The nails are a great option for individuals who are allergic to acrylic and gel processes.
4 – SNS nails
SNS (Signature Nail Systems) is a nail dipping system and another form of nail enhancement. SNS nails are a blend of adhesive resin and a modified form of acrylic powder. A popular alternative to Shellac, the nails are prepared in the usual way, then dehydrated and cleaned, then a coat of resin is applied, then dipped quickly into the powder, then repeated several times to create the shape desired. SNS nails are quick to apply and require little filing.
Nail infills
After the nail extension application, you might need to visit again after 2-3 weeks for infills or nail maintenance appointment. The infill process generally involves filling out of the re-growth areas flush to the nails so that the extensions are filed, reapplied, oiled and coated – to make them retain their good appearance.
Nail Overlays
Nail overlays are different from nail extensions. While nail extensions involve the application of artificial tips to the nail ends to elongate them, nail overlays in London involve the application of gel, acrylic, or desired systems directly to make natural looking nails. Our nail technicians can also apply overlays on your toenails to provide an additional layer of protection if they are prone to splits or breakages. They are ideal for women who have trouble growing nails and nail biters.
Booking your nail extension appointment
Your nail extensions can last for at least three weeks, but at JUJU’s we believe that they should last as long as possible, depending on the growth of your nails.
After you are ready to remove the nail extensions, you will just need to soak them in acetone to make them peel. Visit us today or book online for the best nail extensions in Camden!