Nail Strengthening - Everything You Need to Know
Nail Strengthening - Everything You Need to Know
Nail strengthening is a popular method for giving your nails extra strength and long-lasting beauty. It is a perfect choice for those who want to prevent their nails from breaking or splitting, while getting a professional and well-groomed result. In this blog post, we will go over what nail strengthening is, the different methods available and how to care for your strengthened nails.
What is nail strengthening?
Nail strengthening involves applying a protective layer of material to your natural nails to make them stronger and more resilient. It can be used to prevent nails from breaking or to create a durable base for nail polish and other decorations. Perfect for brittle nails.
Common methods of nail strengthening
There are several different materials and techniques for strengthening nails. Here are the most common:
1. Jelly - What is jelly?
Gel is a flexible and durable product that is applied in several layers and cured under a UV or LED lamp. It is ideal for those who want a natural result with long-lasting results. It is essentially completely odorless compared to acrylic, which makes it a more pleasant method to work with.
Here you can read about how to proceed.
2. Acrylic - What is acrylic?
Acrylic is a strong and durable material that is created by mixing an acrylic powder with a liquid often called monomer or acrylic liquid. Acrylic nails are great for those who want extra strength. Acrylic is air-cured and should not be cured under a UV lamp.
Acrylic liquid has a strong odor and should only be used in areas with very good ventilation.
Read our step by step guide - How to apply acrylic nails
3. Dip powder - What is Dip powder?
Dip-powder is a method that involves dipping the nails into a colored powder, often the same type of powder used for acrylic nails. However, this is a method that we do not recommend because it means the product comes into contact with the skin. One of the most important things when working with nail materials is that the material should never touch the skin around the nails and cuticles as it can cause allergies if overexposed.
Here we have written a blog post about contact allergy and how it occurs.
4. Rubber Base - What is Rubber base?
Rubber base is a flexible and thicker type of base coat that provides extra strength to natural nails. It is ideal for smoothing out unevenness and preventing nails from splitting. Rubber base also works well as a base for gel or gel polish. This is the easiest method to start with if you are a beginner.
Here you will find our range of hypoallergenic Rubber base in different colors.
Benefits of nail strengthening
Nail strengthening has several advantages that make it a popular choice for many:
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Durability : Your nails will become stronger and less likely to break.
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Long-lasting beauty : Nail strengthening provides a perfect base for nail polish that lasts longer.
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Versatility : You can combine nail enhancement with different decorations and colors.
How to care for your strengthened nails
To extend the life of your nail enhancements and keep them in top condition, you should follow these tips:
1. Avoid harsh chemicals
Wear gloves when working with cleaning products or other chemicals that can damage your nails.
2. Keep your nails moisturized
Apply nail oil and hand cream daily to prevent nails from becoming dry and brittle. Dryness can cause the nail material to lift from the nail bed.
3. Nails as tools
Do not use your nails as a tool to open packages or similar. This may cause damage to the reinforcement.
Frequently asked questions about nail strengthening
Can I do nail strengthening at home?
Yes, it is possible to do nail strengthening at home with the right equipment and products. Explore our range for home use.
How long does nail strengthening last?
The durability varies depending on the method and how well you take care of your nails, but usually it lasts between 2-4 weeks. Our recommendation is not to go longer than 3 weeks without filling, the shape of the nails will then become unbalanced and risk breaking off more easily. You also risk possible lifting which can lead to greenies the longer you go without filling your nails.
Can I use nail polish on top of the nail enhancement?
Yes, you can apply and change nail polish on reinforced nails without damaging the reinforcement. For an extra durable option, we recommend using gel polish that cures in a UV lamp instead of regular nail polish.
Summary of differences :
| Property | Acrylic | Jelly & Rubber base |
|---|---|---|
| Hardening | Hardens in air | Requires UV or LED lamp |
| Sustainability | Very strong and durable | Flexible and natural |
| Thickness | Thicker | Thinner and more natural |
| Fragrance | Strong scent | Almost odorless |
| Removal | Filing or acetone | Filing or soak off |
Summary
Nail strengthening is a great solution to strengthen and protect your natural nails while giving you a professional and long-lasting finish. By choosing the right method and taking care of your nails, you can enjoy beautiful and strong nails every day.