Artificial Nail Enhancements and Extensions
Core concepts
Artificial enhancements require understanding chemistry, structure, and maintenance. Acrylic systems combine liquid monomer and polymer powder; the bead ratio controls strength and shrinkage. Gel systems cure under UV or LED light; uncured gel is a sensitizer and must be fully removed. Wraps, tips, and forms are supports-not substitutes for proper nail prep. Prep includes cleaning, dehydrating, gentle plate preparation, and fitting the form or tip without trapping air. The apex and stress zone need structure; too thin cracks, too thick lifts.
Traps include using MMA monomer where prohibited, overfiling the natural nail, applying product to skin, skipping primer or bonding steps, and calling a fill a new set without rebalancing. Removal must not rip or pry; use the manufacturer's remover and time. Lifting is usually caused by moisture, oil, incomplete prep, or poor ratio-not by bad nails. Contraindications include infection, inflammation, and damaged plate.
Rule of thumb
A correct acrylic bead is satiny and holds its shape without dripping; if it drips, it is too wet.
Worked example
A client's enhancement lifts at the sidewalls after two weeks. Inspect prep and fit, remove lifted product, disinfect tools, and rebalance. Do not simply fill over the lift, which traps moisture and can worsen problems.