Nail Tips, Wraps, and Extensions
Tips and blending
A nail tip is a plastic extension glued to the free edge to add length. Preparation is everything: buff the natural nail lightly, size the tip so it covers the free edge without touching sidewalls or cuticle, apply adhesive, hold, then blend the seam with a file so no ridge remains. A visible, unblended seam is a classic exam answer for "cause of lifting."
Wraps
Wraps reinforce the natural nail: silk, linen, fiberglass, or paper fabric adhered with resin. The steps are: prep the nail, apply resin, place fabric, press, apply resin over the fabric, dry, then buff and seal. Wraps can also be used to repair a cracked nail - but a wrap over an infected or inflamed nail is contraindicated.
Extensions
Sculpted extensions are built with acrylic or gel over a form or tip. Key concepts: the stress area (where the free edge meets the nail bed) needs adequate product thickness to resist breakage; the sidewalls must be thin and blended; the product must not touch the skin or cuticle, or lifting follows. Nail forms must fit snugly and be removed before the product fully sets.
Traps
- Adhesive bonds skin to skin instantly - keep it off skin.
- A tip that is too large will lift; too small will crack.
- Wraps are not a treatment for nail fungus.
Rule of thumb
"Prep, fit, thin at the edges, thick at the stress area." If any of those four is skipped, expect lifting or breakage.