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Home Beauty Nails

A Short Guide on the Various Types of Artificial Nails

by Jennifer Scott
April 30, 2018 - Updated on January 8, 2026
in Nails
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Having artificial nails applied at a salon is a very common practice nowadays. This is mostly because women no longer have the time and patience to do their manicure at home and prefer to have their nails done instead. There are a lot of types of artificial nails out there, and their main benefit is that you can keep them on for longer than you would after using classic nail polish. And because we know how difficult it can be to choose, we have prepared a short guide on the various types of artificial nails that you can try.

There are still some misconceptions regarding fake nails, but the times when they looked more like claws are long gone. Women are now sporting elegant, shorter nails, which don’t even look fake. In this article we will talk about the main types of artificial nails, offer useful information about them, and reveal their downsides too. Enjoy!

1.      Gel nails

Gel nails usually offer the most natural-looking result plus the glossy finish. If you go to a salon, the expert will apply gel builder over the surface of your natural nail to build the fake one. Then, you will need to position them under UV light for the gel to dry and harden. Having gel nails is very comfortable because they weigh almost nothing. However, there are some disadvantages too. Firstly, they are the most expensive alternative because they look so natural and feel so comfortable to wear. Secondly, they can also be lifted very easily. But apart from this, gel nails might become harmful for some people who might have allergic reactions when the cuticles enter into contact with the gel.

Beautiful gel nails
Image source

2.      Acrylic nails

Acrylic nails are the most popular type of artificial nails out there, used by millions of women. To create the nail, technicians need to blend together polymer and monomer. Then, with a special brush, they need to apply the resulted paste onto the natural nail. After that, the nail can be shaped however you like. Finally, they don’t require UV light to dry them; they do it naturally. Acrylic nails are so popular because they are easy to apply and very durable. As for the price, it is a lot cheaper than that of gel nails. When it comes to the downsides, acrylic nails are heavier and a bit more uncomfortable than gel nails.

nude acrylic nails
Image source

3.      Wrap nails

Finally, the most unpopular type of artificial nails are the wrap nails. People no longer use them too much, so it might be difficult to find a salon that applies fake nails through this technique. They are made of many layers of materials such as silk or linen, with a combination of powder and glue. After the nail is created, it is applied to the natural nail. This is actually the oldest type of artificial nails out there. The problem with them is that they can cause fungus and bacteria to affect the nail because of the open pores.

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In conclusion

So, what did you think about our short guide on the various types of artificial nails? Did you know these details about them? Are you someone who regularly goes to a salon to have fake nails applied? Tell us which type is your favorite in the comments below!

Image source: flickr

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Jennifer Scott

Jennifer Scott

Jennifer is the site manager here at Beautifully Alive. A huge fan of all things beauty and wellness herself, she makes it a priority to get the best information out there for you in regards to your wellness journey. When she is not online, you can find her hiking, exploring cute cafes, and managing her Target addiction.

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