Enhancing Your Nails

Nail enhancement is a broad term that encompasses several methods of augmenting your natural nail. Actually, in some instances, enhancements have less to do with enhancement and more to do with faking it, hence the commonly used term ''fake nails." Personally, I am not a fan of nail enhancements. Every time I see an unnaturally thick, 2-inch (5-cm) talon, aggressively squared at the tip and curving unnaturally away from the nail bed, words like "cheap," "tacky," and questions like "how does she type, make bread, tie shoes, button a shirt, put on face cream, play catch with a kid or a dog?" creep into my head. Still, I realize that each of us has different tastes and lifestyles, so I'm more than happy to offer information about the following enhancements:

If you get nail enhancements, you'll be returning to the salon every 2 to 6 weeks - depending on your nail's growth and your own vigilance - for a "fill" or "touch-up." This is nail-speak for getting your nails' newly grown area enhanced so that it matches the rest of the nail.

Wraps

Nail wraps use sheets of fiberglass, linen, or silk to add a strong, protective layer to the nail, which in turn helps nails grow longer without breaking. To create nail wraps, your nail technician takes small pieces of fabric mesh and affixes them to your nails with an adhesive typically one of those nail glues that reminds everyone of Crazy Glue or Super Glue. After buffing the enhancement a bit to create a smooth surface, your nail technician applies a sealant to help keep out moisture and discourage the wrap from lifting.

Acrylic nails

To create acrylic nails, a nail technician mixes together two ingredients called powdered polymer and liquid monomer. When combined, the powder and liquid react to form a plastic-like paste.

This paste is smoothed onto the nail, where it cures, or hardens, at room temperature. Acrylic nails are a good choice for anyone who wants long nails that are virtually indestructible.

If you are sensitive, you should avoid acrylic or porcelain nails. The monomer used in acrylic and porcelain nails is an irritant that can cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin.

Porcelain nails

Porcelain nails are similar to acrylic nails, except that they use a finely ground, glasslike material in the powder. They are applied just like acrylic nails and are good for creating a hearty, long nail. The finish is a bit more natural-looking than acrylic nails, making them a better choice for those of you who like to wear pale, sheer nail colors.