Artificial nails, also known as fake nails, fashion nails, nail enhancements, or nail extensions, are coverings placed over fingernails as fashion accessories. Some artificial nails attempt to mimic the look of real fingernails as closely as possible, while other designs may deliberately stray in look from real fingernails. Artificial nails are made from a wide variety of materials.

Contents 1 Types 2 History 3 Health effects 3.1 Health benefits 3.2 Health risks 4 Musical usage

[edit] Types

The artificial nails are not a replacement, but an extension for natural nails. There are two main approaches to creating artificial nails—tips and forms. Tips are made of lightweight plastic plates that are "nail"-shaped. They are glued on the end of the natural nail and acrylic is then applied over the entire nail. Forms are fitted over the nail and then an artificial nail is molded out of acrylic and the form is removed and then properly shaped and buffed to a shine.

There are several popular techniques that can be used to create longer, better-looking nail enhancements.

One popular material commonly called "acrylics" is a mixture of a polymer powder and a liquid monomer (e.g. ethylmethacrylate). The mixture starts to harden in 30-40 seconds after application and continues to cure to final hardness typically for more than an hour. Powder and liquid acrylics can be removed in 20 minutes using a variety of solvents (usually acetone is used).

Another material, commonly called "UV gel" (in correct chemical terms a polymer resin) hardens under ultraviolet light. Depending on brand these can show a broader variety of quality and properties (flexibility, strength, etc.) but may be more expensive. They generally cannot be removed by organic solvents, but only be removed by filing (or left to grow out with the natural nail).

Another popular alternative to acrylic or gel preparations are fiberglass or silk wraps. They are done by cutting pieces of actual fiberglass or silk fabric to fit on the surface of the nail or tip and then it is sealed down with a resin or glue. These are a possible alternative for those who are allergic to chemicals used in the acrylic or gel process.

Other materials can be used, as well as combinations of them. There are also temporary, cheaper flexible tips that can be quickly glued at home without help from a professional.

Acrylic nail powders are available in a variety of colours and can use "special effects" such as contours, sparkles and the very popular French manicure (pink and white appearance).

[edit] History

This section requires expansion.

During the Ming Dynasty of China, noblewomen wore very long artificial nails as a status symbol indicating that, unlike commoners, they did not have to do manual labor.

In the late 20th century, artificial nails for women became widely popular all over the world.

[edit] Health effects

[edit] Health benefits

Artificial nails help conceal or fix broken, damaged, short, or bad nails. It also helps prevent people from biting their nails, breakage of nails, and protect splits. They are used when people are not able to grow the length and strength of natural nails that they desire. This problem can be solved by using certain nail techniques such as nail tipping, sculptured nails, nail wrapping, or acrylic overlays.

[edit] Health risks

Artificial nails are not without risks, as residues of acrylic resins have been known to lead to redness, swelling, pain and even severe allergic reactions. The nail can separate from the nail bed, and if the nail root becomes damaged, the replacement can be permanently deformed, often in the form of nails peeling or ridges forming on the nail. Usually, these effects disappear, but it can take months. As well, nail glue is poisonous if accidentally swallowed and a few nail polishes and removers contain toxic formaldehyde or acetone.^{[citation needed]} Fungus may also form due to improper care of artificial nails.

[edit] Musical usage

Musicians who play stringed instruments may wear artificial nails as an aid in playing. Some guitarists like Don Ross are known for doing so. Antoine Dufour, a fellow Candyrat records artist, has also stated that he uses fake nails to aid in his tone production in his interviews. Many intermediate and advanced classical and finger-style guitarists use varieties of fake nails to obtain a consistent and bright tone with each pluck. The players of many ancient Chinese instruments, like the guqin, pipa, and ruan, also commonly used artificial nails.