Types of Fake Nails: Everything You Need To Know (2021)

November 7, 2021

There are many reasons to consider getting artificial nails the next time you go in for a manicure or apply your set at home. Artificial nail manicures can last a long time, which means you won’t need to spend time and money on manicures as often.

They’re durable and strong, so you won’t have to concern yourself about chips or damage. And one of the main reasons so many style icons and fashion-forward folks love artificial nails is that you have tons of creative and unique style ideas to pick from.

When it comes to finding the perfect artificial nail for your needs, Nailboo is here to help. We carry a wide catalog of easy-to-use nail dip kits and tools and we’re sharing information on the many different types of artificial nails and manicure ideas. Get the looks you love with the support of Nailboo today.

Types of Fake Nails

The more you know about the different types of fake nails, the easier it will be to find the right fit for your style needs. Here are some of the top fake nail options you have to pick from.

Acrylics

Acrylics are one of the most common fake nail options to pick from, and it’s not hard to see why acrylics have been so popular for so long. They are incredibly strong, which also makes them flexible and durable, so you don’t have to worry about chips or damage to your nail style.

That strength also makes them a great option if you like long nails or shaped styles like coffin or stiletto nails. They can be cut and styled without losing their structural integrity, and once you have that perfect shape, you can then apply all of your favorite patterns, decals, and designs.

There are many benefits to acrylic nails, but it’s important to know about drawbacks, as well. They can take longer to apply than other options, so you can expect to spend at least a few hours at the salon.

While they can last up to six weeks, you may need regular fill-ins to keep them looking as sharp as that first application. You also want to schedule manicure breaks, to give your natural nails a chance to heal between acrylic nail applications.

Gels

If you’re looking for all the great benefits of acrylic nails with a little less impact on the nail below, then you may want to consider gel nails instead. Gel manicures are smooth, chic, and very long-lasting, as the polish is cured under a UV lamp, which hardens it. This means you can engage with all your favorite activities and events without having to worry about your gel manicure chipping.

If acrylic nails are a good option for long, shapely styles, then gels are the right choice for achieving more natural looks. If you like shorter nail styles, like square, circle, and squoval styles, gel nails can help you achieve them with ease. And you can still embrace many unique and exciting styles and designs, like glitter, ombre, splatter, and more.

It’s recommended that you have your gel nails removed at the salon, but it’s not required. With a few simple tools, you can gently remove your gel nails at home when the time comes, so you can begin planning that next great manicure.

You will want to allow your nails some time to breathe between appointments, as with acrylics. It’s also important to know that, though minor, gel nails do require some exposure to UV light.

Shellac

Shellac nails combine two different types of nail polish application—gel and traditional polish—and they take the benefits of both.

Gel manicures provide plenty of durability, longevity, and protection during use, which you can expect from Shellac nails. Traditional nail polish tends to deliver a truly shiny and classic design, and nail polish comes in many unique colors and styles. When you pick out a set of Shellac nails, you’ll enjoy all the advantages of both kinds, for a smoother, shinier manicure that really lasts.

Because of the polish, Shellac nails do have a natural appearance. But with more than 100 unique colors and styles to pick from, you’re sure to find a Shellac manicure that really fits your personal appearance and style preferences.

Dip Polish

Here at Nailboo, we’re all about the dip polish manicure. A dip polish kit, like the kind you’ll find right in our catalog, can help you to achieve salon-quality styles without the salon-quality costs.

But you don’t need to sacrifice style for ease and versatility. You’ll be able to find dip polishes in shades of glitters, neons, gem styles, pastels, and more. Whatever your next adventure or big event might call for, there’s a beautiful dip powder color here for you.

Dip powder is easy to use and you can still apply all of your favorite styles and designs, like French tips, ombre, and more. You’ll simply apply the polish, dip it into your powder, and then shake off any excess, repeating as needed to get the colors you love. Once you have the perfect shade, simply apply your topcoat to seal it all into place.

There are many reasons to love a dip polish manicure. It’s long-lasting, high-quality, and great at protecting your nails against damage. It’s also easy to remove right at home with the use of a few simple tools and materials.

Dip powder can last several weeks, is gentler on the nails and the skin around the nails than other fake nail options, and doesn’t require the use of a UV lamp. And you can still add all your favorite decals, stamps, and designs to your next manicure with ease.

Conclusion

When it comes time for the next fake nail manicure, you have lots of options to pick from. Fake nails are durable and long-lasting and will save you time and money on your next manicure since you won’t need to return to the salon as often as with traditional manicures.

Plus, you have lots of options for creativity and personal expression, since fake nails can help you to add length, try out new and exciting shapes, and share all the best colors and styles, from glitter to ombre, to gems and decals.

Some of the most common fake nail options to pick from include acrylics, gels, Shellac nails, and dip powder manicures. There are benefits and drawbacks to each style, depending on your manicure needs, so it’s always a good idea to do your research to find the best option for your lifestyle.

When you’re ready to learn more about the dip powder process, Nailboo is here to help. We’re dedicated to making it as fun and easy as possible to begin the nail dip manicure journey right at home. That’s why we’re sharing easy-to-use nail dip kits that you can try out today. And that’s not all.

We also have a growing library of resources, guides, and materials, for fun and unique manicure inspiration, no matter what kind of nails you have. Which fake nail method, style, and design will you try out first?