Nail Tips vs. Nail Wraps

The basic clear polymer powder and monomer liquid used in "acrylic" nails. Oodles of fun ahead!!!

Last night, we did acrylic nails where we added a fake tip onto the end of the nail. Then, we added the overlay. This is what I normally think of when I get my nails done. In fact, this is what everyone in our class thought of when we talked about doing "fake" nails. The process is a whole lot harder than it seems. At least, it seems like it for me. But, my teacher assures me that I am doing great and that it will become easier.

Aren't they pretty? These are my first fake nails with tips under. The white nail is a nail polish where you add beads to it before it drys, creating a wet look. The second is a very classy and classic pink-red. The third nail is a purple polish with a black shatter polish over the top. (pardon the zombie fingers, it's what I get to practice on)

Tonight, we started something very new and very interesting. This is the art of the nail form. Instead of adding a tip onto the nail, you wrap either a paper nail form (like a sticker) or a metal nail form around the nail. Then, you build the acrylic material over the top. We started with the white tip french manicure/two tone for our nail forms. This style is magical, as the form does not remain in place once the polymer/monomer mix is dried. It supports itself once it dries, and does not need a tip. At first, I thought this was going to be harder. However, when you take into account everything that goes into doing a tip AND THEN you add in the acrylic addition, it is much crazier. The nail form is much simpler, and seems like magic when it is all done.

My nifty nails done with the nail form. I still have a long way to go in getting my "smile line" perfect, but this is my first ever attempt.

I still have a long ways to go before I am perfect, by any means, but I am learning so much every day. Tomorrow, we start doing nail wraps. Tomorrow is also my first practical of the course, on manicures and pedicures. Time to study my hand and foot massage.

As always, thank you for joining me on this journey. ~S