Artificial nails

Many artificial nail designs attempt to mimic the appearance of real fingernails as closely as possible, while others may deliberately stray in favor of an artistic look.

Artificial nails require regular upkeep: it is recommended that they are attended to, on average, every two weeks; however they may last over one month.

[1] Nonetheless, their versatility in terms of shape, size, design and comparatively high durability are some advantages they hold over other types of manicures.

There are two main approaches to creating artificial nails – tips and forms: Atop these, either acrylic, hard gel, or any combination of both may be applied.

In addition to polishes, other embellishments may be used, such as rhinestones, glitter, stickers, fimo charms and striping tape, to add more to the artificial nail's design.

Use of MMA (Methyl methacrylate liquid monomers) acrylics are strongly discouraged and banned in some states as it can cause damage to the natural nail, asthma; irritated eyes, skin, nose, and mouth; difficulty concentrating; loss of smell and kidney issues.

Gel-X are plied by first applying a PH bonder (dehydrator) followed by an acid-free gel primer.

Nail tips are made of a strong bendable material called acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

This structure hardened and, when the support was removed, was then shaped to look like a natural extension of the nail plate.

All materials subsequently used also belong to the acrylic family, but the term 'acrylic nails' has stuck to the method of using a liquid monomer and powder polymer.

[16] Revlon made their first appearance in 1932 with only one single product, long lasting formula nail enamel.

After experiments with different materials to perfect his invention, he and his brother, Tom, patented a successful version and started the company Patti Nails.

Fred Slack used his dental equipment and chemicals to replace his natural nail, but over time the process has significantly changed.

This allows bacteria and fungus to potentially enter the separated area setting up an infection and bacterial burden.

Many hospitals and healthcare facilities do not allow employees to have long fingernails, fake or real, due to the risk of said nails harboring microbes that could transmit diseases to patients.

For example, a guideline of the National Health Service (England) explicitly forbids both during patient care activity.

Ethyl methacrylate can be used for artificial nails and can cause contact dermatitis, asthma, and allergies in the eyes and nose.

[22] Nail salon workers also face exposure to other chemicals used, such as toluene, dibutyl phthalate, and formaldehyde.

[26] Exposure to methyl methacrylate (the precursor to acrylic glass) can cause drowsiness, light-headedness, and trembling of the hands,[27] and so it has been banned for use in cosmetology in the majority of US states.