What Are Nail Enhancements? Types, Benefits & More
Nail enhancements serve as more than just a beauty statement—they offer a durable, long-lasting solution for those seeking to improve their natural nails. If you struggle with weak, brittle nails or simply desire a more polished look, enhancements provide strength and the ability to achieve your desired length and style.
Each enhancement type offers unique benefits. Acrylic nails, created from a mixture of liquid monomer and powder polymer, deliver unmatched durability making them a popular choice for those leading an active lifestyle who work with hands regularly.
Meanwhile, gel nails applied in thin layers and cured under UV light or LED light provide a natural-looking finish with impressive shine and longevity.
For those seeking a middle ground, builder gel offers a thicker form that can strengthen and enhance the appearance of nails while maintaining a natural-looking extension.
Those with extremely weak nails might prefer hard gel for maximum durability and strength, while soft gel extensions provide a more flexible, natural look and feel that’s easier to remove and remarkably lightweight.
When selecting the right enhancement, consider your nail health, lifestyle, desired look, and budget. Consulting with a qualified nail technician with experience in your chosen enhancement can provide valuable advice based on your individual circumstances and manicure needs.
Types of Nail Enhancements
The world of nail art offers various enhancement options beyond regular nail polish. Acrylic nails, formed from liquid monomer and powder polymer, create a hard protective layer that can be sculpted using nail forms and shaped to your preference.
Gel nails come in pre-mixed gel form and are cured under UV light or LED light to create a flexible, glossy, non-yellowing finish in both hard and soft forms.
Dip powder systems offer a happy medium through a process of dipping nails into colored powder before sealing with clear protective polish. For a more delicate approach, fiberglass and silk wraps use thin, flexible fabrics to reinforce and repair minor damage while creating a natural-looking enhancement.
Those seeking instant transformation might opt for press-on nails, ready-made artificial nails in various shapes and sizes that can be easily applied at home using adhesive tabs or nail glue.
Benefits of Nail Enhancements
The advantages of nail enhancements extend beyond the illusion of longer nails. They provide protection for those with weak or brittle nails, allowing natural nails to grow underneath without breaking or splitting. With proper maintenance, enhancements create a polished, long-lasting manicure that withstands daily wear and tear far better than traditional polish.
Enhancements offer incredible variety in shapes and lengths, allowing for personal expression through countless colors, textures, and designs—from subtle and natural to bold and dramatic. For many clients I’ve worked with, the confidence boost that comes from having consistently beautiful, healthy nails has been the most significant benefit of all.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
While enhancements are generally safe and enjoyable ways to express style, they do carry potential risks when not properly applied and cared for. Fungal infections and bacterial infections can develop when moisture gets trapped between the enhancement and natural nail, creating a breeding ground for microorganisms.
Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the chemicals used, resulting in skin irritation. Most concerning is the damage to natural nails that can occur from overfilling or harsh removal techniques, leaving them weakened, thin, and brittle. I’ve seen many clients come in with compromised nail beds from previous improper services.
To minimize these risks, always choose a reputable nail salon with experienced technicians who follow strict sanitation protocols. Follow proper hygiene practices, monitor for signs of pain, redness, swelling or other irregularities, and don’t hesitate to consult a professional if problems arise.
Related Content: Tips to Reduce Pain from Acrylic Nails
Who Should Get Nail Enhancements?
Nail enhancements can be a beneficial solution for various situations. Those struggling with nail biting find the hard barrier makes it difficult to bite, while the improved appearance of manicured nails helps deter the habit. Individuals with naturally weak brittle nails benefit from the added strength and reinforcement, allowing their natural nails to grow underneath.
However, enhancements aren’t for everyone. Those with serious underlying issues affecting nail health should seek professional advice before proceeding. Based on my experience, clients with active nail infections or severe allergies to salon products should address these issues first before considering enhancements.
How Nail Enhancements Are Applied
The application process begins with prepping the natural nail—cleaning, buffing, and filing to create a smooth surface. Cuticles are gently pushed back, and a dehydrating primer is applied to help the enhancement adhere better.
For acrylic nails, the technician uses a brush dipped in liquid monomer to pick up a bead of powder polymer. This mixture is then sculpted to the desired shape and allowed to harden and set when exposed to air. Once dry, nails are filed, shaped, and buffed before applying nail polish or design.
With gel, thin layers are applied and cured under a UV lamp or LED lamp for 30 seconds to 2 minutes per layer. After curing, nails are wiped with a cleanser to remove any sticky residue.
For dip powder, a base coat is applied before the nail is dipped into powder, followed by a sealant. This process is repeated 2-3 times to achieve the desired opacity.
From my years in the industry, I’ve found that the most pristine results come from professional application with meticulous attention to detail at each step.
Maintenance and Aftercare Tips
Maintaining enhancements properly involves a diligent care routine. Schedule regular fills and maintenance appointments every 2-3 weeks to address growth and prevent lifting or breakage.
For at-home care, keep nails dry and clean, avoiding prolonged exposure to water by wearing gloves during household chores involving harsh chemicals that could weaken the enhancement material.
Use non-acetone nail polish remover for color changes, and practice good nail hygiene by keeping them trim and properly filed. Moisturize your cuticles daily to prevent hangnails and nourish the nail bed. Be observant for any sign of lifting, chipping, or discomfort that might require professional attention.
I always advise my clients to communicate any concerns or issues with their technician, as different enhancement types may require specialized care.
How Long Do Nail Enhancements Last?
The longevity of your enhancements depends on several factors including the type of enhancement, your lifestyle, and how well you follow maintenance routines. Generally, acrylics and gels require a refill every 2-3 weeks as a growth gap becomes visible at the base of the nail.
A complete replacement is typically recommended every 6-8 weeks or sooner if there’s significant damage. Dip powder nails offer impressive durability but will eventually need a touch-up or full replacement with extensive wear or when you wish to have the color changed.
Fiberglass and silk wraps are more delicate and require attention every 1-2 weeks to maintain their integrity. In my practice, I’ve found that clients who are gentle with their hands and follow proper care instructions can often extend the life of their enhancements by several days beyond the average.
How to Remove Nail Enhancements Safely
Proper nail enhancements removal is crucial to prevent damage to your natural nails. While it might be tempting to pry off enhancements when they start to grow out, this can cause serious harm to your nail plate. Professional removal involves soaking in acetone to gradually dissolve the product, followed by gentle removal of the softened enhancement.
Different enhancement types require specific removal techniques—acrylics generally need longer soaking time, while some soft gel extensions are designed to be more easier to remove. I’ve seen countless clients with thin, brittle nails from improper removal attempts at home, so I always recommend visiting a professional for this step.
Related Content: Tips to Remove Acrylic Nails: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cost of Nail Enhancements
The cost of nail enhancements varies widely based on several factors, including the type of enhancement, salon’s location, the expertise of your nail technician, and the complexity of the design you choose.
Typical price ranges for a full set are: acrylic nails ($25 to $50+), gel nails ($25 to $60+), and dip powder nails ($35 to $50+). Fiberglass and silk wraps used primarily for repairs often cost less for partial applications.
Don’t forget to factor in maintenance costs for fills every few weeks. While it might be tempting to seek out services at a lower price, remember that quality and hygiene should never be compromised, as this could lead to health issues and damage in the long run.
Nail Enhancements vs. Natural Manicures
Traditional manicures provide temporary color and shine to your natural nails, while enhancements offer a more permanent solution to lengthen and strengthen nails. Unlike regular polish that chips within days, enhancements create a foundation that can last for weeks with proper care.
Natural manicures require less commitment and maintenance but offer limited options for those with naturally short or weak nails. Enhancements involve more upkeep and regular fills but provide dramatic transformation possibilities and durability.
Based on my experience with clients, those with active lifestyles often prefer enhancements for their resilience, while those concerned about long-term nail health might opt for periodic breaks with natural manicures.
Tips for Choosing the Right Type for You
When selecting the ideal enhancement, consider your nail health first. Those with extremely weak, brittle nails might benefit from builder gel or hard gel to strengthen and protect. If you lead an active lifestyle or work with hands frequently, you’ll need a more durable enhancement like acrylics to prevent lifting and breaking.
Think about your desired look—do you prefer a natural appearance or something more dramatic? Enhancements can be shaped in a variety of styles from natural to dramatic. Also consider your willingness to maintain the enhancements, as some types require more frequent salon visits than others.
I always recommend consulting with an experienced nail technician who can provide advice based on your individual circumstances and manicure needs. Their expertise can help navigate the many options available to find your perfect match.
