If you love having long, beautiful, and colorful nails, you might have heard of artificial nail powder. Artificial nail powder is a type of powder that is used to create acrylic nails, which are a popular form of nail enhancement. Acrylic nails are made by applying a liquid monomer and a powder polymer to the natural nails, creating a hard and durable layer that can be shaped and decorated as desired.
Artificial Nail Powder
Artificial nail powder has many benefits, such as:
- It is long-lasting and resistant to chipping, cracking, and breaking.
- It is flexible and can be filed and buffed to any shape and length.
- It comes in a variety of colors and designs, from natural to glamorous, and can be customized to suit your style and mood.
- It can protect your natural nails from damage and help them grow stronger and healthier.
However, artificial nail powder also requires some care and maintenance, such as:
- It needs to be applied and removed by a professional or with proper tools and techniques to avoid damaging your natural nails and skin.
- It needs to be refilled and replaced every two to three weeks, depending on the growth rate and condition of your natural nails.
- It needs to be kept away from water, chemicals, and heat to prevent lifting, discoloration, and infection.
- It needs to be moisturized and nourished with cuticle oil and lotion to keep your nails and skin hydrated and health
Types of Artificial Nail Powder
There are four main types of artificial nail powder: clear, pink, white, and colored. Each type has its characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages, as well as different brands and products to choose from. Here is a brief overview of each type:
- Clear: Clear artificial nail powder is transparent and can be used to create a natural look or as a base for other colors and designs. It is easy to apply and remove, and it does not yellow or fade over time. However, it can also be boring and plain, and it can show any imperfections or dirt on your natural nails. Some popular brands and products for clear artificial nail powder are [SNS] Natural Set, [NATO Nails] Clear Acrylic Powder, and [Elite99] Clear Acrylic Powder.
- Pink: Pink artificial nail powder is slightly tinted and can be used to create a soft and feminine look or as a base for a French manicure. It is flattering and natural, and it can enhance the color and health of your natural nails. However, it can also be limiting and dull, and it can clash with some skin tones and outfits. Some popular brands and products for pink artificial nail powder are [SNS] Pink and White, [NATO Nails] Pink Acrylic Powder, and [Elite99] Pink Acrylic Powder.
- White: White artificial nail powder is opaque and can be used to create a crisp and elegant look or as a tip for a French manicure. It is classic and versatile, and it can match any color and design. However, it can also be stark and harsh, and it can stain or chip easily. Some popular brands and products for white artificial nail powder are [SNS] French White, [NATO Nails] White Acrylic Powder, and [Elite99] White Acrylic Powder.
- Colored: Colored artificial nail powder is pigmented and can be used to create a vibrant and fun look or as a base for nail art. It is colorful and creative, and it can express your personality and mood. However, it can also be messy and difficult, and it can require more time and skill to apply and remove. Some popular brands and products for colored artificial nail powder are [SNS] Dipping Powder, [NATO Nails] Colored Acrylic Powder, and [Elite99] Colored Acrylic Powder.
How to Use Artificial Nail Powder
To use artificial nail powder, you will need the following tools and materials:
- A nail file and a buffer to shape and smooth your natural nails and artificial nail tips.
- A primer to dehydrate and sanitize your natural nails and prepare them for the artificial nail powder.
- A brush to apply the liquid monomer and the artificial nail powder to your natural nails.
- A liquid monomer to activate and bond the artificial nail powder to your natural nails.
- An artificial nail powder of your choice to create the acrylic nails.
- An artificial nail tip to extend the length of your natural nails if desired.
- A nail glue to attach the artificial nail tip to your natural nail, if desired.
Here are the steps to use artificial nail powder:
- Prepare your natural nails by removing any old polish, dirt, or oil with a nail polish remover and a cotton pad. Trim and file your nails to the desired length and shape, and push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher. Buff your nails lightly to remove any shine and smooth any ridges.
- Apply a thin layer of primer to your natural nails, avoiding the skin and the cuticles. Wait for the primer to dry completely.
- If you want to use artificial nail tips, choose the right size and shape for each nail and apply a small drop of nail glue to the tip. Press the tip onto your natural nail, aligning it with the edge and the center. Hold it for a few seconds until it adheres firmly. Cut and file the tip to the desired length and shape, and buff the seam to blend it with your natural nail.
- Pour some liquid monomer into a small glass container and dip your brush into it. Wipe off the excess liquid on the edge of the container, and dip the tip of the brush into the artificial nail powder. A small bead of powder should form on the tip of the brush.
- Apply the bead of powder to your natural nail, starting from the cuticle and moving towards the tip. Use the brush to spread and smooth the powder, covering the entire nail. Repeat this process until you achieve the desired thickness and shape. You can use different colors and layers of powder to create different effects and styles.
- Wait for the powder to harden and dry completely, which can take a few minutes, depending on the type and brand of the powder. You can test the dryness by tapping the nail with the handle of the brush. If it makes a clicking sound, it is dry.
- File and buff your nails to refine the shape and smooth the surface. You can also use a drill or an electric file to speed up this process, but be careful not to damage your natural nails or skin.
- Apply a top coat to seal and protect your nails, and add some shine. You can also apply some cuticle oil to moisturize and nourish your nails and skin.
Some common mistakes and how to avoid or fix them are:
- Lifting: This happens when the artificial nail powder detaches from the natural nail, creating a gap that can trap water, dirt, and bacteria and cause infection. To avoid lifting, make sure to apply the primer and the powder properly, covering the entire nail and avoiding the skin and the cuticles. To fix lifting, you can file and buff the lifted area and reapply the primer and the powder, or you can remove the artificial nail powder completely and start over.
- Cracking: This happens when the artificial nail powder breaks or splits, usually due to trauma, stress, or improper application. To avoid cracking, make sure to use the right amount and ratio of liquid and powder, and avoid using too much or too little. To fix cracking, you can file and buff the cracked area and reapply the powder, or you can remove the artificial nail powder completely and start over.
- Air bubbles: This happens when air gets trapped between the artificial nail powder and the natural nail, creating a cloudy or uneven appearance. To avoid air bubbles, make sure to use a clean and dry brush, and avoid shaking or stirring the liquid and the powder. To fix air bubbles, you can file and buff the bubbled area and reapply the powder, or you can remove the artificial nail powder completely and start over.
How to Choose the Right Color and Design
Choosing the right color and design for artificial nail powder depends on many factors, such as the occasion, season, mood, and personal preference. No right or wrong answer exists as long as you are happy and comfortable with your choice. However, here are some general tips and suggestions to help you decide:
- For a formal or professional occasion, such as a wedding, a meeting, or an interview, you might want to choose a neutral or classic color and design, such as a clear, pink, white, nude, or French manicure. These colors and designs are elegant and professional, and they can match any outfit and jewelry.
- For a casual or fun occasion, such as a party, a date, or a vacation, choose a bright or trendy color and design, such as red, blue, purple, glitter, chrome, or ombre. These colors and designs are vibrant and playful, and they can express your personality and mood.
- For a seasonal or festive occasion, such as spring, summer, autumn, winter, or a holiday, you might want to choose a color and design that reflects the theme or mood of the season or event, such as green, yellow, orange, brown, snowflake, or star. These colors and designs are festive and cheerful, and they can show your enthusiasm and spirit.
- For a personal or creative occasion, such as a birthday, an anniversary, or a hobby. You might want to choose a color and design that represents something meaningful or special to you, such as your favorite color, your zodiac sign, or your birthdate. These colors and designs are personal and unique, and they can express your unique personality and style.
