Fact Sheet
Explanation of Silk Wrap Manicured Nails
Silk wrap manicured nails are a good alternative to acrylic and gel applications. Silk wraps will not damage the natural nail and give the natural nails strength.
Identification
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They're called silk wrap nails because your manicurist uses actual strips of thin silk. Strips of silk come in rolls, sheets or pre-cut. Resin, a type of adhesive, is used to bind the silk to the nails. A product called an activator is used with the resin to make it harden.
Steps of Application
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A licensed nail technician or certified manicurist does the treatment. Cleaning your hands reduces the chance of infection. The technician or manicurist pushes back your cuticles and uses a cream or oil cuticle remover to remove any cuticle matter from the nail plate. Alcohol on a cotton ball is used to clean the nails. This ensures there is no oil left on them that would cause the silk wraps to lift and come off.
Then the technician lightly files your nails to take the shine off. This helps the silk wraps to adhere to the nail plate. Application of the resin is next. She applies the resin in a thin coat on your nails. After making sure the silk is the correct size, it is placed on the nails on top of the resin. If needed, the technician may use an orange wood stick to smooth the silk or remove any air bubbles that form. Next, the resin is either brushed or sprayed on. Usually, the technician applies the silk to one hand, applies the resin and then applies the silk and resin to your other hand. This lets the resin set up on the the hands properly by giving it time to cure. Two or three coats of resin may be applied to add strength.
The last step in the application is to file the nails into the desired shape and buff them to a high shine. Silk wrap manicured nails may be worn with or without the application of nail polish. The silk becomes invisible once the resin is applied.
Maintenance
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The wraps must be replaced about every two weeks. More or less time may be needed between appointments, depending on how fast your natural nails grow. Unlike acrylic or gel nails, which are filled in at the new growth, the silk wraps must be replaced at each appointment.
Removal
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The removal of silk wrapped nails is easy. If you have polish on them, it's removed with acetone. Then you soak your hands in a bowl of acetone for about 20 minutes, and the silk and resin are gently removed with a orange wood stick or cotton ball. Your nails are then clean and ready for a new set.
Benefits
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Silk wrap manicured nails are a safer and gentler alternative to traditional acrylic or gel nails. There is less threat of the nails being overfiled and becoming thin, less chance of an allergic reaction to the monomer (liquid) used in acrylic nails, and it's an attractive way to strength your nails while maintaining a natural look.
eHow Article: Explanation of Silk Wrap Manicured Nails
