Once upon a time, women dreamed of long, beautiful, natural nails. Thanks to advances in nail technology, the nail capsule is now a reality for all those who want long, strong nails without waiting months for their natural nails to grow in. This article details everything you need to know about the world of nail capsules and how they can transform your look in the blink of an eye.
What are nail caps?
A nail cap is an accessory for temporary or permanent lengthening of the natural nail. Also known as a nail extension, it generally takes the form of a thin transparent or slightly pink strip, pre-formed to perfectly match the shape of the free part of the nail. Nail caps are often applied by professional hand beauticians, but can also be done yourself, with a little practice and the right equipment.
The different types of nail caps
Full caps
Here, the nail capsule covers the entire surface of your natural nail, from base to tip. These capsules are particularly suitable if you need to camouflage imperfections in your nails, or if you want to protect your entire natural nail from impact. That’s why most hand models use them for photo shoots and fashion shows.
Half-moon capsules
Alternatively, these capsules cover only part of your nail, revealing a greater or lesser portion of your natural nail. These are designed for those who essentially want to lengthen their nails while retaining a natural look. These nail extensions are particularly suitable for people who already have sufficiently long, strong nails but want to add length.
Nail caps: choosing between UV gel and resin
To permanently fix the nail capsule to your natural nail, it’s necessary to use either UV gel or resin. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages.
Laying with UV gel
UV gel consists of a viscous substance that hardens under exposure to a special lamp emitting ultraviolet (UV) rays. This technique has several strong points:
- Ease of use: UV gel is increasingly popular with professionals, some of whom offer complete do-it-yourself kits.
- Aesthetic results: The gel’s shine remains intact for 3 to 4 weeks, with no need for touch-ups.
- Nail protection: UV gel application helps protect natural nails from external aggression and everyday wear and tear.
However, a number of precautions must be taken to avoid incorrect mixing with ambient air, which can lead to contact allergies. To this end, we recommend that you follow the manufacturer’s advice and instructions.
Laying with resin
Resin is also used to attach nail capsules directly to your natural nail. Highlights of this method include:
- Resistance: Resin nails are strong and shock-resistant.
- Adaptability: Resin is suitable for both short and long nails, and adapts perfectly to all nail cap shapes.
- Easy to touch-up: If you notice a few imperfections or if your capsule has been damaged, it’s possible to touch it up quickly and easily.
But beware: the system used to catalyze the resin generally consists of a brush soaked in liquid activator, which can be smelly. What’s more, resin application requires a certain dexterity to achieve a perfect result, without irregularities or air bubbles. It’s therefore essential to familiarize yourself with the application of resin nail caps before achieving a professional result.
How do I prepare my nails before applying capsules?
To ensure that the capsules hold properly and do not cause problems on your natural nails, it is essential to prepare them properly:
- Clean your nails with acetone-free nail polish remover to remove any traces of varnish, grease or dirt.
- File the nail surface: this step increases the adhesion of the UV gel or resin.
- Degrease again with a cleaner: this substance cleans thoroughly and ensures better adhesion of the nail capsule to your natural nail.
There’s no doubt that now you’re ready to proudly display a perfect manicure with nails worthy of a true princess. Thanks to nail caps, beautifying your hands has never been so quick and easy!
