If you are a fan of maintaining a stylish look, you know what an important role your not-so-significant-looking nails play. Getting the perfect manicure isn’t that easy, though!
Artificial nails are back in style because they show off your nails and make them stand out.
The most common materials used in making artificial nails are acrylic and gel.
However, another player in this field has conquered the market— Solar nails.
So, what are Solar nails? If you are looking for a higher-quality acrylic nail that is not as harsh as gel nails on your nail base, look no further.
Solar nails are most likely precisely the upgrade you are looking for. Pair them with fantastic makeup, and you’ll be well on your way to glowing!
Either way, nail prepping is a key part of looking your best. Lovers of beautiful nails.
You may have heard much about solar nails from your nail technician, friends, or word of mouth.
Indeed, in this case, you might be wondering what solar nails are and how they differ from other nail extensions.
So let’s not waste time. We’re ready to give you a rundown of the exact things you must know before entering the world of solar nails for the first time.
What are Solar Nails?
Solar nails aren’t your standard artificial nails; they’re not the newcomers you think they are. They have been around since the 80s.
You might still be wondering what Solar Nails are exactly. They are a brand of high-quality acrylic nails designed by Creative Nail Design (CND).
With many years of experience, this nail care company offers award-winning nail products that are extremely popular in the beauty community.
One of the main features of the improvement of this CND product is that the solar nails are generally about ten times thicker than your natural nails and can be adjusted to the desired length thanks to the unique acrylic formula used by CND.
According to CND, solar nails are much better than regular acrylic nails in terms of durability and superior appearance.
It’s pretty high-tech, huh? Other nail care companies, such as OPI, DND, and Essie, also produce quality products.
Visually, these pink nails with white tips resemble a classic French manicure.
People often say they look very natural, especially compared to other nail extensions, because they don’t require thick, bulky tips. Some people find that they look better than different types of artificial nails.
What are Solar Nails Applications?
As with other types of artificial nails, they require nail preparation before application.
The nail technician begins by cleaning, buffing, and filing the nails. Then, he or she applies one or two coats of primer.
The next step is to apply some liquid acrylic to the nail brush, removing the excess against the top of the jar or bottle.
The nail technician dips the wet brush into the white acrylic powder and moves it in a circular motion until a small ball forms.
When the powder absorbs most of the liquid and forms a usable gel, the technician mentally divides the nail into three parts: the free edge, the seam, and the nail bed.
The free edge is the part of the nail that extends over the tip of the finger. The nail bed is on the underside of the finger on which the nail rests.
The seam is where the free edge and the nail bed meet. She applies acrylic to each part separately and then blends them.
After the first layer of acrylic dries, the same procedure works for the second pink layer.
The second layer, however, is applied only to the nail bed, exposing the white tip of the nail.
Filling and Touch Up
The absence of tips on this type of nail signifies that the person using it can spend more time with it before the gap between the nail cuticle and the acrylic on the nail bed appears.
This gap is a natural consequence of nail growth. Generally, while extensions should be refilled once every two weeks or so, solar nails can go up to three weeks before refilling is needed.
Some people with great application and are gentle with their nails can extend this time by up to four weeks.
The longer a person waits between fillings, the more likely the nails will be damaged.
Removal
The removal process for solar nails is the same as for acrylic extensions. The user should soak their hands in acetate for 10-15 minutes to soften the acrylic.
Some people just put their fingertips in a container with the chemical, but others prefer to soak with cotton balls or cloths, put them on their fingernails, and wrap their fingers in foil so the cotton or fabric stays in place.
This allows for greater mobility during the removal process. Users often need to check nail progress occasionally and re-soak or re-wrap with foil if the acrylic is not softening enough.
Once the acrylic is soft, the user wipes the nail with a clean cloth or cosmetic pad. Light rubbing with a soft nail brush sometimes speeds up the process.
The final step is to wash your hands to remove any chemical residue or odors.
What Are Solar Nail’s Advantages?
Instead of spinning the nail tray, we’ll set a record for solar nails compared to acrylic (regular) nails.
Solar nails are more durable.
As we mentioned earlier, one of the most significant benefits is the added thickness characterization of solar nails, which gives them unmatched durability compared to acrylic or gel nails.
Additionally, the extra thickness ensures that the risk of breakage/chips is significantly reduced.
But How Long Do Solar Nails Last?
Real solar nails can last three weeks (sometimes up to a month) before needing fillers, almost twice as long as typical gel nails before the entire nail needs to be replaced.
They can last longer if combined with the top layer of solar gel. Longer wear makes them more environmentally friendly as less replacement is required, which means less waste than typical acrylic nails.
Moreover, these beautiful nails retain their luster and shine for a long time compared to the average acrylic nails through washing and usage.
This means you will spend less time stroking your nails with different coats of gel polish as they will retain their shine for much longer.
Suppose you are looking for durability. You get the picture. This type of artificial nail is an excellent option. But that’s not the only difference.
Less Harsh Removal of Nails
Did we mention they’re much easier to remove than regular gel nails? Yes, it’s true.
For best results, use a simple soak in acetone for about 15 minutes and close the end of your nail experience.
Your solar nails should come off without damage or pain to your natural nails.
Typically, when removing gel nails, the remaining gel residue must be sanded off your nails, which can thin them and leave them vulnerable for some time while they heal.
Reduced Exposure to UV Rays
Thanks to a formula developed by CND, solar nails do not have to withstand UV light treatment for chemicals to cure and harden.
Within minutes, the mixture should harden and continue to set. Good luck trying out the typical extensions.
Gel/acrylic artificial nails are usually made of polymer resins and must be cured under a UV lamp to allow the formula to cure and the nails to harden.
Too much exposure to UV light is unhealthy for our bodies and can cause faster aging.
Solar nails are an excellent option for reduced exposure to UV rays.
What are Solar Nails Disadvantages?
This category of acrylic requires the technician to cover the entire nail.
This gives a certain degree of resistance and protection but also means that the nails cannot “breathe.” This can sometimes result in bacterial or fungal infections.
When a person receives an artificial acrylic tip, they can choose their desired nail length.
These nails, however, are based on the length of the natural nail, as they do not use extensions.
To begin with, if a person does not have long nails, they won’t see any improvement just by adding layers of acrylic.
Although the removal process is simple, it can take a long time. It also exposes the user to chemical vapors, which can be hazardous to health.
Pregnant or nursing women should be prudent when using removal products.
What Distinguishes Solar Nails From Other Artificial Nails?
Solar Nails Vs. Gel Nails
Gel nails are another type of nail upgrade. The gel is applied to artificial nails attached to natural nails, and then, to harden the gel, the nails are treated with ultraviolet light.
These artificial nails are easy to apply and don’t last as long as acrylic. On the other hand, solar does not use UV rays but is naturally dry to harden up.
- • Although gel nails look shinier and more natural than solar nails, they are less durable than these nails.
- Therefore, gel nails do not use chemicals and are environmentally friendly, while solar nails are not. Pregnant women should avoid them due to the presence of chemicals.
- Solar nails last longer and are cheaper than gel nails in the long run. They can also be easily fixed at home.
- Solar nails are also relatively simple to remove. Acetone is enough, while gel nails must be filed off or removed by soaking.
Solar Nails vs. Acrylic Nails
Acrylic nails have been a big part of the beauty industry. Solar nails are a type of acrylic nail but with key differences.
- Acrylics require polymer powder and liquid monomer to form a layer over natural nails. These false nail extensions are glued on natural nails, while solar nails are applied directly.
- Solar nails have a more natural appearance and are an upgrade. They have a shinier look that doesn’t fade easily. However, when it comes to acrylic, you should apply nail polish to maintain the shine, which will fade after a few days.
- • Solar nails are more durable, practical, and easier to maintain than acrylic nails. They can be easily applied. However, certain precautions are necessary when applying acrylic nails because if not applied correctly, you can have a highly artificial false look. In the worst case, you risk damaging the nail bed.
- Acrylic nails last up to two weeks, while solar nails can last up to three weeks/ or more if properly maintained. However, they have limited design possibilities.
Can You Paint Over Solar Nails?
If your choice of manicure is solar nails, you might be tempted to apply a new nail polish color.
Can you polish them, and if so, how? This problem is especially relevant weeks after a manicure, when the nails begin to grow and when a gap is visible at the bottom of the nail.
This may inspire you to want to paint your solar nails to fill the gap quickly. In general, however, this is not the best course of action.
Since solar nails are created by applying layers of acrylic to the nail, regular nail polish is unlikely to stay intact for a long period. Instead, it is likely to crack soon after application.
However, if you’re looking for a quick, temporary fix, you can polish them, and it shouldn’t harm the manicure underneath.
You may need to apply two or three coats to cover the old polish completely.
Can Solar Nails Be Polished?
Sometimes, acrylic nails, including solar nails, can suffer from scratches and scuffs that dull their ultra-shiny shine.
Can you buff your solar nails back to their original shine when this happens?
It requires some basic nail care skills, but you can polish your solar nails. You will need a nail file and acrylic nail polish, which you can usually buy at cosmetic stores.
It would be best to start by gently using a nail file on the solar nails and buffing the glossy top coat until it becomes matte. This will remove any damage to the manicure’s surface.
You can then apply a new acrylic top coat to restore the shine to your manicure. Be sure to follow the instructions for applying the polish you choose.
Should I Choose Solar Nails or Acrylic Extensions?
When you go to the salon for your manicure, you can choose between acrylic extensions or solar nails. The question remains: which one would you choose?
To answer this question, ask yourself if you want to lengthen your nails. If you do, it will be better for you to use acrylic nails that use extensions.
Do you want an elaborate design with more colors or nail art? Acrylic nails with extensions are also the best option for these styles.
Solar nails are the obvious choice if you prefer the simple elegance of a pink-and-white manicure. They are the best option if you want a natural look that is not highlighted.
Solar nail manicures also last longer than acrylic nails that come with extensions, which can easily break or damage.
