Explore all the different types of fake nails to find the right option for your next manicure!
With SO many different types of fake nails available today, it can be tricky knowing which nail type may be right for you.
From acrylic nails to gel nails, dip powder nails, and more, there are several different types of fake nails to choose from today.
However, it’s important to understand that each fake nail type differs from one another in terms of looks, application, removal, price, and more.
So, whether you’re looking for the most affordable fake nail option, or looking for the most long-lasting + durable fake nail type around, you’re in luck!
Discover all the different artificial nail types so you can uncover which fake nail type is best for your next manicure.
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What are Fake Nails?
First things first, what are fake nails?! Fake nails, or artificial nails, are nail extensions that lengthen and elevate your overall nail game.
So, whether you’re a chronic nail biter and feel self-conscious about your short fingernails, or simply looking to enhance your nail style, fake nails are a great option.
Fake nails are great because they give you the chance to showcase your style, whether it be matching your nails to your wardrobe/ aesthetic, the season, or the mood you’re in.
The opportunities are truly endless with fake nails!
The other great thing about fake nails is there is a variety of different types to choose from depending on your lifestyle/maintenance needs, price point, and the overall aesthetic you are looking to achieve.
For example, look at the difference between acrylic and gel nails. Gel nails are more natural-looking than acrylics; however, acrylic nails are more customizable according to the shape, length, and overall nail design you are looking to achieve.
Therefore, when it comes to choosing the right fake nail option for you, it comes down to considering a number of factors:
- The Overall Look of Your Nails
- The Price of Your Nails
- The Maintenance of Your Nails
- The Application + Removal Process
- And More!
So, without further ado, let’s explore the different types of fake nails with pictures so you can get a better idea of which fake nail type may be right for you.
Different Types of Fake Nails with Pictures
1. Acrylic Nails
When you think about fake nails, acrylic nails are likely the first thing to come to mind.
Acrylics are an extremely popular fake nail option thanks to their affordability, durability, and customizability.
Acrylic nails involve using an acrylic nail paste (a mixture of a powder + liquid) that is applied and sculpted to your natural nails to create your desired nail shape and length.
Once the paste is applied and shaped to your natural nails, the paste will harden and create a durable nail foundation that you can then add nail color and/or a nail design on top of.
Acrylic nails are a great fake nail option if you’re looking for a super durable and strong nail option.
However, if you’re going for more of a natural nail look, acrylics may not be it for you as they tend to appear bulkier and thicker because of the acrylic nail paste applied to your nails.
That being said if you are looking for a super strong nail that won’t chip or break easily, consider getting acrylic nails!
Keep in mind that although acrylics are highly durable, you will need a refill them every few weeks as your natural nails will begin to grow back in underneath.
Pros of Acrylic Nails
- Affordable
- Very Customizable
- Durable, Strong, and long-lasting
- Relatively low maintenance
Cons of Acrylic Nails
- Tend to look fake and bulky than other fake nails
- Can be quite damaging to your natural nails
- Difficult to apply + remove yourself at home
2. Press-On Fake Nails
If you’re looking for an easy fake nail option you can do yourself at home, try press-on nails!
Press-on nails are great if you don’t want to pay the big bucks at a professional nail salon, but still want your nails to look cute.
Today, there are SO many gorgeous press-on fake nail styles you can find across Amazon and Etsy.
However, something to keep in mind is that press-on nails, although there are many options to choose from, aren’t 100% customizable.
In other words, if you’re on the hunt for a super-specific nail look, you may have trouble finding that exact style depending on the nail design you’re going for.
That being said, press-on nails are straightforward and easy to apply yourself at home.
Plus, again press-on fake nails are usually under 20 bucks, which is typically one-third the price you’d pay after cost + tip at a nail salon.
However, press-on nails, depending on how well you apply them, typically don’t last very long on your natural nails/ tend to break off easily.
Expect your press-on fake nails to last around 1-2 weeks before some nails start to naturally fall off with wear and tear.
Pros of Press-On Nails
- Very affordable
- Can apply yourself at home
- Many different nail design options
Cons of Press-On Nails
- Don’t last as long as other fake nail options
- Cannot customize the nail look
- Tend to break off easily
3. Gel Nails
Gel nails give your nails a gorgeous glossy finish and are a great natural-looking nail option.
Unlike acrylics which tend to look bulky and fake on your natural nails, gel nails are very natural and are quite similar to wearing regular nail polish, just with gel.
Plus, gel nails are super easy to do at home with a gel nail kit!
The application and removal process of gel nails is also straightforward. After you apply your gel nail polish, you must cure your nails with a UV light. After each gel nail polish coat, you’ll then need to repeat this UV light process, keeping your nails under the light for about 1 minute to allow the polish to strengthen + dry.
Plus, removing gel nail polish is as simple as using a gel-specific nail polish remover!
Some downsides to consider with gel nails are they are typically more expensive and last less than other fake nails like acrylics.
You can expect your gel nails to last a few weeks before showing obvious signs of wear.
All in all, if you’re looking for a very natural fake nail look, a gel manicure may be right for you.
Pros of Gel Nails
- Natural-looking
- Beautiful glossy + shiny finish
- This can be done easily at home with a gel nail kit
Cons of Gel Nails
- Can be expensive
- Only lasts 2-3 weeks
- Relatively high-maintenance nail type
4. Dip Powder Nails
Dip powder nails, sometimes referred to as SNS nails, involve dipping your nails into a powder and then applying a seal coat overtop to lock the dip powder into place.
Dip powder nails are known for being super long-lasting and very low maintenance.
Dip powder manicures can typically last up to 4+ weeks without any chipping or breakage.
Not to mention, dip nails are the types of fake nails that give a more natural-looking appearance.
So, if you’re looking for a gorgeous natural nail look that can last up to 4-6 weeks, try dip powder nails!
It’s worth noting that dip powder nails tend to be on the pricier side compared to other types of fake nails like acrylics or press-on nails.
Pros of Dip Powder Nails
- Super long-lasting, chip-free manicure
- Natural-looking appearance
- Very low maintenance
Cons of Dip Powder Nails
- Pricier fake nail option
- Removal can be tricky on your own
5. Silk Wrap Nails
Silk wrap nails, as the name suggests, involve using a thin layer of silk wrapped around your natural nail to add length + strengthen your nails.
Silk wraps are a far more natural nail enhancement/lengthening fake nail option vs. other types of fake nails like acrylics.
This is because the silk is super natural and thin, making your nails appear effortlessly longer and stronger without the bulky thickness of applying acrylic paste to your nails.
Silk wrap nails are versatile in both adding length to your nails, as well as helping strengthen and protect weak or broken nails.
Silk wrap nails are a great solution if one of your nails breaks off because you can apply the silk wrap over the nail so 1) it doesn’t look obvious you broke a nail and 2) it helps strengthen and give your natural nail time to heal.
Therefore, silk wraps are versatile and very natural-looking; however, the main downside is the price of silk wrap nails.
You can expect to pay upwards of $60+ for silk wrap nails, making this a more expensive type of fake nail option on this list.
Pros of Silk Wrap Nails
- Lightweight and natural-looking
- Enhances the length of your natural nails
- Helps protect and strengthen broken or brittle nails
Cons of Silk Wrap Nails
- Can get pricey fast
- Not really necessary unless you have weak, broken, or brittle nails
6. Shellac Nails
Shellac nails are gel nail polish mixed with regular nail polish. Therefore, shellac nails give you the best of both worlds when it comes to gel and traditional manicures.
Unlike gel nails which are a type of nail look with many different gel nail polish distributors, Shellac is a patented brand from one manufacturer, Creative Nail Design (CND).
Therefore, think of Shellac nails more as a brand of nail polish that is a mix between gel and regular nail polish.
Shellac nails give you the best of both worlds: a chip-free manicure found in gel with the ease + shine found in regular nail polish.
Like gel nails, shellac nails require UV light to cure your nails and harden them.
Shellac nails are super long-lasting without being as thick as your typical gel manicure.
Therefore, if you’ve been looking for a good in-between from regular polish and gel polish, shellac nails are it!
It’s worth noting too that unlike gel nail polish which you can do yourself at home, Shellac nail treatments are a salon-only nail treatment.
So, if you are exclusively looking for types of fake nails you can do in the comfort of your home, you can count out Shellac nails.
Pros of Shellac Nails
- Natural-looking appearance
- Good mix of gel + regular polish
- Chip-free, long-wearing manicure
Cons of Shellac Nails
- Cannot do it at home yourself
7. Polygel Nails
Here’s another combo for you– polygel nails!
Polygel nails are a combination of gel and acrylic nails or a hybrid between the two popular types of fake nails.
After the nail is prepped to its desired shape, the Polygel is applied to your nails in a small amount and is shaped to your desired nail length + shape.
Once the Polygel is sculpted to your liking, your nails then are cured under a UV lamp, and a gel top coat is applied.
Polygel nails give you the best of both worlds when it comes to gel nails + acrylics.
So, if you’re looking for more strong and durable nails that won’t break, but also give you a flexible and natural-looking appearance seen in a gel manicure, consider getting a Polygel manicure!
Pros of Polygel Nails
- Hybrid between gel and acrylic nails
- Lasts longer than your traditional manicure
- Strong + durable, but also lightweight
Cons of Polygel Nails
- More on the expensive side
- Can cause damage to your natural nails
- A rather difficult removal process
FAQs
Which Fake Nails Look the Most Real?
Typically, the types of fake nails that look the most real are the ones that are the most flexible + lightweight. Therefore, consider getting a gel, dip powder, or shellac manicure if you are looking for a natural-looking manicure.
What are the Least Damaging Artificial Nails?
Acrylics are one of the most damaging fake nail types. Consider sticking with gel or dip powder if you have more damaged and weak nails as they tend to not be as harsh on your natural nails.
Which Fake Nail Type Lasts the Longest?
Dip powder nails are arguably the best fake nail type that lasts the longest! Dip powder nails can typically last upwards of 4-6 weeks with zero chips or breakage.
How Often Will I Have to Get My Fake Nails Done?
This all depends on the type of fake nail you decide to go with. Depending on the fake nail option you select will determine how frequently you’ll need to get your nails done.
For example, more long-wearing nail options like dip powder can last upwards of 4-6 weeks. However, if you get a gel manicure, you’ll likely experience chips/ wear within 2-3 weeks.
Or, press-on fake nails can fall off in just 1-2 weeks!
Regardless of the type of nail option you choose, it’s important to realize ALL types of fake nails require some sort of maintenance/ upkeep to a certain extent.
On average, expect to have to get your fake nails done every few weeks!
Final Thoughts: Which Type of Fake Nails Are Best?
There you have it, all the different types of fake nails you can try! With so many options to choose from, it can sometimes be tricky to know which artificial nail option is right for you.
When deciding which type to choose it comes down to 3 main factors: appearance, cost, and longevity.
If you want to save money and have your nails look great for a single special occasion, consider press-on nails.
However, if you are willing to splurge more on your nails and make them last and look super natural, other types of fake nails like polygel or dip powder nails are great options.
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