If you have thought about getting nail extensions, you may have heard the terms “nail tips” and “nail forms.” What exactly do these terms signify, and how are they different from one another?
In this post, we’ll break down the critical distinctions between nail tips and nail forms, as well as discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each method for achieving stunning nail art.
What’s the Difference Between Nail Tips and Nail Forms?
You can achieve perfectly long nails by using either nail tips or nail forms, as we’ve discussed. Below, we’ll go through each one in detail to explain what it is.
Nails Tips
Nail tips are artificial nails that are performed and molded from plastic. The gel or acrylic that makes up the extension is painted on the tip of the nail.
As for nail tips, there are two different primary types:
Full Coverage
They have full coverage, which means they encase the entire nail plate like press-on extensions.
Partial Coverage
These tips are simply attached to the tip or edge of your natural nails, providing only partial coverage of your natural nail.
Steps to Putting On Nail Tips
- It is essential that the nail tip precisely match the size and form of the natural nail plate to provide a snug fit and to prevent any harm to the original nail. Many various-sized nail tips are available, and they may be filed and buffed to fit any nail.
- After making sure the nail tip’s sides are aligned with the normal nail, a dab of nail glue is applied where the nail tip meets the nail bed. Wait 10 seconds and use tweezers or a pinching tool to ensure the edges are firmly adhered to.
- Once the nail tips have been adhered to, you may trim them and file them into the appropriate shape before adding gel or acrylic.
Benefits of Nail Tips
- The use of nail tips is simple and straightforward for novices.
- The beauty of one’s nails is dramatically improved with nail tips.
- They build a foundation that is solid and dependable.
Drawbacks of Nail Tips
- It takes a long time to fill out the application because of how detailed the procedure is.
- The nail bed may be harmed because of the stress caused by the tips of the nails.
- They might be less subtle and appear thicker than real.
Nail Forms
Nail Forms, often composed of paper, can be glued under the nail tip, whereas foil forms are easier to apply. Holding nail extension products in place while it dries or hardens, can be employed.
Once the nail product has hardened and can stand up on its own, the forms may be removed.
The length and contour of your acrylic or gel extensions may be easily determined with the help of a guide on the nail form. Be sure to align them properly and firmly attach them to the surface before applying. There’s no need to use adhesive; arrange them and apply gel or acrylic right away!
How to Use Nail Forms
While the nail tips are affixed to the surface of the nail using adhesive, the nail forms are positioned right under the nail. In order to hold them in place, they are wrapped around each finger like stickers. Before beginning application, make sure that the nail form fits the finger firmly and has the correct shape for the nail.
Benefits of Nail Forms
- Most people agree that once you’ve learned them, nail shapes are far simpler to apply than nail tips.
- They are also easier to use because there are fewer steps involved once you get the feel of them.
- Fewer tools and materials are needed for nail art when using forms.
- The final product is typically thinner and more subtle than when employing nail tips.
Drawbacks of Nail Forms
- Nail art that involves the use of shapes might be trickier to accomplish.
- This might make the process slower initially.
- Nail shapes may be less common than standard nail tips; thus, clients may be unfamiliar with them.
Nail Tips vs. Nail Forms -Which one is better?
Nail Forms-produced nail extensions have a higher success rate of staying put than those manufactured using other methods. Nail form extensions are stronger and last longer than nail tip extensions because of this.
Nail tips, on the other hand, often rely on nail adhesive in order to stick to your nail plate. The effectiveness of nail glue also varies by brand and application technique.
However, nail forms ensure that the extension product adheres securely to the nail plate, extending the life of the nail art.
What are the Best Options for Nail Tips or Nail Forms?
The most notable difference between a nail tip and a nail form is that the former remains on the nail after the extension procedure is complete, whereas nail forms are only used during the extension process and are then removed later. On the other hand, the tip of the nail is permanently attached to the nail.
Nail forms, as opposed to nail tips, clearly result in lighter (less heavy) nail extensions. This, however, does not render nail tips a poor fashion decision. If you apply nail tips correctly, they will last longer.
You don’t have time to grow out your natural nails, don’t worry; nail tips may be put over any nail type. However, in order to utilize nail forms successfully, your natural nails must first grow a little.
Bottom Line
When compared to nail tips, nail shapes are more practical and realistic-looking.
When it comes to nail extensions, there is no such thing as doing anything correctly or incorrectly! Both have their advantages and disadvantages, as you can see, but we hope that by explaining the distinction between the two, we have made it easier for you to choose one over the other.
Frequently Asked Questions-FAQs
Which one looks better?
Natural nail forms, as opposed to nail tips, will offer your nails a slimmer, more refined look. This is due to the fact that, unlike nail tip extensions, form-made extensions won’t have an extra plastic layer.
Alternatively, you may get a fuller, more robust look with the help of Nail Tips.
Using Nail Forms, you may adjust the curve and shape of your extensions with more ease.
Which works with any type of nail?
In order to make nail extensions that will fit any nail shape, nail forms are very adaptable. If your nail plate isn’t perfectly smooth, they’re also an excellent option.
However, nail tips would require substantial filing and polishing in order to fit your nails snugly.
Which one is more affordable?
It won’t make a difference in price whether your nail extensions are made from tips or forms. However, nail technicians incur additional costs when working with zero tips. This is due to the fact that the nail technician is required to utilize plastic tips, which are significantly more costly than forms.