Nail Wraps

I remember the first time I got my nails done. I believe I was with my best friend in 8th grade and it was my birthday. We had our nails done with acrylics. In a few short weeks, the nails began to break off tearing our nails with them (we were in 8th grade with no means of keeping them up). Since then, I've had acrylic nails a total of 3 times (all in high school). Since tearing them up those three times, I've vowed never to do something so heinous to my fingernails ever again.

I LOVE doing fun nail designs and painting my nails different colors, but I have a huge problem with my nails peeling. My friend Lindsey told me about how the stylist at Younkers does fiberglass wraps on nails. Seeing the strength and opportunity for growth it gave Lindsey's nails made me so excited.

Today I got my nails done for the first time. I was interested to see how it worked since I had done no prior research. Your nails are cleaned and buffed. This is followed by a couple of coats of a binding agent. The nail artist uses is a thin piece of fiberglass fiber. It's like a thin piece of fabric. Then more bonding agent is applied over the fiber glass. It is buffed and shaped. The result is a thin, strong result that can be worn itself or have polish applied over it.

I have to say that I am in love. The finish of my polishes is incredible over the fiberglass. After a full 24 hours, I have no chipping which is a miracle for me. I'm so excited to see the length that I get from keeping it up.

Karla told me that at first I'll need to have them done every three weeks. But as time goes on that can slide to about four. The process costs $30 which is a great deal if it's just once a month. And you can polish your nails yourself whenever you feel like a change provided you use non-acetone remover.

Nails Tutorial 1

This is one of my favorite nail looks that I do for myself. It's traditional and subdued enough for a job interview, but fun and artful. Here is how I do my signature nail. Start with clean, trimmed nails. Be sure to allow ample drying time between each coat and step. Watch the video below to see me in action.

1. Base Coat - I use Nail Envy for my thin nails and apply two coats. If you're using a regular base coat, just use one coat.

2. Base Color - Apply two thin layers of your favorite soft color base. I use "Sheer Your Toys" by OPI for this video, but I often wear "Tickle My Francey" by OPI.

3. White Design - Create a diagonal design across the nail by using heavy pressure at the beginning of the stroke and slowly lightening the pressure as you sweep across the nail. I like to do two or three lines across with a slightly different curve to each. This is fluid and free-hand. Not all of your nails have to match. I used LA Colors Art Deco nail art in white.

4. Sparkle - I finish off the nail with a sparkly top coat. I use Sephora by OPI's "Flurry Up!" I sweep the sparkle over the white lines.

Allow your nails to dry. Clean up any polish mishaps with a q-tip and polish remover. Enjoy the compliments!