Nail extensions have instantly become an admired cosmetic in beauty routines, they now stand as the easiest way to achieve long nails.
Whether you’re preparing for a special event or just want the nails of your dream at home with less maintenance-time invested in them. Knowing how long these nail extensions typically last can help you plan your visits ahead to your favorite nail salon, all while keeping them healthy.
We’ll find out the lifespan of different types of nail extensions, the factors influencing their longevity, from your daily activities to attention to nail care, and apply methods to make them last longer.
We’ll also discuss the signs which indicate when it is time for a new set, to make sure that your nails are always fresh and to allow your nails to remain looking fresh longer than ever before.
What Are Nail Extensions?
To make it simple, nail extensions are artificial nails that are applied over natural nails, the purpose of this is to add length and ornamentation. They are one of the quickest ways to get short, brittle nails into long, elegant ones.
Nail extensions can take on multiple forms. Following your personal preference, they can be modified in terms of materials and style to be applied, shape and length.
This makes them both attractive and strong protectors for natural nails. They are also well-suited to individuals who have weak or damaged nails.
So, what are the different kinds of nail extensions and their lifespans?
Types of Nail Extensions and Their Lifespan
You can go for any of the following types of nail extension, how long they last will depend on your choice and other factors. Let’s find out how long some of the nail extensions usually survive though:
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Acrylic Nail Extensions
Acrylic nail extensions typically last for 6-8 weeks with proper maintenance, requiring fills every 2-3 weeks as natural nails grow on them. What makes acrylics notable is because of their strength which is what makes them popular today.
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Gel Nail Extensions:
Gel extensions are known for their natural appearance and easy- to-wear quality. They are not as easy to chip or crack as compared with acrylics. It is for this reason that more and more women choose gel over other options (especially those looking for natural beauty).
These nail extensions usually last for 2-4 weeks. It depends on how the material is applied and cared-Fill in each time they grow out. They give a glossy finish and can be easily removed without risking the natural nail.
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BIAB Nails (Builder in A Bottle):
Usually last for 3-4 weeks. They’re tougher than acrylics and require less frequent follow-up visits. However, a person can still easily reverse them if she wants to take them off or switch to another style of nail extension.
It is great for those who simply want to have longer-lasting manicures without committing themselves to traditional extensions.
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Poly Gel Nails:
Poly Gel nail extension typically lasts 3-4 weeks and requires infills every other week or so. They are less likely to cause lifting and easier than traditional acrylics in general.
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Soft Gel Nail Tips:
Soft gel nail tips are pre-formed tips made from soft gel which is applied to the natural nail to create an extension, providing a light and natural-looking extension that can be easily customized.
Soft gel nail tips can last for 2-3 weeks and are kinder to natural nails than traditional acrylics or hard gels.
How to Make Nail Extensions Last Longer?
The lifespan of your nail extensions depends on a few factors, a very common one is the natural growth of your nails. You can keep your nail extensions looking their best until your next visit to the nail salon. Here’s how you can make your nail extensions last longer:
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Aftercare and Maintenance:
After getting your extensions, don’t use your nails as tools, seeing as this may lead to chipping or breaking them.
Beware of activities that put pressure on your nails, such as opening cans, pounding the keys of a keyboard, or using your nails to scrape things.
When doing household chores, especially when using cleaning products which contain chemicals that are harsh on nails, wear gloves in order to shield your nails from these substances.
Cuticle oil can be applied regularly to keep your nails and cuticles moist, and you can also apply a topcoat every few days to protect them against chipping and add some luster.
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Touch-Ups:
You can schedule regular appointments with your nail technician for touch-ups and infills. This will keep your nails looking fresh and can fix any lifting or damage before it becomes a bigger problem.
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Quality of Products:
Well-made nail extension products generally last longer and look better. It may make a big difference if you invest in known brands.
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Trusted Nail Salon or Nail Spa Selection:
Choosing the right nail salon or nail spa service is important for the health and durability of your nail extensions. A good nail salon will surely provide you with high-quality, professional service in a clean environment staffed with experienced nail technicians who are dedicated.
Don’t look further than a nail spa with good reviews and a good reputation in your community.
Just a tip: When selecting a nail salon, attention to Hygiene and Sanitation are important to avoid potential infections and other complications. Ensure that the nail salon follows guidelines for the sterilization of tools.
Signs It’s Time to Get Your Nail Extensions Replaced
Keeping a watchful eye on your nail extensions allows them to look their best. However, over time, natural wear takes its toll. Do any of this sound familiar?
The first sign is lifting or peeling edges – a clear sign of wear. Your natural nail may also start to emerge from under extensions that have grown out.
Another tell-tale indication is discomfort, especially pain. While temporary, if left unchecked, it could develop into something more serious. For healthy, long-lasting nails, replacements are in order at the first signs of trouble.
Conclusion
Each nail extension has its own appeal and durability, but practicing a good aftercare is what makes the difference. Regardless of whether you cherish acrylics, gels, or any other nail extensions of your preference, your style of maintaining them can preserve your nail extensions look for as long as possible.
Make sure that if you notice any indications that it’s time for a replacement, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment at the nail salon to keep your nails in top shape. If you neglect your routine care, it can cause your extensions to split much sooner than expected.
Don’t just enjoy the look of your nail extensions, also consider how your actions can affect the health of your natural nails.
