Building and strengthening nails with silk: why it’s better than gel and tips

Maybe you need silk to get the best of both worlds.

As you have probably already guessed, silk extension (it is also silk wrap) consists in the fact that a thin silk fabric is glued to the nail, which pumps its strength and length up to level 80. This method is not new, but it has recently become popular again.

“This technique existed in the 80s, but today interest has woken up again. People love nails that look and feel more natural,” says Tina Wang, nail technician and owner of her own salon in New York.

As Tina explains, floss can be used for a variety of purposes: it can be used to fix a broken nail, rebuild everything, or just make them stronger. Some beauty bloggers on TikTok say they use wraps to grow their own nails without breaking or delaminating.

Do you want to know how a silk manicure is done? This video will help you understand how it differs from building with acrylic or gel tips.

Tina says silk is a great addition to a manicure. “It’s fabric, not plastic. It is more flexible and breathable, has a more natural look and, thanks to its porosity, better imitates a natural nail,” explains the manicurist. Another advantage, according to Wang, is a gentle removal procedure: removing the floss doesn’t hurt the nail as much as getting rid of acrylic tips or gel.

“It’s a great option for people with weak or damaged nails,” says Wang. In addition, silk extensions are suitable for those who wish to make extensions using materials that reproduce as closely as possible the structure and appearance of natural plates. However, if your nails are strong and not marred by the tips and gel, you don’t need tissue – the only exception will be when you have to deal with damage to one of the fingers.

Read also: What the nails look like for a woman who’s been doing extensions and manicures with gel polish for 15 years: now she’s given it all up!