What Is a Silk Wrap for Fingernails

If You've Wondered What is a Silk Wrap for Fingernails…

If you've ever pondered over the various elements used to make fingernails look beautiful – gels, wraps and acrylics are just a few of them – you may also have some interest in using them. Of course, it helps to know what you're getting into first! Silk wraps are essentially synthetic reinforcements for the nail. Constructed of silk, these fabric pieces are cut and shaped to fingernail size and applied to the actual nail with sealant. Once dry, the silk wrap is smoothed out with a buffer. The result is a smooth, flawless look with a delicate sheen.

What Makes Silk Wrap a Smart Choice

Silk wrap nails definitely lend the nails an attractive look and are a great choice if your nails are weak, brittle, cracked or otherwise damaged. The material is thin and delicate, so it is gentler on the nails than other options, like acrylic. Due to their fragility, silk wraps are typically not a good choice for those who lead very active lifestyles, participate in sports or engage regularly in manual labor.

Potential Damage

Although they are gentle, silk wraps can still damage the natural nail, so it is important to ensure that you or the nail technician know exactly how to apply and remove them. Improper removal, for example, can lead to visible damage of the natural nail. The nails must be filed prior to silk wrap application, and if done roughly, the nails can become damaged over time.

Proper removal of any synthetic nail type is important. Anyone who's experienced difficulty in removing acrylics knows just how frustrating it can be to maintain strong nails after subjecting them to such trauma during the removal process. Silk wrap removal can be just as harrowing to the natural nail as acrylic and gel removal.

Proper Removal

There's nothing worse for the natural nail than the scratches, rips and tears that result when artificial nails are improperly removed. Though it's best to have your nails removed at a salon, it is possible to do it yourself in the comfort of your own home. The key is to research your steps beforehand and be aware of any damage that may occur. Exercise special care when taking on this task yourself – take as much time as necessary and be patient.

1. Begin by filling a bowl with an acetone nail polish remover.
2. Soak your fingernails in the remover for two minutes.
3. Using an acetone-dampened cotton ball, run it over the silk wrap on each nail.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 until all of the silk wraps have been removed.
5. Wash your hands thoroughly.
6. Finish with a nourishing, thick moisturizer, paying special attention to the fingernail and cuticle areas. Acetone is quite drying, so this is essential.

Other Uses for Silk Wraps

You may now understand just what is a silk wrap for fingernails, but it has another use beyond just making the nails look pretty. It's also used to temporarily coat a damaged nail. This is ideal because it allows the damaged nail to grow out (as opposed to cutting the nail off as soon as it becomes damaged).

Silk wraps are also excellent for securing together damaged artificial nails. Acting as a "glue" for reinforcing synthetics that are damaged or cracked, it can be applied in several layers to ensure a sufficient amount of protection.

Silk Wrap Products

If you're using silk wrap to strengthen your nails or protect your tips, you can rely on these products to help you.

• Orly Nail Armor Liquid Silk Wrap: Made of genuine silk fibers, this wrap creates a smooth canvas and can be worn underneath polish if desired.

• OPI Ridge Filler: This product contains natural silk and is formulated to smooth out uneven nails and make color application flawless.