Artificial nail tips are made of very thin plastic which is shaped to fit individual fingernails and glued into place over your natural nail. A sculptured nail product, such as acrylic, is then used to build up and even out the nail's appearance. After the nail tip and sculptured nail product are applied, the nail technician will usually file and buff the nails until they are thinner and more natural looking. As with sculptured nails and overlays, nail tips need to be filled in about every two weeks. Nail tips can be a great way to stop the habit of biting your nails or a quick way to improve the appearance of your nails for a special occasion or evening out. However, there are some negative factors to consider. Nail glue can be damaging to your natural nail bed and may leave nicks and small tears when the nail tip is removed. The chemicals in the nail glue and sculptured nail product will also weaken your natural nails. Although your nails will grow underneath the nail tip, they won't be as hard and strong when the tip is removed because of the chemical damage. Of course, the amount of nail bed damage depends upon the length of time you have the tips over your natural nails.
