If you’ve considered nail extensions something of a gulity pleasure then prepare to wear them with pride. Hot on the heels of the latest Autumn collections, where nail guru Marian Newman seduced the FROW with show-stopping sheer-tipped extensions at Gareth Pugh and Vivienne Westwood, they’re officially back on the beauty agenda.
Fitted elegantly to your natural nail (and not to be confused with gels that simply add strength and lustre to your real nail without any plastic tip), the new breed of extensions couldn’t be further away from the thick, square tipped, talons of the past. Infact, it would take an expert to tell them apart from a home grown set. Almond in shape, slim in width and opaque in effect, it’s no wonder even the most minimalistic of style mavens have been swayed away from their signature squoval manicure.
Need a little background on nail terminology? Fake nails come in two types – extensions (also known as tips) and overlays. Extensions are made from lightweight plastic that is glued directly onto the ends of your nails, and secured with acrylic or gel, and overlays skip the extension step, with the acrylic or gel being applied directly onto your natural nails to add strength and shine. For this specific style, to achieve those long modelesque nails you see on Rihanna, Beyonce and Rita Ora, it’s extensions all the way.
What salon to go to? If you’re in London head to Colour Riot Nails in Fitzrovia or The Nail Boutique in Chelsea for the best sets of extensions. In Manchester we love Preened & Polished, Leeds locals should try Q61 Nail & Beauty Studio, and Beauty Room Third Floor in Liverpool and House of Glamour in Glasgow are great spots for a set of bang on trend acrylics. Get booking now…
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FAQs
How are nail extensions different from gel nails?
Nail extensions use lightweight plastic tips to add length to your natural nails, while gel nails simply add strength and shine without any plastic tip. Extensions are glued onto the ends of your nails and secured with acrylic or gel, making them ideal if you want longer nails quickly.
What is the difference between nail extensions and overlays?
Nail extensions, also called tips, involve attaching lightweight plastic to the ends of your natural nails. Overlays skip the extension step and apply acrylic or gel directly onto your own nail for strength and shine. If you want significant added length, extensions are the better choice.
Which places offer the best nail extensions in London?
Colour Riot Nails in Fitzrovia and The Nail Boutique in Chelsea are recommended for impressive nail extensions in London. These salons are known for delivering elegant, on-trend results with high-quality application.
What style are modern nail extensions shaped and finished in?
Modern nail extensions are typically almond-shaped, slim in width, and have an opaque finish. This elegant, natural look has moved away from the thick, square-tipped styles of the past and appeals even to those who usually prefer minimal manicures.
Where can you get trendy nail extensions outside London?
You can book at Preened & Polished in Manchester, Q61 Nail & Beauty Studio in Leeds, Beauty Room Third Floor in Liverpool, and House of Glamour in Glasgow. These salons are highlighted as top choices for stylish, on-trend acrylic extensions in their areas.