NAIL EXTENSIONS
Gel system
Different layers of gels are applied on the nail surface and then hardened by a UV light. This method is the most required and revolutionary and assures a perfect natural appearance. There are two different kinds of gel reconstruction: one-phase and 3-phases. In the first method the gel is applied in a unique operation. Anyway the use of a adhesion promoter is strongly suggested. One-phase gel is self levelling. The thin viscosity allows the gel to be perfectly shaped on the natural nail plate. The 3-phases method is composed by three steps: 1) application of a layer of adhesion promoter; 2) application of a layer of building gel; 3) application of a final layer of sealer gel. The 3-phases method assures a solid structure. The filing is necessary.

Acrylic system
Acrylic is the most famous and traditional method of nail reconstrution. Since 40's it has been successfully used in America. At the contrary in Europe acrylic system didn't spread largely because of the economic difficulties in that period. The basic chemical element in acrylic is the methyl methacrylate. The compound used in nail reconstruction is formed by liquid monomers, polymers powder (pink, white or clear) and methacrylic acid (primer). Liquid and powders have to be mixed together to be applied. Before applying it is necessary to clean the nail surface using methacrylic acid so the adhesion would be perfect.
The main disadvantages of acrylic are the large aggressiveness on the nail, the poor elasticity and the short duration. Moreover infections and nail diseases are frequent. To wipe away acrylic layers you have to dip the nail into a remover or aceton for 15 minutes.

Fibreglass and Silk system
This traditional technique has been known for a long time but it has not been as successful as acrylic system. The materials involved in this method are: silk or fibreglass, fibreglass gel, cynacrilat adhesive, an activator to harden the gel.
The silk or fibreglass is directly applied on the nail plate and then covered by fibreglass gel. An activator provides to harden the gel. Using this method makes the work easier, quicker and cheaper. On the other hand it is impossible to model the shape of the nail. Moreover the fibreglass reconstruction lasts much less than the other systems and it is not possible to refill. To remove the fibreglass proceed as in the acrylic system.