Everything To Know About Silk Wrap Nails! (Pros & Cons!)

Silk wrap nails have been around for quite a while, but they have dipped in popularity a few times. However, there is no reason for them to fall out of popularity again, and they are actually becoming the first-choice nail technique for many people.

This type of nail technique is ideal for those who want a shorter manicure and a more delicate appearance, and for those who want to learn how to do their nails at home.

I literally just learned about them, so like all things I wanted to learn MORE!

So, what are silk wrap nails?

Silk wrap nails are fairly self-explanatory. They are created by wrapping small silk pieces over the nail to strengthen the nail and add some length. They are known to create less damage to the natural nail, and they can enhance natural nails without needing to add too much length.

If silk wrap nails sound like something that you might be interested in, then read on to find out more about them, the pros and cons, and whether they are the right nails for you!

What Are Silk Wrap Nails?

Silk wrap nails are a popular choice for those who have shorter nails, and who are not after too much length. It is done by wrapping pieces of silk over the natural nail to create a silky finish and a stronger natural nail.

Silk nails give beautiful, silky results, and they do very minimal damage to the nail, so you get to enjoy the beauty of the finish with very few cons.

You can still decorate and embellish silk wrap nails as you would with gel or acrylic nails, so you aren’t limited with your creativity at all!

Are Silk Wrap Nails Good For Your Nails?

Silk wrap nails are actually fairly good for your natural nails, and they do not do as much damage as gel or acrylic nails.

The silk wrap creates a protective layer over the nail, protecting it from outside elements, from chips, and from drying out.

The silk does little damage to your nails, as it is not as abrasive as some of the other nail techniques, and the removal process isn’t that bad either.

Silk wrap nails help to give your nails a beautiful finish, but it also helps give them protection and reinforcement, which is great for brittle nails.

What Is The Difference Between Silk Wrap And Gel Nails

Gel nails are incredibly popular, and for good reason, but what is the difference between gel nails and silk wrap nails, and which is the better option?

Both gel nails and silk wrap nails give you beautiful nails at a fairly affordable price, but which one is better for you depends on what you are wanting to get out of your nail treatment.

If you are wanting a nail application that helps to reinforce and protect weak nails, and for long-lasting results, then silk wrap nails are a great choice. However, if you want creative finishes and regular maintenance, then gel is a better option.

Silk wrap nails last for quite some time, they provide strength to weak nails, they have a beautiful silky finish, and they are fairly easy to do.

Gel nails are also long-lasting, they have a beautiful finish, but they can cause damage to nails and are not suited to be used on weak and brittle nails.

Both silk wrap and gel nails need maintenance and in-filling to keep them looking great, but this is fairly standard with most nail applications.

How Long Do Silk Wrap Nails Last

Silk wrap nails last for a similar amount of time compared to gel and acrylic nails.

If cared for properly, silk wrap nails can last for up to two weeks, and you would have to go for in-fills and maintenance every week and a half to two weeks.

How long silk wrap nails last will depend on how you care for them, and how well they were prepared, including the condition of the nails before preparation. 

How often your nails are exposed to water will also alter the lifespan of the silk wrap nails. If your hands are dipped in water often and get wet daily, then they might not make it two weeks and you could have to go for maintenance before this.

Are Silk Wrap Nails Expensive?

One of the benefits of silk wrap nails is that they really are not that expensive. Often, they can actually cost less than gel or acrylic, as they are easier to apply and require fewer materials than the other two options.

The one problem you will find with silk wrap nails is finding a technician who actually offers the service. Most nail salons offer gel or acrylic, and very few have silk wrap services, so while it is more affordable than the other two, it is harder to come by.

Pros And Cons Of Silk Wrap Nails

One of the best ways to tell whether or not silk wrap nails are best for you is to know the pros and cons.

Here are the pros and cons of silk wrap nails:

Pros Of Silk Wrap Nails:

Strengthen Nails

Possibly the biggest benefit to using silk wrap nails is that they help to reinforce and strengthen your nails. The silk adds structure to the nail, and the resin then hardens and sets this further.

The silk and resin mix helps to prevent chips, splits, and cracks, and it offers a great way for your nails to grow and stay protected as they grow.

They Look Natural

Silk nails look as natural as possible on your nail beds. They do not add heaviness to your nails and don’t look too bulky. The benefit is that your nails also feel natural after applications as well.

There is no need to cover up silk wrap nails with color or designs if you do not want to, as they look as natural as your nails already.

They Are Lightweight

Often, gel or acrylic nails can feel heavy and thick, which isn’t always the most comfortable feeling. Silk wrap nails on the other hand are lightweight and breathable, so they almost feel as though there is nothing there.

The application of silk wrap nails is thinner than gel and acrylic, and they are flexible too, so there isn’t too much pressure put onto the natural nail.

Covers Up Breakages

If you have put your nails through damage from gel or acrylic applications, and they now have breaks and scratches, silk wrap nails can help to hide these and give your nails a perfect appearance again.

Silk wrap nails help cover up scratches, marks, and discoloration, without adding to the damage already done.

They Are Easy To Apply

Silk wrap nails are easy to apply and you only need a few materials to get them applied. Because of this, you can actually learn to apply them at home. You also do not need a UV lamp to apply silk wrap nails either, and the removal is easy too.

With some practice and help from videos online, you can easily learn to apply your own silk wrap nails at home.

Cons Of Silk Wrap Nails:

Damage From Moisture

Moisture can affect how long silk nails last, as they can be water-soluble. So excess exposure to moisture and water can cause the silk wrap nails to peel away or chip easier than they should, and they definitely will not last for that long either.

However, you can apply a sealant to your nails to try and protect it from excess moisture.

Not As Strong As Other Techniques

Silk is a thin material, and because of this, the silk wrap nails might not be as tough as acrylic, gel, or dip nails.

Yes, they are used to strengthen and protect your nails, but they are not as strong as some of the other options.

Less Length Achieved

Silk wrap nails are not ideal for those who want to gain a lot of length on their nails. They can be used to add some length, but if you are looking for quite a drastic change, then gel or acrylic would be a better option.

There are tips and other accessories you can use to add length to your nails with silk wrapping, but they might not be as strong as some of the other options.

How Silk Wrap Nails Are Applied

The application of silk wrap nails is considerably easy compared to some of the other options, which means that you can learn to do them at home on your own.

Here is a quick run-down of how silk wrap nails are applied:

1. Hands and nails are cleaned well, making sure to remove any oils, products, and debris that might affect how the nails turn out.
2. The surface of the nails are buffed down lightly, which allows the silk and the adhesive to bond to the nail bed better, and to be longer-lasting.
3. Pieces of special silk are cut down to the correct shape to fit each nail.
4. These cut pieces of silk are placed onto the nail, with a little bit hanging off, and this is then painted over with a sealant. The sealant is water-soluble so it needs to stay dry.
5. After the sealant is dried thoroughly, the nails can then be buffed down again to give them a more even finish and to smooth them out.
6. The nails are then painted, either with a glossy coat, a color shade, or decorated with accessories.

This really is a simple process, but you will need some practice before getting it completely right. 

How Are Silk Wrap Nails Removed?

One of the many benefits of silk wrap nails is that they are really easy to remove. As the sealant is usually water-soluble, you just need some water to remove them. However, there are some resin sealants that would need to be removed using acetone.

To do this, you can place some acetone nail polish remover into a bowl, and allow your nails to sit in this for up to 2 minutes (you might need longer if the silk wrap is stubborn) After allowing them to soak, you can then gently wipe across the nail with a cotton swab dipped in acetone.

The silk wrap should be removed easily this way, but if it isn’t, then you can repeat the process until all of the silk wrap is removed.

STOP: Check out these summer nails that are TOO hot to handle!

Who Are Silk Wrap Nails Best Suited For?

Silk wrap nails might not be the best option for everyone, but for many, they are a good choice for protecting brittle and damaged nails and still having your nails look beautiful.

Silk wrap nails are ideal for those who do not want the heaviness that gel and acrylic nails give, and for those who are not really bothered with using stick-on nails either.

They are also ideal for those who want to do their nails at home using an easy yet lasting technique. Another benefit is that silk wrap nails are free from primers and acrylic, which can help those with allergies or sensitive skin.

Using silk nails will also help you grow your nails out, as it protects weaker nails and doesn’t do damage to your growing nails either.

For those who have naturally weak nails and who want some added strength, silk nail wraps are a great option, and are sure to help you protect your nails, and reinforce them, as you allow them to grow.

Looking for more nail inspiration? Check out nexgen nails and these cute short nail ideas, black ombre nails, sunflower nail ideas, and gorgeous white marble nails

Silk Wrap Nails

Silk wrap nails might not be as popular as gel or acrylic, but they are great for so many reasons. They help protect your nails as they grow, making them ideal for weak and brittle nails, and you do not have to sacrifice any of your favorite colors or designs.

You can also learn to apply silk wrap nails at home if you want, as it is an easy application and you do not need a wide range of accessories to apply them either!

Take a read through all of the above to find out whether or not silk wrap nails are right for you!