Silk Wrap Manicure
There are plenty of options when it comes to nail extensions and enhancements, but what about a natural option that preserves and strengthens your nails instead of damaging them? Enter the silk wrap manicure.
The process involves a thin woven strip of natural silk or artificial fabric being applied to the damaged nail and then covered with resin or adhesive. This is typically done in tandem with a regular gel or acrylic manicure.
How It Works
A new TikTok trend is re-popularising an old nail trick to repair cracked and damaged nails without damaging them. Essentially, silk wraps are like bandages for your nails, covering the breakage area and preventing it from fracturing further.
Applying the silk wraps is relatively quick and easy. “Apply your chosen adhesive or resin to the natural nail, being careful not to touch the cuticles,” says Chue. “Then cut the silk wrap to size and apply, being sure there are no air pockets and that it’s bonded well. You may need to use an accelerator if using resin.”
You’ll need to get your silk wraps infilled every 2-3 weeks to address any lifting or growth of the natural nails underneath. Regular infills also rebalance the nails helping them to stay strong and healthy. This is also a great option for those who suffer from dry and brittle nails as it prevents them from becoming too damaged to wear gel or acrylics.
Preparation
Silk wraps are a great option for those looking to strengthen their nails and have them look natural. The procedure is usually applied on shorter nails and helps to keep them durable while still maintaining a pretty aesthetic.
The application process is fairly straightforward. Firstly, the nails are prepped by filing them and clearing away any nail polish residue or glue residue. A small amount of nail glue or resin is then added to the nail and brushed in. This gives the silk wrap something to stick to.
The wrap is then shaped to fit the nail and any cracks or breaks. Once the wrap is glued on it is sprayed with an accelerator to ensure that it dries quickly. After that the nail is buffed to smooth out the surface and polished. It is important not to peel or pick the nail wraps off as this can cause serious damage to the natural nail underneath.
Application
Unlike acrylics, silk wraps don’t weaken natural nails but actually improve them. “They are best suited to those with natural nails who need a bit of extra strength and protection without losing length,” explains Hanna.
Before applying the silk wrap, your technician will prep and shape the nail (no filing) then soak the cuticles to ensure a clean finish. Next, they’ll apply a thin layer of adhesive or resin to the nail, making sure not to touch your cuticles.
Once the glue has dried, they’ll carefully place the silk wrap over your nail and smooth it out to avoid air pockets or lifting. The wrap is then cured under an LED or UV light for long-lasting wear and protection.
Afterwards, you can paint your nails or add extensions as usual. “It’s also a great restorative service for someone with broken or damaged nails as it can prevent the dreaded one short nail look,” says Hanna.
Aftercare
Unlike acrylic or gel nails, which require regular fills and can be damaging to your natural nails, silk wraps are much lower maintenance and will keep your natural nails looking beautiful for weeks. Ideally, you will keep them hydrated with cuticle oil or moisturizer between appointments, says Hanna.
The process begins with scrubbing your nails and buffing them to prep the surface. Next, the manicurist will cut the wrap to match the size of your nail and apply a layer of resin/nail glue for an even application. After that, the nail will be buffed again to ensure it’s smooth and then painted.
The result is a natural-looking nail that’s more flexible than traditional nails, but is still durable and sturdy enough for everyday wear. It’s also ideal for those who have brittle nails as it will help them strengthen and prevent cracking or breaking. If you’re interested in giving a silk wrap manicure a try, be sure to book an appointment at a salon in Newport Beach.