The main types of artificial nails sold in Pakistan are press-on nails, glue-on nails, nail tips, acrylic nails, gel polish and dip powder. Press-on and glue-on nails are ready-made and can be fitted at home in minutes. Acrylic, gel and dip powder are built or coated on the natural nail, usually in a salon, and take longer to apply and remove. The right choice depends on how long you want the nails to last, how much time you have and how much wear your natural nails can take.
Key Takeaways
- Press-on nails are ready-made and are applied at home with adhesive tabs or glue. They suit events and short wear.
- Acrylic nails are made from a powder and liquid paste that hardens in air. They last longer but are harder on the natural nail, especially at removal.
- Gel polish and dip powder coat the natural nail and sit between ordinary polish and acrylics in strength.
- Clear nail tips are a base for building or decorating your own length.
- Removal is where most damage happens, so choose a type you are able to remove gently.
Types of Artificial Nails at a Glance
The table gives a plain overview. Wear times are approximate and depend on preparation, nail growth and daily habits, so treat them as a guide.
| Type | How it is applied | Where it is done | Typical wear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press-on nails | Adhesive tabs or nail glue | At home | About one to two weeks |
| Glue-on nails | Nail glue only | At home | Usually longer than tabs |
| Nail tips | Glued to the nail, then shaped or covered | At home or in a salon | Depends on the covering |
| Acrylic nails | Powder and liquid paste, filed and polished | Salon | Up to eight weeks with fills |
| Gel polish | Painted on and cured under a lamp | Salon | Longer than regular polish |
| Dip powder | Nail dipped in coloured powder | Salon | Strong and slightly flexible |
Press-On Nails
Press-on nails are shaped in advance and attach to the natural nail with adhesive. They are the quickest way to change your look, and they come off without a salon visit. A set from Artificial Nails costs Rs. 449, contains 12 nails in standard sizes and includes adhesive tabs, with an optional size exchange if the fit is wrong. They generally last about one to two weeks, and glue usually lasts longer than tabs.
Dr Hannah Kopelman, a board-certified dermatologist, told NBC Select that “Press-ons that use sticky adhesive tabs are much gentler on the nail.” If you are new to the style, our guide to how to apply press-on nails explains each step from preparation to removal.
Glue-On Nails
Glue-on nails are the same ready-made nails fixed with nail glue instead of tabs. Glue creates a firmer bond, which suits a longer event or daily wear, but it is harder to remove. Use a thin layer and keep glue off the skin. A 3 gram bottle of Miss Rose nail glue is Rs. 250.
Nail Tips
Nail tips are plastic extensions that are glued to the free edge of the natural nail. They are often used as a base. The tip can be blended and covered with acrylic, gel or polish, or worn with a design painted on top. Artificial Nails sells clear square and almond tips in packs of 100, which suit people who want to build their own length or practise nail art. You can browse them in our nail extensions collection.
Acrylic Nails
Acrylic nails are made by mixing a liquid and a powder into a paste, which is shaped on the nail and hardens in air. They are then filed and polished. According to Cleveland Clinic, a set can last up to eight weeks, with fills needed every two to three weeks as the natural nail grows.
The same article lists the downsides. Amy Kassouf, MD, a dermatologist, says that “Taking acrylics off can damage or even remove the top plate of your nail.” The hardening ingredient, acrylate, is also a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis. Symptoms include dryness, itching, cracking and redness around the nails. Cleveland Clinic advises having a professional remove acrylics and taking breaks between sets.
For a full comparison of the two most popular choices, read our article on press-on nails versus acrylic nails.
Gel Polish
Gel polish is painted on the natural nail and set under a lamp. Cleveland Clinic describes it as less abrasive than acrylics and longer-lasting than regular polish, but notes that it contains acrylate and may weaken nails with continuous use. The article also recommends LED lamps over traditional UV lamps. Gel polish adds colour to your own nail, but it does not add length.
Dip Powder
Dip powder uses an acrylic powder that bonds to the nail with less of the chemical mixture used in acrylics. Cleveland Clinic says that it is strong but slightly more flexible, which lowers the risk of trauma and separation. Whichever type you choose, ask the salon how the nails will be removed before you book.
How to Choose the Right Type of Artificial Nails
- For a wedding or a single event. Choose press-on nails. They look finished, can be fitted the night before and do not need a long appointment. See bridal nails for Pakistani weddings for design ideas.
- For daily wear over a week or two. Choose press-ons with nail glue, and wear them at a short length.
- For a long-term look. Acrylic nails last longer, but plan for fills, careful removal and rest periods.
- For your own nail with more colour. Gel polish adds colour without adding length.
- For a budget or a trial. Start with a Rs. 449 press-on set before paying for a salon service.
Shorter nails also stay attached better. Taryn Murray, MD, a dermatologist at Cleveland Clinic, has noted that longer lengths are more likely to lift from the nail bed, which lets moisture and microorganisms in.
Choosing a Salon or a Home Method
Salon services bring skill and speed, but they also bring tools that must be clean and a removal process that must be gentle. Cleveland Clinic links contaminated tools and damaged cuticles to infection, so ask how tools are cleaned and avoid any technician who cuts the cuticles. A home method such as press-ons removes those risks, and it lets you control the pace of removal yourself.
Are Artificial Nails Safe?
No type is entirely free of risk. The American Academy of Dermatology explains how to reduce artificial nail damage, and its advice is a useful starting point. Keep nails clean and dry, avoid cutting the cuticles and give your natural nails breaks. Stop wearing any set if you notice swelling, redness, tenderness or a change in nail colour, and see a doctor if symptoms continue.
Buying Artificial Nails in Pakistan
Artificial Nails is an online store with delivery across Pakistan. The delivery charge is a flat Rs. 280, and it is free for orders above Rs. 5000. We dispatch within 24 hours, with same-day delivery in Lahore and two to three working days elsewhere. Payment is cash on delivery, and returns are accepted within 7 days. You can see every ready-made design in our fake nails collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of artificial nails?
The main types are press-on nails, glue-on nails, nail tips, acrylic nails, gel polish and dip powder. Press-on and glue-on nails are ready-made, while the others are built or coated on the natural nail.
Which type of artificial nails lasts the longest?
Acrylic nails last longest, as Cleveland Clinic reports that a set can last up to eight weeks with fills every two to three weeks. Press-on nails generally last about one to two weeks.
Which artificial nails are gentlest on natural nails?
Dr Kopelman says press-ons applied with adhesive tabs are much gentler on the nail. Whatever you choose, gentle removal matters more than the type.
Are press-on nails better than acrylic nails?
It depends on your needs. Press-ons are quicker, can be done at home and are easier to remove. Acrylics last longer but need salon care. Our comparison article covers both in detail.
Where can I buy artificial nails in Pakistan?
You can order ready-made press-on sets, nail tips and accessories online from Artificial Nails, with cash on delivery across Pakistan.
Can I switch between different types?
Yes, but allow your natural nails to rest between sets. Cleveland Clinic suggests breaks between sets of acrylics so that the nails can recover.
Conclusion
Each type of artificial nail trades convenience against durability, and the gentlest choice is usually the one you can fit and remove yourself. If you are unsure, start with a press-on set. Browse the fake nails collection, pick a design you like and order with cash on delivery.
