Extending nails with tips or templates?

4 min reading time

You can apply acrylic nails to strengthen your own nails. You can also choose to extend your nails. Extending acrylic nails can be done in different ways, namely by means of tips or with templates - usually in the form of stickers.

Extending nails with tips

Acrylic nails are usually extended with tips. A tip is an 'attachment' - a plastic artificial nail - that is usually attached to the end of the natural nail. A special nail glue is used for this. A gel or acrylic layer is applied for reinforcement. Note: nowadays there are also tips that cover the entire nail. When people think of tips, they often think of snow-white nail tips. However, tips are also available in natural colours or, for example, in transparent.

Can you extend your nails with gel polish?

By the way, extending nails with gel polish is not possible. Gel polish is a thin and flexible product that is not strong enough. Extending your nails with gel polish is therefore not an option. If you want to extend your nails, you always need a strong product such as builder gel, acrylic gel or acrylic. You can of course apply gel polish on top of that to give your beautiful extended nails a color.

Nail extension with rubber base

One of the most popular products is rubberbase. This is a flexible product that is suitable for thin and flexible nails. It can also be used as a base under another artificial product. Extension with rubberbase is possible, but only with 1 or at most 2 mm, so really a minimal extension.

Benefits of nail extension with tips

Tips are available in different colours or combine with nail art; give your acrylic nails a nail art look in no time.
Tips are already pre-formed. In short, it is a matter of sticking and applying a transparent acrylic layer. Et voilà!
Very useful for novice nail stylists: immediately create a beautiful line on the nail.

Disadvantages of nail extension with tips

Tips can only be applied nicely on short nails.
Acrylic nails with tips become slightly thicker than acrylic nails without tips.

Extending nails with templates

In addition to tips, you can use templates. A template is a (disposable) sticker that is temporarily placed under the end of the natural nail. Here too, a layer of acrylic is applied over the nail and sticker for reinforcement. Once the acrylic has hardened, the template stickers are removed.

Benefits of nail extensions with forms

The artificial nails are applied directly to the desired length and shape; this saves you the hassle of filing.
With stencils you can make long(er) nails even longer. That is not possible with tips.
Does a corner of the extension break off? No problem. With a template this is easy – and even invisible – to repair.

Disadvantages of nail extension with templates

You must determine the shape of the nails yourself; this can be difficult(er) for beginners.
If you like color or nail art, you should apply this afterwards.

Do you need help making the right choice? We are happy to help you.

Tips on applying acrylic nails: here's how

Decide on the color: natural tips, transparent or maybe with nail art. Then comes perhaps the most important step: choose the right size (use the tip cutter). Why is this so important? If you don't use the right size tip, you run the risk of the nail breaking, coming loose or even damaging the natural nail. You don't want that, of course.
The goal is for the tip to fit perfectly on both sides of the nail. The standard tip will (always) need to be adjusted slightly. By carefully filing the thickness of the tip thinner, the artificial nail provides sufficient flexibility and pressure on the natural nail is prevented.
Apply the tips. After applying and leveling the tips, acrylic or gel is applied for reinforcement. Please note: gel polish alone does not provide sufficient reinforcement. If you have never had artificial nails before, it may feel a bit strange at first, but the tips should not hurt!

How to apply a nail template

Place the template under the free edge of the natural nail. Glue it in place. Note: Correct placement of the template is essential. There should be no gap between the natural nail and your template. Practice makes perfect! Once you get used to templates, you will notice that it works faster than extending with tips.
Make a thin extension with the desired product: acrylic or gel. Remove the stencil.
File the extension into the desired shape. Then build up the extension, including the curvature.

Conclusion: extending nails with tips or forms?

Stencils work easier and faster. Professional salons prefer stencils over tips, but in the end it is mostly a matter of personal preference.