When in comes to artificial nail recovery, it is important to know what you are trying to take off.  It gets confusing to most people because there are so many types of products out there all claiming to be something different or special.  Is it acrylic, gel or wraps.  

    Acrylic and wraps can be soaked off in pure acetone, while most gels need to be filed off. 

• Acrylic is a liquid and a powder mixed to create the nail. 
• Wraps are an adhesive resin (like glue) and the use of silk, fiberglass or even paper. 
• Gel is applied in a gel form and must be cured in a UV lamp in order to set properly. 

    No matter what type of nail product you have on, do not, and I repeat, DO NOT try to pull, pry or rip your nails off.  You will do more damage to your natural nail than you should.  Remember, there should be the least amount of damage done to the natural nail as possible.  Whatever damage is done will last up to 6 months while your nails grow out.  During this time it is important to keep some kind of nail strengthener on your nails along with a good cuticle oil.

    For more information on the care of your natural nails once you have artificial nails off, see the book "The Secret to Beautiful Natural Nails".

Nail Strengtheners
Be aware that not all nails need a nail strengthener. These types of products are for thin nails that peel, artificial nails in recovery or nails that have been compromised due to the improper use of nail clippers, files and buffers.

Some great nail strengthener companies are Nail Tech products, OPI Nail Envy, Salon Sciences (Instant Artificial, Starting Over, Fiberglass Network) LCD, , Onymyrrhe, CND Toughen Up, Jessica (Bend Don't Break, Nail Cure, Diamonds & Coat of Armor), Essie, Nail Magic, Orly Nailtrition... Whew...just to name a few. There are alot of great nail strengtheners out on th e market but you need to understand if your nails are peeling, need flexibility or are just plain thin.