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Nail tips are pre-made plastic tips glued to the free edge of the natural nail to add length, then covered with acrylic, gel or dip powder so the whole nail becomes one continuous surface. The tip supplies the length; the overlay supplies the strength, which is why tips are almost never worn on their own.
Tips are the fastest way to get length, especially on short or bitten nails where there is no free edge to sculpt against. They come in well-less, half-well and full-cover styles and in a range of shapes, and the technician sizes each one to the width of your nail. Wear time and upkeep depend on the overlay system on top — acrylic sets are filled, soft gel sets are more often removed and rebuilt.
After shaping and light buffing, each tip is fitted and, if needed, trimmed so it sits flush against the free edge without pressing into the side walls. Adhesive is applied, the tip is held at an angle and pressed down to avoid air bubbles, then the length is cut and the seam is filed until the join disappears. An overlay of acrylic, hard gel or dip powder is then built over the whole nail, filed to shape and finished with colour.
Tips suit people whose own nails are too short to sculpt on, anyone who wants length quickly, and clients who want a uniform shape across ten fingers. They are less suitable if your nail beds are very curved or damaged, where sculpting on a form may fit better, or if you want minimal product on the nail — a plain gel manicure or overlay is lighter. The salon can advise once they have seen your nails.
A tip that is too narrow pinches the side walls and can feel sore, so speak up during fitting rather than after. Tips popping off usually means the fit or the prep was off — that is a salon repair, not a job for household glue, and prying one off takes layers of natural nail with it. Book removal properly, oil daily, and see a doctor if a nail becomes painful or loose, if there is discolouration or odour under the product, or if the surrounding skin stays red and swollen.