Nail Form, which one to choose (2025)

24 April 2023 2 min

If you have ever tried to lengthen your nails to give your hands a longer shape, you will have noticed the Nail Forms used by nail technicians. These are the forms applied on the edge of the nail plate, exactly below where the free edge of the natural nail begins. They are made of several materials, specifically adhesive paper, aluminium and plasticised paper. Let's see how and when to use these tools according to the type of structure you want to build.

What they are made of
There are three layers: paper glue, plasticised paper and aluminium. The latter is the key element as its thickness determines its ability to hold its shape during use. In fact, in technical forms, there is a double layer of aluminium for a super strong fold.

How to apply

Each nail form has four parts, each of which must adhere to a specific area.
Upper wings: are attached on the finger and help to find the correct inclination
Lower wings: these are applied under the phalanx and allow it to close perfectly
Transverse lines: indicate the length and shape of the free edge to be worked on
Longitudinal lines: indicate the inclination and direction, help positioning

Nail Form Smart

These forms are suitable for creating very short and fast structures for those who want small extensions. They are very easy to handle, correctly support both builder gels and HD bases (transparent rubber bases, strengthen the natural nail and correct small imperfections). They are adhesive and pre-formed, very comfortable to cut and practical for side cuts. They allow fast work but still maintain quality and professionalism, they keep the shape given by the nail technician throughout the entire working process.

Salon Nail Forms

These are the most popular forms in beauty salons, where medium and rounded nail extensions are carried out. They are also perfect for the eternal almond-shaped nails. Adhesive and handy, they support gel and acrylic nail enhancements without losing the given shape. The aluminium component is in fact the key element for the strength of the forms. Easy to use and with guidelines that simplify side cuts, they are practical to customise according to customers' needs. They are the perfect middle ground between forms designed for small extensions and those for extreme ones.

Technical Nail Form

For daring customers and nail technicians with more manual dexterity, technical forms are exactly what is needed for extreme nail shapes such as Stiletto, Gothic or Russian Almond and so on. Designed to create very long lengths, these forms have a double layer of aluminium to make them extremely durable. They support both acrylic and gel and are ideal for particularly technical work while remaining handy and practical for those who have to work with them. They also have an adhesive component and guidelines to facilitate customisation, thus not making the work of professionals more complicated. They show longer measurements, the side lines are more specific for more pointed or sharp shapes. Nothing detracts from the fact that they can also be used for salon lengthening but with a more defined structure, moreover the rigidity of this nail form helps to obtain a much more accentuated C-curve. So take the perfect opportunity to dare!

As you have noticed, there are solutions for every need. All you have to do is choose the option that best meets your taste and needs, depending on the final manicure you want to achieve. If you are undecided, try them all, experiment and above all have fun!