Acrylic nails are called many different names, ‘fake'or “artificial.” Either way you say it they are all basically the same thing; a plastic like cover put over top of your existing nail. They are there to enhance the appearance of your nails. I have had acrylic nails on for about six years of my life.

Don't judge me! Some people buy cigarettes, coffee, junk food, I buy nails. This totals to an average of $500 a year. That total is from having them “filled” two times a month multiplied by 12. Come to think of it, that number looks pretty ridiculous, which it is, but total up random things you buy each month like coffee and multiply it by 12.

I have been to about four nail places in my life, and finally found a keeper. Diamond Nails, which is very close to Fanshawe. I have been going to this place for a little over a year now. They are quick, 25 minutes for a “full set” ( getting them first on) and 20 minutes for a “fill” (replenishing the part near your cuticles/ edges that has grown out), which includes polish drying time. Diamond Nails has the nicest atmosphere too, with two flat screen TV's and a nice colour tone. The prices are good, the same or even better than most places. It is $32 or so to get them on and $20 for a fill. The price will be extra if you want any kind of colour or air special design.

Diamond Nails also does pedicures and manicures (painting or with your natural nail). I have seen a few males in there too. They of coarse get just the buff/ manicure (clear nail polish).

Back to the acrylic, probably more than half of us ladies have had them on at least once, and if you haven't, you should, they are a personal preference though. There is actually a science to it. The acrylic powered mixed with a special solvent creates a plastic on your nails. Your real nails can scratch someone or snag clothing easier than the fake nails can.

Yes, of course you will hear about how people get infections from salons, or how the nail underneath is gross. Side effects happen with everything. I have, like I said, had acrylic nails for six years and I have taken random breaks in between and my nails are perfectly fine underneath. Yes, they are thin, but nail polish looks the same on or you can't really tell the difference compared to someone else's.

At Diamond Nails, you can buy your own tools for them to use on you each time. So that keeps the process very sterile. The kit thing is only $4 or so and they replace the worn out ones.

Acrylic/fake nails are not for everyone, some people get them on for a certain occasion some people like me, get them on for a treat. I like mine medium- long, I do have to have them a little shorter for work. To have them long-long it will be a few dollars more. If you get them on and decide you don't like them, you can go back and pay a little bit and you just stick your nails in some strong solution (with acetone in it) and they will come right off.