Pink & white nails, also known as French tips, are a look consisting of white tips on a pink nail base. They are typically achieved by adding a plastic tip or sculpting one to the nail and covering it in acrylic powder and/or gel.
Full Sets
Upon obtaining a pink and white full set for the first time, the manicurist will give you the option of adding a white or clear tip for length. A white plastic tip is the easiest way to go, while clear tips require a white powder or polish sculpted on top of it.
Acrylic
According to Hooked on Nails, an educational nail website, clear or pink acrylic powder (polymer) is set on top of the nail with a liquid (monomer) and smoothed out with a brush to even out the surface. They harden to a clear finish.
Gel
A gel may be used to enhance the look of the nail and make it shinier. UV gel helps protect the nail from the sun's yellowing effects.
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Fills
Fills are needed to maintain pink and whites at least every other week, depending on how fast the nails grow. Acrylic powder is brushed onto the area of new growth, 'filling' the space between the nail bed and the original acrylic, producing a smooth appearance.
Maintenance
In addition to getting the nail base filled, the white tips also need to be back-filled so that the white tip doesn't look out of place because it's grown. Fills and back fills cost less than the initial full sets and are the best way to maintain the pink and white look rather than doing a full set often.