Are you ready to switch up your manicure and give your nails a professional look without leaving the house? Fake nails are a convenient and affordable option for achieving length and a manicured appearance. In this guide, we’ll share the secrets of two professional nail experts to help you apply fake nails at home while maintaining your nail health and achieving a salon-quality result.
What You Need:
Before you start, gather the following tools:
- Nail polish remover with acetone (acetone-free formulas may affect adhesion)
- Cotton pads
- Q-tips
- Orange stick
- Pack of fake nails
- Nail buffer (no more than 180 grit)
- Nail file
- Nail glue
- Scissors (optional)
Preparation:
- Wash and Dry Your Hands: Ensure your nails and cuticles are completely dry.
- Remove Nail Polish: Use nail polish remover to clean your nails, even if they’re bare, to remove oils and other impurities.
- Arrange Fake Nails: Choose the right nail shape for each finger to make application easier.
Steps to Apply Fake Nails:
- Clip and File Your Natural Nails: Trim your nails close to the fingertips and file them into a smooth shape. Short nails are best to avoid interference with the fake nails.
- Push Cuticles Back and Buff: Gently push back your cuticles using an orange stick. Buff your natural nails to roughen the surface for better adhesion.
- Choose the Right Nail Size: Ensure the fake nails fit your natural nails by pressing them against your nails. Size up if you’re between sizes. File the edges of the fake nails to match your natural nails.
- Apply Nail Primer (Optional): Use a nail primer to remove dirt and oil from your nail plate for longer-lasting fake nails.
- Apply Nail Glue: Put a small dot of glue on the fake nail and the corresponding area on your natural nail. Avoid over-gluing as a small drop expands once it touches a flat surface.
- Press On the Fake Nails: Place the fake nail straight above the cuticle and press down firmly with an orange stick for 10 seconds to avoid air bubbles.
- Clean Up Excess Glue: Use a Q-tip to wipe away any glue that has seeped out from under the fake nail. File the nails to your preferred length.
Tips for a Perfect Application:
- Keep the top of the nail glue clean and store the bottle upright for reuse.
- Press the fake nails straight down to avoid a crooked appearance.
- Apply pressure for 10 seconds to ensure the fake nails are securely adhered to the nail bed.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to apply fake nails at home like a pro, achieving a salon-worthy look without breaking the bank.