Fake nails will make you look even more beautiful… until they come off, you're done! Luckily, there are a few artificial nail tricks you can try to prevent this from happening. If you apply false nails correctly, choose a product that is the right size and shape, then fix it with a long-lasting nail glue. If applied correctly, artificial nails can last for 2 to 3 weeks. With proper care, cheap fake nails can still look luxurious and don't need to be brought back and forth to the salon.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Choosing the Right False Nails and Glue
Step 1. Choose full-sized nails
Quality can affect the finish and durability of your nails, but that doesn't mean you have to spend a lot of money. You can choose inexpensive false nail sets, especially if you are experimenting to find the best look. Choose a nail set that can cover the entire tip of your finger, not just the tips.
A set of inexpensive artificial nails that are well cared for can last much longer than an expensive product that is left untreated
Step 2. Choose false nails that are similar in width and shape to your real nails
Press false nails have different widths, ranging from 9 to 18 mm. Measure the length of your natural nail to determine if it's wide or elongated, or maybe square. Look for fake nails that have the same curve as yours, whether they're flat or shaped like a bow.
- Position a tape measure across the nail to find the width.
- The size of the false nail is printed on the back of the product. Once you've found the right size for each nail, record the measurements or save them in your phone memo to use them for future reference!
Step 3. Choose short or extra short nails instead of long nails
False nails have different lengths, ranging from extra short, short, medium, long, and extra long. This size doesn't usually determine the duration of wear, but short nails can last longer. Choose false nails that are just slightly longer than your fingertips.
- Short nails are just as cool as long, pointed nails. This type of nail can last longer and is easy to use for daily activities.
- For example, short artificial nails very rarely fall off accidentally when you wash them. However, long false nails can easily get caught, especially if you are not used to lengthening your nails.
Step 4. Choose a nail set with rounded or square tips
False nails come in a variety of shapes, from squares and ovals (or “squoval”), to more “wow” shapes, such as rhombuses, cones, or rectangles. Choose a nail tip that most closely resembles the natural shape of your tip, such as a round or square shape. This can make the false nails last longer.
- Square false nails can be easily reshaped or smoothed, while oval nails cannot be reshaped or smoothed easily.
- Don't use tapered nail shapes, such as cones, rectangles, and almonds. The pointed tip can get caught easily so that the nails are damaged quickly.
- The sharp tips of the nails also make the nails longer so that they are shorter.
Step 5. Use strong and durable nail glue instead of adhesive stickers
While adhesive stickers can hold false nails in place for a short period of time, quality nail glue will help keep them glued together for weeks. Read the sales package to make sure the glue you buy is suitable for the type of nail you've chosen, and consider how quickly it dries.
- If you've never put on fake nails before, choose a glue that takes a while to dry so you can make last-minute adjustments.
- If you are skilled at putting on artificial nails, use a quick-drying glue.
Method 2 of 4: Preparing Real Nails
Step 1. Remove the old nail polish from your nails
Use nail polish remover and a cotton swab to clean off the remnants of old nail polish. Make sure that the residue from old nail care products has also been removed.
- The nail polish remover will dry out your nails a little, but the substances in it can help the new nail polish stick better.
- If you wash your hands after removing old nail polish, don't forget to dry them and spray a dehydrator on your nails before applying the glue.
Step 2. Try each false nail on your real nail
One pack of false nail press contains about 20 false nails to cover the entire nail on the hands and feet. Adjust the size of each artificial nail to your natural nail based on the width of the bottom. You will have to make several adjustments before installing it.
To keep it neat, align all the fake nails on the table in the same order as the real nails on your right and left hands
Step 3. Trim your natural nails so they are shorter than the fake nails
After matching each fake nail to your real nail, make sure the fake nail is slightly longer than the real one. Your real nails should not stick out. So, first trim your nails before proceeding with the process.
Smooth the sharp edges of the nail with a file
Step 4. Push the cuticle of your finger with the cuticle pusher
Do this after showering or washing your hands so that your cuticles feel soft and manageable. Gently press the finger cuticle and push it in.
- Layers of skin will be pushed into the nail and finger joints, not beyond that area.
- Do not apply cuticle oil at this stage as it can damage the nail glue.
Step 5. Use a nail polish to add texture to the surface of your nails
The hard top of the nail, aka the surface of the nail, usually feels smooth, but artificial nails can stick better if they are slightly roughened. Gently rub the surface of your nails with nail polish to change the texture a bit.
Do not use a sharp file because it can damage your nails
Method 3 of 4: Applying False Nails
Step 1. Sharpen each false nail so that it resembles the shape of your real nail
Use a metal nail polisher to trim the sides and bottom of the fake nails until they look exactly like your real nails. After that, sharpen the ends to produce the desired shape and curve. You can use nail clippers to trim any parts that are too long.
If you need a lot of effort to get your nails done the way you want them, look for a product or nail style that looks exactly like you want
Step 2. Apply one drop of nail glue to each natural nail and artificial nail
Do it one by one. Squirt a small amount of nail glue onto the underside of the false nail, then drip it onto your nail as well. Make sure the nail glue is dripped right in the middle of the fake nail and real nail.
Spread the glue on the underside of the false nail where it will stick to your real nail. Don't spread glue onto the tips of the false nails, which will protrude longer than your real nails
Step 3. Press the artificial nail right on your nail, then slide it until it fits
Apply steady pressure to spread the glue between real and fake nails. Press it all the way to the back of the natural nail until it aligns and leaves no space. This way, your natural nail won't stick out as it grows over the fake nail.
- Work quickly if you use a fast-drying glue.
- Or, if you're using glue that's been taking a long time to dry, adjust the position of the false nails first, then let them sit so they don't change their already neat position.
Step 4. Allow the glue to dry completely before gluing the other nails
The glue must dry completely before you can use your hands. For best results, let each nail dry before working on the other. Read the glue pack to find out how long you need to wait for the glue to dry.
- Finish all the nails on one hand first, then start working on the other hand.
- Refrain from touching anything (including your phone!) while the glue has not dried. You can watch a television show or put on your favorite music before putting on your fake nails so you won't be tempted to touch anything else.
Step 5. Coat the false nails with hardening liquid once it is fully attached
False nails bend very easily. To prevent this, apply a nail polishing product over the surface of your false nails. A glossy, clear coat will make your nails look shiny.
You can use an acrylic or gel hardener, then warm it with a drying lamp to make your nails last longer
Method 4 of 4: Treating False Nails
Step 1. Check your false nails one by one every morning for signs of damage
Make this your routine every morning. Look and feel for each nail that is installed to look for parts that have started to loosen.
- If any of your nails feel loose, apply a little glue to glue them back together before starting the day.
- Make a note of the date on which the false nails were put in so you know when it is time to remove them. After 2-3 weeks, you will need to remove it as the natural nail will start to grow longer.
Step 2. Carry glue and nail files with you wherever you go
If any of the nails come off, use the glue to glue them back together. This will make the false nails last longer because you won't have to remove the entire set of nails early if one of them falls off.
- Bring a nail file to smooth the surface of the natural nail before re-gluing the artificial nail.
- Consider buying a handy packaged nail polish remover. You can use this product to remove any remaining glue before regluing your nails.
Step 3. Moisturize your finger cuticles daily to keep them soft, healthy and attractive
As the natural nail begins to lengthen, a small amount of space will appear at the tip of your nail. Dry cuticles can make your fingers look ugly. Apply a small amount of cuticle oil once a day to stay healthy and hydrated as your nails grow.
You can also moisturize your hands with lotion to keep your skin smooth and soft, and your nails look beautiful
Step 4. Do not immerse nails in water
Of course, you should wash your hands and shower regularly! However, refrain from doing activities that keep your hands submerged in water for a long time.
- Do not swim and bathe in hot tubs.
- Wear gloves when washing the dishes so the hot water doesn't melt the nail glue.
Step 5. Be careful when using your hands so as not to damage your nails
The slightest mistake can damage your artificial nail, as well as injure the real nail underneath. If you're careful, you could keep your fake nails on for weeks.
- Pay attention to the movement of your hands when dressing, putting on keys, or lifting objects.
- Do not use the tip of the artificial nail to press on the keyboard or phone. You have to type with the bottom of your finger.
Step 6. Wet the tips of your nails with warm water or acetone to remove false nails
Follow the instructions on the glue to practice the correct procedure. You usually only need to wet your nails with a bowl of warm water, acetone, and another product that works with that type of glue. Once wet, the glue will dissolve so that the nails can be removed.
