False nails are a great way to achieve elegant looking hands without having to visit the nail salon twice a week. However, faux nails can sometimes look completely fake. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to achieve a natural-looking manicure at home using artificial nails.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Applying Nails Correctly
Step 1. Choose a fake nail kit
There are three main types of homemade artificial nail kits: gel, acrylic, and press-on. Each type has advantages and disadvantages to consider if you want to achieve natural looking artificial nails
- Gel: Gel manicures can give an almost natural look and don't damage the nail plate. Gel manicures require ultraviolet (UV) light to dry and harden. Gel false nail kits are usually more expensive than others, which are around IDR 420,000-IDR 1,700,000.
- Acrylic: Acrylic manicures can last up to two weeks. They look more natural than press-on nails, but not as good as gel nails. If used too often, acrylic nails can damage your natural nails. The price ranges from IDR 110,000-IDR 280,000.
- Press-On: Press-on nails are the easiest type to use at home, but only last up to 1 week. These nails also have the least natural look among the three options. Press-on manicures cause minor damage to your natural nails, and are easier to remove. These nails are also easy to fix; if the press-on nail comes off, you can reattach it easily. If cared for properly, press-on nails can be reused. The price of these nails ranges from Rp. 70,000 to Rp. 140,000.
Step 2. Prepare the nails
Good natural nail preparation is very important; this helps the false nails to adhere better and make them look more realistic.
- Wash your hands with antibacterial soap to remove all dirt, oil, and lotion.
- Clean your nails with a nail polish remover. Acetone-based cleaners are more effective on acrylic nails, but are quite harsh on natural nails.
- Trim and file your nails.
- Apply cuticle oil or cream before pushing it with a cuticle pusher.
- Shine nails.
- Re-clean hands and nails to remove any remaining dust from filing and polishing.
- Dehydrate your nails using an acetone-based cleanser or a nail dehydrating solution. This helps the nail polish and artificial nails last longer.
- Apply primer to protect the natural nail.
Step 3. Follow the instructions for using the homemade nail kit carefully
Each device will have the same basic user guide, but some brands have certain differences. Follow the instructions in the user manual/sheet as each product is designed to give the best results.
Step 4. Keep in mind the special needs of artificial nails
Gel, acrylic, and press-on nails have different steps to make them look more realistic.
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Gel Nails
Dry your nails under an ultraviolet light at the end of a gel manicure to ensure they dry completely and prevent them from peeling
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Acrylic Nails
File the base of the false nail until it is as level as possible with the surface of the natural nail. Apply the acrylic solution evenly on the base of the nail so that the thickness of the acrylic nail matches the thickness of the real nail
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Press-On Nails
Use the tip of the nail glue to spread it evenly over the nails. Press the press-on nail evenly so that it sticks firmly
Method 2 of 3: Keeping a Natural Look
Step 1. Choose a nail color
Decide what type of false nail appearance you want. Bold and patterned colors make your nails stand out, while neutrals will soften and simplify the look of your nails. A French manicure has the most similar appearance to natural nails when unpainted.
Step 2. Apply a light coat of color nail polish
Nail polish that is too thick will build up on your nails and make them look fake. Start each nail polish with a thin, even layer. Adding color is easier than removing color.
Step 3. Trim and file nails to match real nails
Short nails look more realistic because long natural nails are more difficult to maintain. Trim the fake nails so they look natural in length. Pay attention to whether the tips of your natural nails are blunt or flat. File the false nails to keep the shape the same.
Method 3 of 3: Caring for False Nails
Step 1. Avoid activities that weigh on the nails
Rubbing, scraping, and scraping your nails can shorten the life of a manicure. Exposure to harsh chemicals or hot water can erode nail polish and/or glue. Wear gloves when washing dishes, gardening, cleaning, or any other activity that can rub against your nails.
Step 2. Don't rub your nails
Scraping your nails can cause them to peel off, and the tips may crack, break, or fall off completely. False nails are not as strong as real nails
Step 3. Oil every day
Dry and brittle nails can crack and peel. To prevent this, use nail oil / cuticle on the nail bed (nail bed) to keep it moist.
Step 4. Apply a cover layer daily
This applies to gel, acrylic, and press-on nails that require you to apply an additional coat. The cover polish will prevent peeling, thereby prolonging the life of the artificial nail.
Step 5. Fix the nails when problems arise
Reapply nail polish on the part that has been peeled off. Apply additional acrylic solution to the peeling or thinning area of the acrylic nail (and repaint the area). Use nail glue to re-glue the loose press-on nails
Step 6. File nails
After 10-14 days, the nails begin to grow lengthwise, starting at the cuticle. Nail growth makes false nails clearly visible. You can file this area with a gel polish or acrylic solution to extend the life of the manicure. In a press-on manicure, try to paint the new area with a complementary color and achieve an ombre look. Filing has a temporary effect and eventually you will need to remove and put your false nails back on.
