How to Pick Temporary Artificial Nails

A lot of women do not want long nails all of the time, but most of us certainly would like to have the option. Some women work at jobs where having long nails are a disadvantage. Others simply can't grow their own nails long because their natural nails are brittle or thin. While salon nails are certainly a great option for those women are are willing to live with longer nails, they don't work for those who want a "temporary" option. Additionally, salon nails can be expensive and they require a lot of maintenance. Luckily, there are a lot of temporary acrylic nail options on today's market. But how do you pick the right nail for you? Hopefully the following tips will help in making the decision.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• A magnifying mirror
• Nail clippers
• A nail file and/or emery board
• Nail adhesive (if it doesn't come with the nails you have chosen)

1. Examine your own natural nails with a magnifying mirror. Your nails must be free of disease and long enough to support the artificial nails you choose. Your cuticles and finger tips should also be free of nicks, cuts and hangnails.

2. Even out your natural nails with nail clippers, being certain to leave enough natural nail to support the artificial nails you choose. If necessary, use an emery board to sand down rough edges.

3. Decide the length of the temporary nails you want to try. Most acrylic nails come in various lengths such as mini (very short), active (shorter than average), standard (longer) and long. If you are trying temporary nails for the first time and do a lot of work with your hands, you may want to try mini or active length nails until you become accustomed to the longer lengths. Then you can progress easily to the longer styles.

4. Decide the shape of the temporary nails you want to try. Most brands on the market come in at least the standard oval and the square cut; however, not every nail length may be available in each style. There are other shapes and combinations also available.

5. Decide the style of the temporary nails you want to try. There are a lot of different styles available today including the natural look, French manicure, pre-stenciled and jeweled to name a few. Again, however, not every nail length or nail shape may be available in each style. Also, not every artificial nail is made to be stenciled, painted or jewled after application. Be sure to read the literature that comes with each artificial nail brand in order to find out its limitations.

6. Decide the color of the temporary nails you want to try. If you want the nails to look like a natural, unpolished nail, you will need to choose the tone closest to your natural skin tone. Most artificial nail brands carry a natural ivory, a natural peach and a natural pink. You may have to try more than one color before you find the right choice. If you plan to polish the nails yourself, than the natural color of the nail may be of less concern. Some artificial nails come pre-colored in shades that are similar to those found in standard nail polish colors. Some look more natural than others. If you choose one of these options, examine them carefully to make certain that you will be pleased with your final choice. Also keep in mind that these are not made to be polished a different shade, thereby limiting when and with what you might wear them.

7. Decide on the brand of temporary artificial nails you want to try. High price does not always mean better quality; however, not every nail brand comes in each length, shape, style, and color you might want. You may have to make come compromises and settle on the best option available. Price might also play a factor in this choice if you don't want to pay too much for a temporary product.

8. If the temporary artificial nails don't come with its own adhesive, which most do, then determine what type of adhesive to use. Read the literature provided with your nail choice to help you make this decision. If you can use either press and seal adhesive or temporary nail glue, you may wish to purchase both. Some people have too much oil on their natural nails, thereby not allowing press and seal adhesive to work effectively. Those individuals generally must use temporary nail glue. On the other hand, some people are allergic to temporary nail glue so you may want to do an allergy test before applying all of the nails.

9. You may also want to purchase nail polish remover for artificial nails if you intend to polish and/or repolish your nails. Regular nail polish is not appropriate for most artificial nail choices.

10. Consider an artificial nail removing product. Some people can easily remove temporary artificial nails by merely popping them off. Others will require product assistance. Until you know which category you fall under, you may choose to be prepared for all options.

Tips & Warnings

• Read the information that comes with all of the nail products you purchase and follow the instructions to obtain the best results.

• Start small and grow from there because jumping in with both feet can be both frustrating and expensive.

• If you are in doubt, opt for natural looking nails that you can polish, stencil, paint, and jewel yourself if you opt to do so.

• Don't use regular or super glue on artificial nails.

• Don't use regular nail polish remover on artificial nails.

• Don't use the nails in any way not recommended by the product's instructions.

• Don't adhere the nails to your skin in any way.