How to Apply False Fingernails

Professional manicures alone can cost over $1,000 a year, and the amount skyrockets when you factor in false fingernails and exotic designs. Fortunately, you can get the same effects for literally one-tenth or less of the cost by purchasing and applying false nails yourself. A wide array of beautiful designs is available in nearly every drug and discount store, and they are easy to use and impossible to detect.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Nail file
• Nail scrub brush
• Soft, lint-free washcloth
• False fingernails
• Nail glue
• Orange stick
• Nail clippers

1. 
    
   As many varieties as those offered by high-end nail salons

   Sort the false nails. Most sets of nails come with more nails than you will need and in more sizes than are necessary for one person's hand. This is to ensure that you will have false nails that fit your own fingers exactly. Pick the 10 false fingernails that best fit your own fingers.

2. Trim your real nails. False nails hold best when your own fingernails are short. Cut them just above the tip of your finger.

3. File your tips. Use a nail file to round off your real fingernails. While you are doing this you may also run the file across the flat tops of your nails so the fake nails will stick better.

4. Push back your cuticles. Use the orange stick to gently push back your cuticles and expose as much of your nail area as possible.

5. Apply a single drop of nail glue to your pinkie nail. You do not need more than one drop of glue; more, and it will ooze out from under the false nails and create an ugly, sticky mess.

6. 
    
   Hold the nail firmly in place while you count slowly to 45.

   Press the false nail onto the drop of glue. Hold the nail in place for a count of 45 unless the package specifies otherwise. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 until all of your false nails are in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Some people like to file and shape their false fingernails to make them appear more natural. Wait at least an hour before doing this to ensure that they're firmly in place.