Steps For Applying False Nails
If you yearn for long, durable nails but are stuck with short, brittle nails, then false nails could be the solution. False nails are usually made from acrylic and glued to your natural nails. Applying false nails at home is simple and much more affordable than paying a manicurist at a nail salon.
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Preparing Natural Nails
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Wash your hands with soap and warm water to clean your nails. Dry hands and nails completely, then trim your nails so they reach the length of your fingertips without extending past them. Nails that are too long may not be strong enough to withstand false nails, while nails that are trimmed well below the fingertip won't provide a large enough base to secure the false nails.
False nails need a smooth base to adhere to, so properly cleaning all oils from your nails is essential. Use nail polish remover to thoroughly wipe off nails. Any lotion or oil on your nails will prevent false nails from sticking.
Using Adhesive
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Applying false nails can be messy for beginners, so use your dominant hand first. Nail glue dries within seconds, so make sure to slowly work on positioning and gluing each nail correctly. Waiting for each nail to dry before moving on to the next will prevent you a tedious removal process.
A sufficient amount of nail glue is essential in preventing any air pockets from forming between your real and artificial nails. Apply a thin layer to both the underside base portion of a false nail and your entire natural nail. Using a thin layer of nail glue on both the false and natural nail will help glue distribute more evenly than applying a thick coat to the false nail only.
Hold a false nail above your natural nail so you can position it properly. You want the base of the false nail to evenly line up with the base of your natural nail. If the false nail is applied above the nail base, it is less supported and more likely to snap off. Once you have the false nail lined up correctly, slowly lower it onto your real nail and allow the thin layers of glue from the false nail to drift to the glue on your real nail, rather than swiftly pressing down the false nail. This will let the glue evenly distribute and not cause any bubbles.
Once the false nail is applied on top of your real nail, allow it to dry for at least five seconds. Repeat the process with your remaining nails.
If you make a mistake and apply a nail crooked, soak that finger in a bowl with nail polish remover that contains the chemical acetone for about 10 minutes, then wipe the nail with a cotton ball. The acetone will act as a solvent and dissolve the nail glue. If the glue is stubborn, repeat the soaking and wiping process until the false nail comes off. Don't pry off the false nail or you could tear your natural nail underneath.Once you remove the false nail, simply wipe your natural nail off again to remove any oil and glue on a new false nail. After all the false nails are applied, you can trim the ends with nail clippers to a length you feel comfortable with. False nails will generally need to be replaced at least every two weeks as your natural nails grow out underneath.
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