Press on nails can help you go from everyday to glamorous moment. You can leave them bare for a more natural look, or give yourself a dramatic manicure - anything! Whether you want to use them for prom or date night, or just want a fresh look, see Step 1 Learn how to apply fake nails at home.
What You’ll Need the Materials
- Acetone-Based Nail Polish Remover or Rubbing Alcohol
- Cotton pads
- Q-tips
- Orange stick
- Pack of nails
- Nail buffer
- Glue (Use nail glue only)
- Scissors (In case you need to cut back the top of the glue)
How to Apply Fake Nails at Home
1. Choose the size of fake nails
Fake nails come in different sizes, and finding the right size can ensure your nails look natural and last. If they are too small, they may bulge and fall off prematurely. So, if you're between sizes, it's best to go one size up. Then, file and press the nails until the edges of the nails line up with the edges of the natural nails.
2. Clean your hands and nails
Wash your hands, taking special care to dry your nails and cuticles. You want to make sure everything around the nail bed is completely dry.
Rinse off all nail polish and wipe with nail polish remover to make sure the surface of the nails is free of any natural or other oils. This ensures that the glue will last and won't blister or peel off.
Take the fake nails out of the bag and arrange which nails fit which finger. Things get easier when you start the application if you arrange the proper shapes first. Press the fake nail over the real nail to make sure it fits. Your natural nails shouldn't be showing.
3. Pushyour Cuticles Back
Your cuticles may be tiny, but they're still an important part of your nails. Before you apply your fake nails, push them back gently so they're ready. Next time, though, paint your nails because it may interfere with the glue that holds your fake nails in place.
4. Trim and file nails
Trim your nails with a clipper or nail clipper so they are all even. Cut your hair short, but not too short; you want a little edge to make the false nails easier to grasp. Use a nail file to smooth the nails.
5. Polish your nails
Sharpen your nails with a nail buffer. This will roughen the surface a bit, making it easier for the fake nails to stick. Wipe off the dust when you're done.
6. Lay outyour fake nails
Open the package and place all the nails on the nails in order. The largest false nails will grow on your thumb and the smallest on your smallest finger. Make sure your nails fit nicely with your real nails, and shape the bottom edge with a file if needed
The easiest fake nails require a simple application with nail glue. Your tool should have a nail and a small vial of adhesive for each finger.
The process is more complicated if you have tools that work with acrylic. See How to Apply Acrylic for instructions.
7. Paint the first nail
Put a little glue on your real nails and a little more glue on the parts of the fake nails that are going to stick to you (not the parts that are going to stick). Carefully place the fake nail directly on top of the real nail, so that the curve at the bottom aligns perfectly with the cuticle of the nail. Press and hold for 10 seconds to let it set
- Make sure the nails are securely attached to your real nails with no gaps.
- Don't use too much glue. You don't want it to squirt from the sides. A few rubs are enough. If the glue comes out, wipe it gently with a cotton swab.
- Be very careful not to put the nail on crooked. This glue dries quickly.
- Start by painting your nails on your dominant hand.
8. Repeat for the rest of the nails
One by one, apply glue to each nail. Remember to press each nail for 10 seconds to make sure they seal tightly against your real nails.
9. clean up glue
Use a cotton swab to wipe the cuticle of the nail to absorb the glue that seeps from under the fake nail.
Fake nails can't be reused if you mess up, so be sure to apply them accurately and accurately. If the application is not pristine the first time, the glue you put on the bottom will harden and prevent a smooth adhesion.
Try to keep the top of the nail glue as clean as possible (remember, if you wipe with soft tissue, the soft tissue will stick) and keep the bottle upright so you can reuse it.