How to Put on Fake Nails

Remove the Old Polish

In order for the fake nails to stick, you must remove any traces of old polish from your nails. If you had fake nails, remove them by soaking your nails in acetone. After they’re off, wash your hands to remove the acetone from your hands since the chemicals can dry your skin.

Soak Your Nails

Before fixing fake nails, manicure prep is recommended. It will help the nails stay longer and your natural nails stay healthy all through. Soak your hands in warm water till your nails are nice and soft. Dry them with a towel. If you wish, you can add a body wash to the water, but avoid anything with oil. Oil will make it harder for the nails to stick.

.

Trim Your Nails

The 3^rd step on how to put on fake nails is trimming your nails. You can use nail scissors or a nail clipper to make them an even size. Make them nice and short but not too short so that the fake nails can have enough sticking ground. 

Use a nail file to smooth out the edges. As for your cuticles, do not trim them since they prevent infections. Instead, just push them back so that you do not stick the nails on your skin. Do this when your hands are still moist. For the nails to stick better, use a nail buffer to buff your nails. This will give a nice rough surface that makes the fake nails stick better.

Prepare Your Fake Nails

Lay all the nails in the pack on the table and arrange them. The largest goes to your thumbs and the smallest to your pinky fingers. Ensure that they comfortably fit over your natural nails. In some cases, you might need to file the bottom edges of the fake nails. Most fake nail kits come with a bottle of adhesive that is quite easy to apply. However, if you have acrylics or gels, the process is more complex.

Put On the First Nail

Apply a dab of glue on your real nail and some on the part of the fake nail that will rest on your nail only. Carefully put the fake nail over your actual nail so that the curves are aligned perfectly. 

Gently press it for 10 seconds for setting. Ensure you leave no gap and the nail is placed straight. The glue tends to dry very fast. Be careful not to apply too much glue because it will squirt from the edges. If this happens, wipe gently with a cotton swab. It is advisable to start with your dominant hand first.

Finish the Job

The final step on how to put on fake nails is applying the fake nails on the rest of the fingers according to the steps mentioned. If you wish you can file the nails to your desired shape. Here is a detailed video telling you how to put on fake nails.

Acrylic Nails

Acrylic nails mostly use acrylic monomer or powder. You can use them as tip extenders or apply them as a whole nail.

Advantages

• Last long
  

• Durable and tough

• They are cheap and cost effective
  

• They dry quickly in 30-40 seconds

• If they break, they are easily removable and repairable
  

• Easily removable by soaking them in acetone for 15 minutes
  

Disadvantages

• Look fake

• Feel a bit heavy

• Have a strong irritating smell
  

• If your hands are not as clean, you might get an infection

Gel Nails

They are considered to be a safer option compared to acrylics.

Advantages

• No smell

• Glossy finish

• No need to prep

• Flexible, durable and look natural

• Less chances of infections

• You can apply normal nail polish on top

Disadvantages

• More expensive

• Hard to remove and must be filed off

• Last only for 2 weeks

• Long exposure to UV light can damage skin cells

Shellac Nails

They are a hybrid of acrylic and gel nails.

Advantages

• Can last for 30 days

• Fresh and glossy look

• Smooth nail surface

• Light feel on fingers

• No need for filing

• Removed by soaking in acetone for 8 minutes, and then scrapped using a cuticle remover

Disadvantages

• Dry under UV light

• More expensive compared to acrylic and gel nails

• Only people with smooth nails can have them

• You must go to a salon for the procedure