Caleb Foster
Creating fake nails out of straws is a fun and budget-friendly DIY project that allows for creativity and customization. It is a simple process that can be done at home with minimal tools and materials. By cutting straws to the desired length and shape, flattening them, and then attaching them to your natural nails using glue or double-sided tape, you can achieve unique and stylish fake nails. The straw nails can be decorated with nail polish, stickers, or acrylic paint to match your personal style. So, whether you're looking for a temporary manicure or a creative way to express yourself, making fake nails out of straws is a fun and accessible option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Straws, nail glue, double-sided tape, nail polish |
| Preparation | Cut straws to desired length and shape, flatten if necessary |
| Attachment | Use nail glue or double-sided tape to attach straws to natural nails |
| Decoration | Paint nails with nail polish, add stickers or permanent markers |
| Durability | Not very durable, may break or fall off, use a top coat to prolong colour |
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What You'll Learn
Cutting the straws
To make fake nails out of straws, you'll first need to cut the straws to the desired length. Cut the straws slightly longer than your natural nails, as you can always file them down later. You can make them as long as you like, but a good rule of thumb is to make them 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch (0.64 to 1.27 cm) longer than your actual nail.
Next, cut the straws into the desired nail shape. Start by cutting the sides of the straw to fit the width of your nail. Then, cut the bottom end of the straw to match the curve of your natural nail. Finally, cut the top end into your desired shape. You can cut it straight for a square nail, taper the sides for a coffin shape, or snip the corners for a rounded-square look.
If you want to add some extra strength to your straw nails, you can also add a second layer of straw to each nail. Simply trim any scrap pieces of straw you have left over to the same length as your nail, and attach it to the underside of your nail with a strip of double-sided tape.
Now that you've cut and shaped your straw nails, the next step is to decorate them! You can paint them with nail polish, add stickers, or even use acrylic paint to create unique designs. Remember to let each coat of paint or polish dry before adding any additional layers or a top coat.
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Shaping the nails
Cutting the Straws:
Start by cutting the straws to the desired length for each nail. Make each section slightly longer than your natural nails, as you can always file them down later. Cut the straws into segments that will cover your entire fingernail, from the cuticle to the tip. You can use any plastic drinking straw, but avoid using the bendy part of bendy straws.
Shaping the Width:
Chances are, the split-open straw segment will be too wide for your nail. Open up the split straw segment and cut the sides down until it fits the width of your nail. This may require some eyeballing and measuring the straw segment against your nail.
Shaping the Ends:
Cut the bottom end of the straw segment to match the bottom curve of your natural nail. Then, cut the top end of the segment into your desired shape. For a square nail, cut the segment straight across. If you prefer a coffin shape, taper the sides. For a rounded-square shape, snip the corners of the top. To achieve a rounded nail, cut the straw into a curve, keeping in mind that starting the curve further down will result in a narrower shape.
Filing and Refining:
Once you have the initial shape, use a nail file to refine the ends of the straw pieces and smooth out any rough edges. You can opt for a square, oval, or stiletto shape, depending on your style preference. File the nails to achieve the perfect length and shape for your natural nails.
Reinforcing the Nails:
If your straw nails seem too bendy, you can reinforce them with a second layer of straw. Use double-sided tape or adhesive nail tabs to attach the second piece of straw, ensuring it is the same length as the nail. Trim any excess straw sticking out from under the first layer.
Now that your straw nails are shaped and reinforced, you can decorate them with paint, nail polish, or other creative designs before attaching them to your natural nails.
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Attaching the nails
Now that you've cut and shaped your fake nails, it's time to attach them! Before you begin, make sure your real nails are clean and gently buffed to help the adhesive stick better. If you're using nail glue, consider wrapping strips of Scotch tape around your fingertips to hold the fake nails down as they dry. This way, you can work on one nail at a time while the others are drying.
If your straws are clear or the desired colour, you can skip this next step. If your straws are striped or the wrong colour, you may want to cover them with nail polish. Apply one to two coats of white nail polish and let it dry. If you can still see the straw through the polish, you may need to add another coat.
Once your nails are ready, it's time to attach them. You can use either nail glue or double-sided tape. If you're using double-sided tape, attach a piece of tape to each nail, then peel off the backing to expose the sticky surface. Firmly press the fake nail onto your real nail, making sure to press down gently to ensure proper adhesion. If you're using nail glue, apply a small amount to your real nail and gently press the fake nail on top. Hold it in place for a few minutes to allow the glue to dry.
Your fake nails should now be securely attached! If you used double-sided tape, they should last around five days before coming unstuck. Remember that these nails are not very durable, so be careful not to put too much pressure on them. Enjoy your new nails and feel free to show them off!
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Painting the nails
Once you have cut and shaped your straws into fake nails, you can start painting them. If you used patterned or colourful straws, you might not want to cover them with nail polish. However, if you did not use colourful straws or are unhappy with the base colour, you can paint the fake nails just like you would your own nails.
Start with a base coat of white nail polish if your straw is striped or the wrong colour. Allow the base coat to dry, and then apply a second coat if you can still see the straw through the polish. If your straw is clear or the right colour, you can skip this step.
Now, you can paint the nails a solid colour or create some fancy nail art. You can even layer clear, glittery polish over flat nail polish for a unique effect. Use at least two coats of nail polish, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. Be sure to paint the underside, too.
Finally, let the nail polish dry, then apply a top coat if desired. Since straw nails are not very durable, a top coat will help the colour last longer and prevent it from chipping. Apply one coat of the top coat to each nail, then let it dry.
Alternatively, you can create splatter nail art by dipping a thin straw in nail polish and blowing through it while holding it just above the nail. Repeat with other colours, putting the nail polish on a plastic plate or newspaper instead of dipping the straw directly into the bottle.
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Decorating the nails
Once you've cut your straws to the desired shape and length, it's time to decorate them! If you're happy with the base colour of your straws, you can skip the painting step and move straight to adding details. Decorate your nails with acrylic paint or nail polish. You can use nail polish outside or near a fan to minimise the smell. If you're using a clear straw, start by applying one or two coats of white nail polish, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. If you can still see the straw through the polish, you may need to add more coats.
You can then paint your fake nails as you would your real nails. Paint them a solid colour or create some nail art. Try layering clear, glittery polish over flat nail polish for a unique effect. Be sure to paint the underside of the nails too. Let the nail polish dry, then apply a top coat to help the colour last longer and prevent chipping.
If you want to get creative, try a splatter effect. Dip a thin straw in nail polish and blow through it while holding it just above the nail. Repeat with other colours, putting the nail polish on a plastic plate or newspaper instead of dipping the straw directly into the bottle.
You can also decorate your nails with stickers or write on them with a permanent marker. Just be aware that the marker may smudge unless you carefully put a second layer of tape over the drawing.
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