The Art Of Filling In Fake Fingernails: A Step-By-Step Guide

Fake nails are a fun and affordable way to switch up your manicure and experiment with nail art. They are a great option when you don't have time to visit the salon but need a quick fix, or when you want to give your nails a break from gel polish. Applying fake nails at home is easy and can give you a salon-worthy look without the salon price tag. With the right preparation and application process, your fake nails can look natural and last for up to two weeks. So, whether you're a mani minimalist or a maximalist, read on to learn how to fill in for fake fingernails and achieve the perfect manicured look.

How to fill in for fake finger nails

Preparing your natural nails

Clean and File Your Natural Nails: Start by removing any existing nail polish or gel manicure residue from your natural nails. Use an acetone-based nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol to ensure your nails are thoroughly cleaned. Next, clip and file your natural nails close to the fingertips, shaping them smoothly. Keeping your natural nails short is advisable to prevent interference with the artificial nails you will be applying.

Push Back Your Cuticles: Using an orange stick or a cuticle pusher, gently push back your cuticles. Be careful not to rush this step, as moving too quickly can cut your cuticles, hindering the application process.

Buff and Dehydrate Your Nails: After pushing back your cuticles, use a nail buffer to roughen the surface of your natural nails. This step helps create a better adhesion surface for the fake nails. Remember to use a buffer with a grit number no more than 180 to shape and finish. Additionally, consider dehydrating your nails using rubbing alcohol to ensure they are free of any natural oils that may interfere with the adhesion of the fake nails.

Size the Fake Nails: Before applying any glue or adhesive, take the time to size the fake nails to your natural nails. Try on the fake nails and ensure they fit comfortably, with the edges lying flush against your natural nail edges. If a nail is too small, it may lift and pop off prematurely. If you have nails that are in between sizes, opt for a slightly larger size, as you can always file them down later.

By following these steps, you will effectively prepare your natural nails for fake nails, ensuring a longer-lasting and more natural-looking manicure. Now you are ready to move on to the next steps of applying the glue or adhesive and securing the fake nails in place.

Sizing the fake nails

Sizing fake nails is crucial to achieving a natural look. There are several methods to determine the correct size for press-on nails. One popular method is to purchase a sample sizing kit, which includes all 10 sizes available for press-on nails. By trying on each size, you can determine the best fit for each nail and record the corresponding number. If you already know your nail sizes, you can simply refer to the preset sizes offered by the brand and select the appropriate option during checkout.

Another approach is to measure your nail beds directly. To do this, you'll need a flexible measuring tape or a ruler, a pen or pencil, and a piece of paper. Start by cleaning your nails to ensure they are free from any polish or enhancements, as these can affect the accuracy of the measurements. It is recommended to focus on one hand at a time, typically beginning with your dominant hand. Place the measuring tape or ruler horizontally across the widest part of your nail bed to determine its width. Make sure to find the widest part of your nail when marking. Then, transfer the markings to a centimeter ruler and count the number of lines to obtain your measurement in millimeters. Refer to a finger chart to determine the corresponding size for each finger.

If you are working with a nail technician or purchasing custom-sized press-on nails, you can provide them with these measurements to ensure a precise fit. It is important to measure both hands and record the measurements for each finger, as sizes can vary slightly between hands. Additionally, different nail shapes, such as coffin, ballerina, almond, square, and stiletto, may also require different sizing kits, as the same brand can vary slightly between shapes.

When in doubt, it is generally better to choose a size larger than your nail bed rather than smaller. If the press-on nail is slightly big, you can use a nail file to adjust and customize the fit.

Applying the fake nails

Applying fake nails is a straightforward process, but it requires careful preparation to ensure the best results. Here is a detailed guide on how to apply fake nails:

Preparation:

Before you begin, make sure your nails are clean and free of any nail polish or residue. This step is crucial as any leftover polish or natural oils can prevent the fake nails from adhering properly. Use an acetone-based nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol to ensure your nails are thoroughly cleaned. It is also important to wash your hands, paying extra attention to drying your nails and cuticles.

Sizing and Shaping:

Lay out the fake nails and arrange them according to the size and shape of your natural nails. The fake nails should fit comfortably over your real nails, with the edges of the fake nail lying flush against the edges of your natural nail. If adjustments are needed, use a nail file to gently shape and refine the fake nails to ensure a perfect fit.

Application:

Now it's time to apply the glue. You can either apply a small dot of glue directly to your natural nail or follow the instructions on your glue for the best application method. Swirl a small amount of glue on the part of the fake nail that will attach to your natural nail. Place the fake nail just above the cuticle, keeping it straight, and gently press down onto the nail bed. Use an orange stick instead of your fingers to avoid getting your real nails glued to the fake ones. Hold the fake nail in place for about 15-20 seconds to ensure the glue adheres properly. Repeat this process for each nail.

Finishing Touches:

Once all the fake nails are applied, use a Q-tip to wipe around the cuticles and remove any excess glue that may have seeped out. If needed, use a nail file to shape the fake nails to your desired length and style. You can also decorate the fake nails with nail polish, sparkles, or elaborate paint designs to match your personal style.

Care and Maintenance:

To extend the lifespan of your fake nails, avoid getting them wet for a few hours after application. When cleaning your hands or showering, wear gloves to protect your fake nails from moisture. With proper care, your fake nails can last up to two weeks.

Shaping the fake nails

Shaping your fake nails is an important step in achieving a natural and tidy look. Here is a step-by-step guide to shaping your fake nails like a pro:

Firstly, ensure that your real nails are prepared. It is important to remove any old nail polish or fake nails before starting. Clean, paint-free nails are essential for the adhesion of the new fake nails. Clip your natural nails close to the fingertips and file them into a smooth shape. Keeping your natural nails short will prevent interference with the artificial nails.

Next, select the appropriate fake nails for each finger. Lay out the fake nails and match them to your natural nails. The largest fake nails will be for your thumbs, and the smallest will be for your little fingers. Try on the fake nails to ensure a good fit. The edges of the fake nail should lie flush against the edges of your natural nail. If a nail is too small, it may lift and pop off easily. If you are in between sizes, opt for a slightly larger nail, as you can always file it down later.

Now, you can begin shaping the fake nails. If necessary, use a nail file to shape the bottom edges of the fake nails for a better fit. File the nails to your desired length and thickness. You can create various shapes, such as square, squoval (a combination of square and oval), almond, or stiletto (pointy and claw-like). Square nails are a classic choice but may not suit everyone. If you have short and wide nail beds, coffin-shaped or tapered square nails may be a better option. To achieve square nails, file the tips of your nails straight across, then slightly round out the corners to soften the shape. For coffin-shaped nails, file the tips flat and even, then taper the edges. If you prefer a more conservative look, opt for round or oval nails. Use a circular or arc-like filing motion to create round tips, and taper the edges slightly for oval nails. Almond-shaped nails are elegant and feminine, especially if you want to elongate short or heavy fingers. To achieve this shape, mark the centre point of your nail tips with a dot of nail polish, and file towards this centre point using a curved filing motion.

Finally, remember that you can always decorate and personalise your fake nails further after shaping and filing. You can paint them, add sparkles, or even create elaborate nail art designs.

Removing the fake nails

Removing fake nails at home is not recommended by manicurists, as it can be a tedious, time-consuming process that may damage your natural nails if not done correctly. However, if you are in a pinch, there are several methods you can use to remove fake nails at home.

One common method is to use acetone, a powerful chemical solvent that can effectively dissolve the adhesive of fake nails. To use this method, start by trimming your fake nails to the length of your natural nails. Then, use a nail file to file down the surface of your nails, removing as much of the top layer as possible. This will help the acetone penetrate the nail and dissolve the adhesive faster. You can also apply cuticle oil or petroleum jelly to your cuticles and the base of your nail beds to protect your skin from the drying effects of acetone.

Next, soak enough cotton balls in acetone to cover each of your nails. Place the cotton balls over your fingertips, then wrap them in aluminium foil or plastic wrap. Let the acetone work for about 20 to 30 minutes. After this, remove the wraps and gently scrape off the fake nails and any remaining adhesive with a cuticle pusher or orange stick. If the nails are still difficult to remove, you can try soaking them in acetone for a few more minutes.

If you prefer to avoid using acetone, there are other methods you can try. One option is to soak your nails in warm water with a few drops of soap for about 20 minutes. You can also add oil to the warm water to help break down the glue. After soaking, the fake nails should pop off without tugging or damage. Another option is to use non-acetone nail polish remover. Pour the remover into a bowl deep enough to submerge your fingertips and soak your nails for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the fake nails begin to loosen. Then, gently pull the nails off with tweezers.

Alternatively, you can try using dental floss to remove your fake nails. First, ensure that your nails are slightly loose. You can use warm water or cuticle oil to help loosen them. Once the nails are loose, lift the edges of the fake nail with a cuticle stick and slide the dental floss under the nail. Move the floss back and forth until the nail pops off. This method may cause some damage, so be sure to buff your nails and apply cuticle oil or lotion afterward to help heal and nourish your nails.

Frequently asked questions