Isla Bennett
Getting your nails done is a great way to keep them looking perfect for weeks, but pesky chips, lifting, and breakage can get in the way. While nothing can be done about the natural growing-out process, there are ways to ensure your nails are looking their best until your next salon visit. Before application, ensure your nails are clean and dry, free from any dirt, oil, or polish. This helps with adhesion, making your nail extensions stick for longer. Opt for short to medium-length nails for comfort and to prevent breakage. Avoid exposing your nails to harsh chemicals and water to prevent weakening the adhesive.
How to make fake nails stick longer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use nail polish remover | It dries out your nails, helping the glue stick better |
| Trim your natural nails | Ensure they are shorter than the fake nails |
| Clean your natural nails | Oily nails prevent the adhesive from sticking properly |
| Use a nail dehydrator | Removes moisture or oil to prevent slipping or lifting |
| Use a gel top coat | Adds an additional protective layer |
| Use a nail buffer | Buff the inside of the nail to help the glue grip better |
| Use a strong-hold, long-lasting nail glue | Professional-grade liquid nail glue will keep press-ons in place for weeks |
| Use a UV lamp | Cures the gel top coat |
| Avoid pointed nail shapes | These can easily catch on things and risk dislodging a nail |
| Avoid water | H2O can weaken the glue |
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What You'll Learn
Use nail polish remover to dry out your nails
Using nail polish remover is a great way to ensure that your fake nails stick for longer. The remover will dry out your nails, which will help the glue for the new nails stick better.
Firstly, you should remove any old nail polish. Then, thoroughly dry your hands and nails. You can use a dehydrator spray on your nails before applying any nail glue. You can also use rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball to remove moisture or oil. This will prevent slipping or lifting.
It is important to note that you should not soak your whole hand or fingers in a bowl of acetone, as this will be extremely drying and will waste product. Instead, soak a cotton ball with acetone and place it on top of the nail, wrapping your finger in aluminium foil. The aluminium foil will act as a perfect heat conductor, speeding up the process. After about 10 minutes, the acetone will begin to dissolve the fake nails and you can wipe it away with a paper towel.
You can also use acetone to remove any remnants of adhesive on the fake nail. However, be careful not to get acetone on the front of the nail, as this can disrupt the finish.
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File and buff your nails
Buffing your nails can make your manicure last longer, but it's important to do it correctly to avoid damaging your nails. Before you begin filing and buffing, remove any old nail polish with a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover. If your nails are long, trim them with a nail clipper before filing.
If your buffer doesn't have a filing side, use a regular nail file to file your nails into your desired shape. Place the nail file perpendicular to your nail, then angle it slightly. Following the curve of your finger, slide the file from one corner of your nail to the other in a single direction, then lift and slide back to the starting point. Repeat this process for each nail.
Once your nails are filed, it's time to buff. Hold the buffer parallel to your nail with the large grit side facing down. Using gentle, unidirectional strokes, buff your nail in an X shape. Remember, buffing is meant to remove the shine from your nails and give the polish more grip, so don't buff your nails to a shine if you plan on applying polish afterward.
It's important not to over-buff your nails, as this can weaken and damage your nails. Aim to buff your nails no more than once or twice a month.
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Choose the right nail shape
Choosing the right nail shape is crucial to making your false nails last longer. While long nails are appealing, they are more prone to catching on things than shorter nails. Opting for short, round or almond-shaped nails can prevent your press-on acrylics from getting stuck on things. Rounded nails, in particular, lack any sharp edges, further reducing the chances of catching on something.
The perfect fit is essential to ensure your manicure lasts longer and looks professional. Each press-on nail should perfectly cover your bare nail. If you have to force the false nail to fit your natural nail, it is too small and is likely to flick off quickly. If the nail is too large, you can file it down to size.
Creating a bit of texture on your natural nail can help the adhesive or glue stick better. Using a glass nail file, a sanding block, or a buffing block, gently buff your nails to create a smooth, shine-free surface. This process helps remove oils and moisture, creating a rough surface for the press-on and your natural nail to bond.
Additionally, it is important to buff the back of the fake press-on nail tips to create traction when securing them onto your nail bed. This prevents the nails from sliding off your fingertips.
By choosing the right nail shape and ensuring a perfect fit, you can extend the longevity of your manicure and maintain its aesthetic appeal.
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Apply a gel top coat and cure under a UV lamp
Applying a gel top coat and curing your nails under a UV lamp is the final step in achieving a long-lasting manicure. This process seals your nail colour, giving it a chip-resistant finish. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:
Prepare Your Nails
Before applying the gel top coat, ensure your nails are ready. It is recommended to apply at least two coats of colour, with thin layers extending to the edges of the nail. Be careful not to get any gel on your skin or cuticles. If there are any stray marks, wipe them away with a cotton pad dipped in acetone or 91% isopropyl alcohol. It is normal for the nail to feel sticky after curing the gel polish, but avoid touching the nail to prevent ruining the application process.
Apply the Gel Top Coat
The gel top coat will give your manicure a perfect seal and a shiny finish. Brush a thin layer of the top coat from the base of each nail to the tip, making sure to coat the entire nail. Pay extra attention to the free edge of the nail, capping it for an optimal seal.
Cure Under a UV Lamp
Now it's time to cure your nails under a UV lamp. Place your hand under the lamp, ensuring that each nail is exposed to the light. The curing time can vary depending on the product, but it typically ranges from 45 seconds to 2 minutes for UV lamps. It is important to follow the instructions provided with your specific UV lamp and gel top coat.
Final Touches
After curing, there may be a tacky residue on your nails. This can be easily removed by wiping your nails with a cotton ball or pad dipped in alcohol. This will reveal your manicure's shine and ensure it lasts longer.
Safety Considerations
It is important to note that long-term exposure to UV light can be harmful to your skin. To protect your hands, consider wearing UV manicure gloves while curing your nails. Additionally, avoid running your UV lamp for more than 10 minutes when working on both hands.
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Use cuticle oil
Cuticle oil is a specialised product designed to nourish and moisturise the cuticles, which are the thin strips of skin at the base of your nails. It is made with a blend of natural oils, such as jojoba, almond, or avocado oil, and is enriched with vitamins and antioxidants.
Cuticle oil helps to soften and hydrate the cuticles, preventing them from becoming dry, cracked, or damaged. By regularly applying cuticle oil, you can promote healthy nail growth and improve the overall appearance of your nails. The vitamins and nutrients present in cuticle oil nourish the nails, promoting their strength and resilience, and helping to prevent breakage and splitting. This allows your nails to grow longer and healthier.
Cuticle oil also helps to prevent the formation of painful hangnails by keeping the cuticles moisturised and preventing them from tearing or peeling. It creates a protective barrier, shielding the nails and cuticles from environmental damage, such as harsh chemicals, water, and excessive dryness. This helps to maintain the overall health of your nails and cuticles, and can even help to prevent nail infections.
To apply cuticle oil, start by removing any nail polish or residue from your nails using a gentle nail polish remover. Take a drop or two of cuticle oil onto a brush or applicator and gently dab the oil onto each cuticle, starting from the base of the nail and working towards the tip. Use a small amount to avoid excess oiliness.
Gently massage the cuticle oil into each nail and cuticle in circular motions, stimulating blood circulation and aiding in the absorption of the oil. Allow the oil to absorb fully, providing maximum hydration and nourishment to your nails and cuticles.
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Frequently asked questions
To make your false nails last longer, you should prepare your nails by removing any old polish and gently buffing the surface. Push back your cuticles and clean any residual oils or dirt with nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol. Apply a small amount of strong-hold, long-lasting nail glue to both your nails and the false nails. Press down for 30 seconds to ensure they stay in place.
Look for a strong-hold, long-lasting nail glue. Avoid adhesive strips as these may not last as long. Check the packaging to ensure the glue is compatible with the type of nails you've selected. If you're new to applying false nails, select a glue with a slower setting time.
Use a cotton pad soaked in nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol to clean your nails before application. This will remove any residual oils that could prevent the adhesive from sticking.
Applying a top coat will give your nails a professional finish and help your natural nail and false nail to stick together better. It will also help blend the false nail around the cuticle, making it look more like a well-done acrylic nail set.
Avoid water and oil exposure for at least a few hours after application. Water can weaken the adhesive, and oil can prevent it from bonding properly. Avoid activities that put pressure on your hands, and perform regular maintenance to check for any loose nails.
